A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Russell Hickey, Infinisource & Phil's Driving School

In 1993, I was a passenger in a car that rolled over. The roll finished in a ditch. The car was on its side, leaning against the tree that stopped us. The wreck grabbed my attention in a hurry. Time slowed. I can replay it in my mind to this day. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, the day after the CHS prom. A curvy road, low shoulder, and a newer driver at the wheel was the extent of the cause. The driver and I were able to wearily make our way to a close by farmhouse. I remember the sounds of the approaching sirens far off in the distance. I needed help and help was on the way.

In tribute to the people that helped me, on Tuesday, February 21^st, I will attend an After Business Hours event that will honor first responders in our community. I’ve never forgotten the excellent care that I received. I’m looking forward to shaking some hands and celebrating with members of the first responder community.

Community Awards Banquet
The 64^th Annual Community Awards Banquet is March 9^th at the Dearth Center. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of many teams over the years. One of the most rewarding feelings I have is when I look at the members of the team around me and see the wonderful qualities they bring to the table. We have a great community of leaders, educators, and inspiring individuals. I see the best in our community and I look forward to celebrating that success on March 9^th! The extended deadline for award nominations is February 20^th. The one-page nomination form is on the Chamber website at www.coldwaterchamber.com. The categories are:
*Citizen of the Year
*Educator of the Year
*Outstanding Public Servant or Professional of the Year
*Business of the Year
*Outstanding Community Program

Coffee Hour at the Chamber
One of my goals as a Chamber member is to network with my peers. I want to know their successes, problems, concerns, etc. My hope is to learn from others and offer to be of assistance whenever I can. I want commerce to succeed in Coldwater and Branch County. Coffee Hour at the Chamber is a great way to accomplish this! Please join us at the Chamber on February 28^th from 730am to 9am to meet like-minded community members.

Russ Hickey is the Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce for 2017. He is also a Customer Service Manager at Infinisource in Coldwater. Russ and his wife, Tasha Hickey, operate Phil’s Driving School, LLC (517.278.8888 – www.philsdrivingschool.net), a long time chamber member that provides driver education to teens and adults in a variety of Michigan locations.


A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Russell Hickey, Infinisource & Phil's Driving School In 1993, I was a passenger in a car that rolled over. The roll finished in a ditch. The car was on its side, leaning against the tree that stopped us. The wreck grabbed my attention in a hurry. Time slowed. I can replay it in my mind to this day. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, the day after the CHS prom. A curvy road, low shoulder, and a newer driver at the wheel was the extent of the cause. The driver and I were able to wearily make our way to a close by farmhouse. I remember the sounds of the approaching sirens far off in the distance. I needed help and help was on the way. In tribute to the people that helped me, on Tuesday, February 21^st, I will attend an After Business Hours event that will honor first responders in our community. I’ve never forgotten the excellent care that I received. I’m looking forward to shaking some hands and celebrating with members of the first responder community. Community Awards Banquet The 64^th Annual Community Awards Banquet is March 9^th at the Dearth Center. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of many teams over the years. One of the most rewarding feelings I have is when I look at the members of the team around me and see the wonderful qualities they bring to the table. We have a great community of leaders, educators, and inspiring individuals. I see the best in our community and I look forward to celebrating that success on March 9^th! The extended deadline for award nominations is February 20^th. The one-page nomination form is on the Chamber website at www.coldwaterchamber.com. The categories are: Citizen of the Year Educator of the Year Outstanding Public Servant or Professional of the Year Business of the Year Outstanding Community Program Coffee Hour at the Chamber One of my goals as a Chamber member is to network with my peers. I want to know their successes, problems, concerns, etc. My hope is to learn from others and offer to be of assistance whenever I can. I want commerce to succeed in Coldwater and Branch County. Coffee Hour at the Chamber is a great way to accomplish this! Please join us at the Chamber on February 28^th from 730am to 9am to meet like-minded community members. Russ Hickey is the Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce for 2017. He is also a Customer Service Manager at Infinisource in Coldwater. Russ and his wife, Tasha Hickey, operate Phil’s Driving School, LLC (517.278.8888 – www.philsdrivingschool.net), a long time chamber member that provides driver education to teens and adults in a variety of Michigan locations.*
Chamber E-News - 02.17.2017