Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance swears in four new members

BRUNSWICK — The Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance (NMCCA) swore in four new board members during its year-end meeting Wednesday while also bidding farewell to three retiring members. Joining the NMCCA in 2021 will be Karin Reale, Kristin Baum, Rob Ziemkiewicz and Brandy Hughes. The three retiring members are Mark Priebe, Denise Pozderac and Sandra Jenkins. "The four incoming board members represent a diverse group of engaged business owners and community-engaged leaders that will add great value to our existing board," Ed Gonzales, board chair for 2021, said in a statement. "We are so blessed to have new members that are motivated to do the right thing in the service for others philosophy that we stand for." He similarly thanked the exiting for their "dedication and commitment" to the NMCCA. "The vast amount of time, support and unselfish actions that these three board members have given us over the years for the good of broader community is outstanding," Gonzales said. "The good news (is that) I know I will still be able to reach out to them to seek ongoing counsel, support and advice because I know they care and their hearts are filled with the 'right stuff.'" Both Zimkiewicz and Hughes were on hand for the virtual meeting Wednesday and each expressed excitement about joining the Chamber Alliance next year. "I initially viewed the NMCCAA as a networking group and I was never so happy to be wrong," Ziemikiewicz said. "The chamber is so much more. The commitment and passion of (Executive Director) Debbie Boehmke, Charlene Valvoda and all the members are something I experienced firsthand and wanted to be more involved." Hughes was equally as enthusiastic, saying that she was "excited about the opportunity to serve and grow both personally and professionally through this board membership." "I look forward to meeting many new faces as well as deepening the wonderful connections I have already made with so many involved in the Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance," Hughes added. As a tenuous 2020 draws to a close with the addition of these four new board members, Boehmke said she looks forward to 2021 as a year for rejuvenation. "(This) has been a year of many challenges but also has shown how communities stick together," Boehmke said. "For the Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance, we have seen many changes and look forward to 2021 and being able to connect with our business members and community for an exciting and rejuvenating year." Contact reporter Jack Kopanski at (330) 721-4063 or jkopanski@medina-gazette.com.