Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Inaugural Navigate North Business Summit
On Friday, the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce held its first-ever Navigate North Business Summit, attracting over 60 local business leaders for training and networking opportunities. The event featured presentations and panel discussions led by regional experts, aimed at addressing the professional development needs expressed by local businesses.
Organizers developed the summit in response to feedback from the community, emphasizing the desire for training options within close proximity to home. David Cox, president and CEO of the chamber, noted that local leaders often traveled to larger cities for training, highlighting the value of bringing expertise directly to the Cadillac area.
The summit included a panel discussion titled “Why Cadillac,” where representatives shared their reasons for choosing to live and operate in the community. One panelist, Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats, pointed out the balance of size and opportunity in Cadillac, stating, “It’s big enough to serve you well. It’s small enough to be somebody in and to know people.”
Keynote speaker Sonya Bielecki, owner of a local BIGGBY Coffee franchise, addressed workforce management across different age groups. She encouraged attendees to focus on the strengths that each generation brings to create a unified workforce.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in breakout sessions covering topics such as marketing, employee wellness, and workplace safety. Robert Adkins from MIOSHA offered guidance, aiming to educate employers before regulations are enforced.
In addition to formal sessions, informal networking was encouraged, with Cox emphasizing the importance of gathering local knowledge in one venue. The chamber plans to make the Navigate North Business Summit an annual event, hoping participants leave feeling enriched and more connected to their local community.
