SOAR’s Vision Moves Forward with New Chair and Board Members
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 14, 2022)
Ferndale, Hazel Park, Oak Park, MI – The South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce – a collective effort of businesses in Ferndale, Oak Park, Hazel Park and neighboring cities – has announced new board leadership for 2022.
Blake Scheer of Level One Bank has been selected to serve as Chairperson. Business Advisor Mia Peroni and Janice Semma of J’s Penalty Box are new to the board. They join existing members Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan, Kimberly Marrone, Mike McFall, Nowfal Akash, Annaka Norris, Dennis Zoma, and Dale Vigilarolo who previously served as Chair.
Building a strong board is part of the way SOAR is getting roots down in the multiple cities it serves. The organization grew from being the Ferndale Area Chamber to SOAR under the leadership of Joy Wells who has been Director for three years. She’s excited for Scheer, Peroni and Semma’s help.
“All 3 are very exciting additions to our board and leadership,” Wells said. “Blake has served at different capacities for the Chamber and brings much experience with him to make him a great choice to lead us into our next chapter. He has a real passion for service and strives to make a difference in every project he takes on, I see this role as being no exception.
“Janice is a stellar example of leadership in the hospitality industry. From navigating the pandemic to now navigating an industry that is forever changed, she continuously demonstrates fluidity and flexibility amongst ever-changing landscapes.
“And Mia welcomes every challenge with a smile and can-do spirit, always willing to jump in and assist and always without hesitation. All 3 of these dynamic individuals want the very best for their business community and I am grateful for their willingness to share their time and talents to help SOAR bring the very best to its business communities.”
Semma runs the popular bar/restaurant J’s Penalty Box. “I joined the Chamber Board to be more involved in the goings on here in Southern Oakland County,” she said. “It was truly an honor to be considered for the position on the board.” Semma loves seeing all types of businesses succeed, but is most interested in seeing more restaurants and night life venues involved in the Chamber
Scheer said that being in the Chamber “has helped me understand the businesses and the communities that we serve. Additionally, it has provided opportunities to build relationships with business owners, community leaders, and residents alike.”
He’s excited about the future as the world emerges from the COVID pandemic. “This is an exciting time for our region and our business communities. I am grateful to lead the organization and our partner communities into our next chapter,” he said. “It is most definitely a privilege to serve on this board and have direct involvement in making a difference in the community in which I live and work.” He said he loves “connecting businesses together to help each other; whether it be discussion of best practices, consideration of shared services, or simple insight to help one another build and grow their business, the connectivity is very rewarding. Watching and seeing businesses and individuals survive in tough times and in good times. Helping to navigate and showing businesses the resources available to them is also equally rewarding.
Wells and the board are excited about the direction of SOAR. “There are a few very notable differences. The new brand, vision, and mission were all created collectively by all of the involved communities, it is a true collaboration and reflects the priorities of all,” she said. “Having multiple communities involved provides greater resources and reach which of course means greater benefits to the membership. Additionally, covering more ground means a greater geographical reach to the members as well, this is truly a win for our business communities and for our region’s economic development.”
SOAR has been hosting Chamber 101 networking events at venues in all three cities, and they are hosting this year’s Rainbow Run in June. To learn more about SOAR visit https://southoaklandarearegionalcc.org/
