Stephanie Ware, a devoted and long-standing member of the White Lake community, was officially announced as the new Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau during the Chamber Board meeting on September 25th. She will succeed the much-admired Amy VanLoon, who is retiring after over 20 years of dedicated service, on January 1, 2025.
A Passion for Community
In an interview, Ware expressed her excitement about taking on this new challenge, highlighting her deep love for the community and appreciation for the businesses within it. “It means a ton to me that our board of directors trusts me enough to kind of pick up the baton after Amy,” she shared. Her experience over the years, from collaborating with local businesses to promoting tourism, has allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of the area’s needs and opportunities.
Economic Development Focus
One of Ware’s top priorities as Executive Director is to foster economic development in White Lake. She plans to address a common question she hears from residents and business owners: “What is it that you leave here to go out of town for, and how can we get something like that here?” By working to fill the gaps in local offerings, Ware hopes to strengthen the area’s economy while preserving its unique character.
“There’s not a lot of space to build new shops or restaurants,” Ware acknowledged, adding that finding creative ways to utilize existing spaces will be essential in ensuring continued growth.
Evolving Events for Community and Tourism
Ware has overseen several successful community events during her time at the Chamber, such as the White Lake History Cruises, which were reintroduced in 2022 after a long hiatus. The cruises, which sold out for three consecutive years, have become a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike. Looking ahead, Ware is eager to explore new event ideas and revive collaborative initiatives between the Chamber, local cities, and nonprofits to further engage the community.
Championing Local Businesses
A key aspect of Ware’s vision is to maintain the Chamber’s role as a staunch supporter of local businesses. “We always call it being a champion for our small businesses,” she explained. Her goal is to continue fostering a strong sense of community pride, both through tourism initiatives and local campaigns like “Live White Lake,” which promotes the unique charm of the area.
Looking to the Future
As Ware prepares to step into her new role on January 1, 2025, she is mindful of the legacy left behind by Amy VanLoon, who led the Chamber for two decades. Ware emphasized the importance of continuing the thoughtful leadership and community engagement that VanLoon instilled. “I hope that in 20 years, I can look back and go, yeah, no, I see exactly what my legacy is,” she said, although she humbly admits she’s not sure what that will be just yet.
A Magical Place to Live and Visit
When asked what makes White Lake such a unique destination, Ware didn’t hesitate: “Our area is incredibly unique and, dare I say, magical.” She described the small-town charm that appeals to both visitors and residents, with businesses that work together harmoniously and a community that truly cares for one another.
With Ware’s enthusiasm, experience, and dedication, the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is poised to continue thriving, with the local community and businesses at the heart of it all. As she steps into her new leadership role in 2025, the Chamber’s future looks bright.
