Chris Holman welcomes back Tim Daman. President and CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing, MI.
Watch Tim and Chris discuss 125 years, trade policy impact, and Greater Lansing’s evolving business economy in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several things he wanted to find out from Tim in this interview:
- As the Lansing Regional Chamber marks 125 years, what does this milestone say about the strength and evolution of the Greater Lansing business community?
- Beyond the celebration, how does an event like this create real value for local businesses in terms of networking, partnerships, and regional economic growth?
- Tim, why was it important for the Lansing Regional Chamber to join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, and what are your members telling you about trade and tariff uncertainty?
- From a Greater Lansing business perspective, how do consistent trade policies directly impact jobs, investment decisions, and the cost of doing business locally? {time-constraints kept them from a fifth question}.
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125 Years of Leadership: Lansing Regional Chamber Announces 2026 Award Recipients for 125th Anniversary Gala
LANSING, MI — The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is proud to announce the award recipients who will be honored at the 125th Anniversary Gala.
This signature celebration, replacing the Chamber’s traditional Annual Dinner, will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Lansing Center. Attire for the event is black-tie optional.
The 125th Anniversary Gala marks a historic milestone –125 years of leadership, partnership, and progress in the Greater Lansing region. The event will celebrate generations of visionary business leaders, thriving enterprises, and dedicated community partners who have shaped the region’s growth and prosperity since the Chamber’s founding in 1901.
2026 Award Honorees: Community Service Award – Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire The Chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award, established in 1948, honors an individual whose selfless volunteer service has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Lansing region. Outstanding Small Business Award – Duckett Brothers Distributing Recognizes a small business that exemplifies excellence through innovation, resilience, community engagement, and a strong commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit and sustained growth. Diversity Star Award (in partnership with LEAP) – Lansing Board of Water & Light Celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing equity, fostering workplace inclusion, and championing diversity across the Greater Lansing community. Legacy Award – Michigan State University Honors an organization whose sustained contributions have significantly shaped the economic, civic, and cultural fabric of the region. Michigan State University is recognized for 66 consecutive years of investment with the LRCC. Ambassador of the Year – Kat Gandolfo, Rooted Real Estate of Greater Lansing with RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals Presented to an LRCC Ambassador who has demonstrated exceptional engagement, leadership, and service on behalf of the Chamber and its members.
As the Chamber approaches its 125th year in 2026, the 125th Anniversary Gala will reflect on the organization’s deep roots and its ongoing role in driving regional prosperity. Since its beginnings as the Lansing Businessmen’s Association, the Chamber has been a catalyst for economic development, business growth, and community advancement.
“As we look forward to celebrating the Lansing Regional Chamber’s 125th Anniversary, it’s a tribute to the many leaders, businesses, and organizations that have shaped our region’s success for generations,” said Tim Daman, President & CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our award honorees exemplify the values, innovation, and community pride that continue to move the Lansing region forward. We’re proud to recognize their contributions and look forward to an evening that captures our shared legacy and bright future.”
About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. For nearly 125 years, the Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about the Chamber and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org ###
Six prominent Michigan business groups join nonpartisan coalition to promote smart, consistent trade policies
Groups representing businesses, retailers join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance to showcase importance of effective trade, tariff policies
LANSING, Michigan — Six groups that represent retailers, health care providers, manufacturers and other businesses across Michigan are supporting efforts by the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) to promote smart and consistent trade policy to help grow Michigan’s economy and lower costs for families.
The Michigan Retailers Association, the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Midland Business Alliance, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance have joined MISTA in supporting trade policies that provide consistency for manufacturers, protect our relationship with Canada and help to create new jobs.
“To thrive in our global economy, retailers and small businesses need consistency and predictability,” said Bill Hallan, CEO of Michigan Retailers, which represents more than 5,000 businesses operating 15,000 stores across the state. “We support the Smart Trade Alliance’s mission of creating an open dialogue aimed at securing supply chains and steadying important trading relationships.”
“We support MISTA’s effort to foster a constructive dialogue on consistent trade and tariff policies, recognizing the vital role these policies play in Midland’s economy and the broader Great Lakes Bay Region,” said Tony Stamas, president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, an organization that represents more than 3,000 businesses and is dedicated to cultivating a strong and diverse economy around Midland.
Other organizations that have joined MISTA’s coalition are the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.
The members represent growing momentum in Michigan to create a space to discuss and advocate for consistent, straightforward trade policies, which help small business owners as well as farmers, the automotive industry, and retailers better compete in an international economy.
“We are not surprised these groups have joined and more are on the way. There is widespread agreement with our mission of elevating the voices of families, farmers, job creators and entrepreneurs who want a space to talk about the importance of consistent trade and tariff policy,” said John Sellek, a spokesman for MISTA. “Michigan’s employers and manufacturers rely on smart, consistent trade and tariff policies to compete globally and plan for a successful future.”
“We are grateful for the growing support for our mission to promote smart and consistent trade policy as Michiganders face increasing costs for everything from the raw materials needed by manufacturers to groceries for families,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “Smart trade policies encourage future investment and job creation.”
Additional information is available online at www.smarttradealliance.com. The website offers the opportunity to sign a pledge to show support for efforts to promote smart, fair trade, and tariff policies.
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