THE TROY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - A "Force for Good" Team
Behind the Scenes with Troy's Chamber of Commerce "Force for Good" Award Winners
In 2022, we reached out to Kathi Roetter, Executive Director at the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, to see if she would be interested in trying out our weekly Coffee with Champions program.
She was immediately interested.
And that made us excited.
Now, it’s been almost 3 years and 150+ workshops later, and the Coffee with Champions group at the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce is stronger than it’s ever been.
Collectively, they have made a massive impact on their community, families, and workplaces.
And that is why we nominated them as our latest Force for Good champion team.
As a group, they are consistent, accepting, and relational. They know when to be fun and when to be serious.
We recently had the chance to catch up with Kathi to learn a little more about the group and what makes them so special.
INTERVIEW BEGINS
Tell us a little more about the Troy Chamber.
The mission of the TACC is to empower prosperity for Troy. We offer a range of services, benefit programs, and events to encourage business growth. The chamber was founded in 1939 and incorporated in 1957.
What are you most proud of about your Chamber?
How we support businesses of all sizes. We have seen growth in our organization, and I believe it is because of how we support, advocate for, and promote our members.
How long has your Chamber been a part of the Coffee with Champions program?
In November 2025, we will have offered the program for 3 years.
Who usually facilitates your group?
Kathi Roetter and Bill Lutz, with logistic assistance from Shelby Chaney.
What makes your group special?
We have a diverse group of business owners, non-profit leaders, and staff members representing sole entrepreneurs to large businesses. We have a good mix of people from all walks of life and all ages. We average 24 attendees each week.
What does your group say about why they keep coming back week after week?
(Here are actual comments from our attendees.)
“The energy in the room, it kicks off Thursday and carries me through the week.”
“It is a safe environment where we can share and have different opinions.”
“It is a comfortable environment that has provided me with connections personally and professionally.”
“It provides intellectual stimulation; each topic makes me think.”
“I’ve gotten to know people. The environment allows you to get to know, like, and trust people.”
“I miss it if I can’t attend.”
“We’ve created a community. This is my community.”
“I always leave with a smile.”
What are you most proud of about your Coffee with Champions group?
We’ve created a safe space where we can laugh, cry, and grow together. It is a space where all are welcome.
How does someone attend a CwC meeting?
We meet every Thursday from 8:00 to 8:59 a.m. at We Love Birthday Parties.
It is open to anyone and everyone. Sign-up is not required.
It’s free to attend the first couple of times, and then you need to become a Chamber member.
Come check us out!
A huge thank you to the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce CwC team for being a “Force for Good”!
- Lance & Jessica
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