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OWOSSO – On Aug. 6, the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCC) announced Jordan Hankwitz as its new president and CEO. Highly remarked by the SRCC for his wealth of experience in community engagement, financial management, and strategic planning and execution, Hankwitz was introduced during a meet and greet that took place at the chamber’s Aug. 13 morning meeting in The Armory Community Room, 215 N Water Street in Owosso. More than a month later, Hankwitz’s enthusiasm continues to surge. “I’m very excited,” Hankwitz said. “The (Shiawassee) Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my heart.” A former director of economic development and planning for the city of Lansing, Hankwitz’s appointment to president and CEO of the chamber began with dialogue with interim Executive Director Ruthann Liagre, who held the interim tag for about 18 months. Hankwitz wanted to learn more about the chamber and what it was doing in the community and region. “I expressed my interest for being a part of that,” he said. “Whether that be as the president and CEO or in a less formal capacity, just to know what’s going on and get connected to the business community.” During the interview process Hankwitz met several members of the board. It had follow-up questions that, he said, ultimately led to a conclusion. The board determined that he could pursue and promote the Chamber’s mission. He accepted their offer. “I felt that it was an organization that I was excited about contributing my time, energy and talents toward,” Hankwitz said. “Being a Shiawassee resident, living in Laingsburg, my daughters going to school there, having an opportunity to serve the local chamber of commerce and business community here in Shiawassee is very exciting.” A Michigan State University graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, integrated management, Hankwitz said his family comes from a small business background. Owners of HVAC company Hankwitz Heating & Cooling in Ludington for 60 years, along with a couple of restaurants, he said he grew up working for small businesses. “The chamber of commerce was always a part of who we were and who they were,” he said. Generationally conditioned for his current leading role with SRCC, Hankwitz began to acquire his wealth of experience during and after college. His time in Lansing, the neighboring city of MSU’s East Lansing, included prominent roles in local politics. While there, Hankwitz served as campaign manager and legislative aide for state Rep. David Polsrok, legislative aide for state Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, director of administrative and district affairs, deputy chief of staff and chief of staff for state Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and as a senate business office director. For the various political candidates Hankwitz worked for, he said the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the local chambers were always an important component they’d consult to gather information. “We wanted to ensure that when we were writing legislation that was going to affect the state and the citizens, that we knew what the implications were going to be,” Hankwitz said.“So, we looked to the chamber of commerce to make sure that we were doing what our local economies needed us to do.” Hankwitz gets to see those needs through his personal life in Laingsburg. A husband and father of three, he said his outside-of-work time is focused on family. Being a parent further encourages his community engagement. He said they’re involved in local dance classes and soccer teams, and enjoy meeting other families. He also mentioned that his family is proud to participate in such community events as the local pancake breakfast, car shows and the Fourth of July parade in Corunna. His family also attended the Shiawassee County Fair. “It was a lot of fun and my wife was really pleased it was paved, and her shoes weren’t dirty when we got done,” Hankwitz said with a laugh. “Afterward, she said ‘My shoes are still intact.’ I’d never been to a county fair that had that level of accessibility. Those are the types of things we like to participate in.” Hankwitz said he’s been exposed to more civic-minded organizations. He’s joined the Rotary Club of Owosso, gotten to know the Rotary in Corunna, and attended Wine With Friends – an annual fundraiser presented by non-profit organization Friends of Shiawassee River that works with community members to keep the river free of trash and debris. Hankwitz said he is passionate about his faith, family and sharing his talents, education and experience to help others make connections and be successful. “I might not have all of the answers or have exactly the program that every small business is looking for,” Hankwitz said. “But if I can be a resource and a conduit to help facilitate getting them to the right place, get them assistance to help them in their journey, that’s something that I’m very passionate about.” For inquiries and information about the SRCC, visit ShiawasseeChamber.org.
OWOSSO – On Aug. 6, the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCC) announced Jordan Hankwitz as its new president and CEO.
Highly remarked by the SRCC for his wealth of experience in community engagement, financial management, and strategic planning and execution, Hankwitz was introduced during a meet and greet that took place at the chamber’s Aug. 13 morning meeting in The Armory Community Room, 215 N Water Street in Owosso.
More than a month later, Hankwitz’s enthusiasm continues to surge.
“I’m very excited,” Hankwitz said. “The (Shiawassee) Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my heart.”
A former director of economic development and planning for the city of Lansing, Hankwitz’s appointment to president and CEO of the chamber began with dialogue with interim Executive Director Ruthann Liagre, who held the interim tag for about 18 months.
Hankwitz wanted to learn more about the chamber and what it was doing in the community and region.
“I expressed my interest for being a part of that,” he said. “Whether that be as the president and CEO or in a less formal capacity, just to know what’s going on and get connected to the business community.”
During the interview process Hankwitz met several members of the board. It had follow-up questions that, he said, ultimately led to a conclusion. The board determined that he could pursue and promote the Chamber’s mission. He accepted their offer.
“I felt that it was an organization that I was excited about contributing my time, energy and talents toward,” Hankwitz said. “Being a Shiawassee resident, living in Laingsburg, my daughters going to school there, having an opportunity to serve the local chamber of commerce and business community here in Shiawassee is very exciting.”
A Michigan State University graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, integrated management, Hankwitz said his family comes from a small business background. Owners of HVAC company Hankwitz Heating & Cooling in Ludington for 60 years, along with a couple of restaurants, he said he grew up working for small businesses.
“The chamber of commerce was always a part of who we were and who they were,” he said.
Generationally conditioned for his current leading role with SRCC, Hankwitz began to acquire his wealth of experience during and after college. His time in Lansing, the neighboring city of MSU’s East Lansing, included prominent roles in local politics.
While there, Hankwitz served as campaign manager and legislative aide for state Rep. David Polsrok, legislative aide for state Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, director of administrative and district affairs, deputy chief of staff and chief of staff for state Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and as a senate business office director.
For the various political candidates Hankwitz worked for, he said the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the local chambers were always an important component they’d consult to gather information.
“We wanted to ensure that when we were writing legislation that was going to affect the state and the citizens, that we knew what the implications were going to be,” Hankwitz said.“So, we looked to the chamber of commerce to make sure that we were doing what our local economies needed us to do.”
Hankwitz gets to see those needs through his personal life in Laingsburg. A husband and father of three, he said his outside-of-work time is focused on family. Being a parent further encourages his community engagement. He said they’re involved in local dance classes and soccer teams, and enjoy meeting other families.
He also mentioned that his family is proud to participate in such community events as the local pancake breakfast, car shows and the Fourth of July parade in Corunna. His family also attended the Shiawassee County Fair.
“It was a lot of fun and my wife was really pleased it was paved, and her shoes weren’t dirty when we got done,” Hankwitz said with a laugh. “Afterward, she said ‘My shoes are still intact.’ I’d never been to a county fair that had that level of accessibility. Those are the types of things we like to participate in.”
Hankwitz said he’s been exposed to more civic-minded organizations. He’s joined the Rotary Club of Owosso, gotten to know the Rotary in Corunna, and attended Wine With Friends – an annual fundraiser presented by non-profit organization Friends of Shiawassee River that works with community members to keep the river free of trash and debris.
Hankwitz said he is passionate about his faith, family and sharing his talents, education and experience to help others make connections and be successful.
“I might not have all of the answers or have exactly the program that every small business is looking for,” Hankwitz said. “But if I can be a resource and a conduit to help facilitate getting them to the right place, get them assistance to help them in their journey, that’s something that I’m very passionate about.”
For inquiries and information about the SRCC, visit ShiawasseeChamber.org.