If you’re a White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce member looking for a way to grow your business and build stronger relationships in the community, the Chamber’s Leads Networking Group may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Often referred to as White Lake Leads, the group connects local professionals from a wide range of industries to share referrals, build trust, and strengthen the business community through strategic connections.
And according to the members who attend, it’s not just effective — it’s enjoyable, too.
Grow Your Business Through Strategic Connections
The White Lake Area Chamber created the Leads Networking Group to help local businesses connect in a more intentional way.
Unlike general networking events, the Leads Group is structured so that each member exclusively represents their business category, helping eliminate competition within the group and creating a more trusted referral environment.
“The Chamber’s goal with the Leads Networking Group is to build strong, supportive relationships among local professionals,” said Stephanie Ware, Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing together one representative from each industry, Leads creates a space where members can learn about one another’s businesses and strengths.”
That learning often turns into opportunity.
“These conversations often uncover services or capabilities people didn’t realize a business offered,” Ware said, “leading to greater understanding, stronger leads, and connections that support the Chamber’s mission to strengthen our local business community.”
When the Group Meets
Leads Group meetings are held twice per month, on the second and fourth Wednesday, from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
The consistent schedule and structured format create an easy rhythm for professionals who want to stay connected, sharpen their communication, and build long-term relationships that help their businesses grow.
More Than Networking: Building Relationships That Last
Ask current members why they joined, and you’ll hear a common theme: connection.
For Clarissa Moon of Shelby State Bank, joining was a natural step as she got settled in the area.
“Being new to the White Lake area, I thought it would be a great way to connect with other businesses and build relationships,” Moon said.
Since joining, she’s already seen results.
“We have gained new customers and more awareness of the products we offer,” she shared.
She also described the group as welcoming and community-minded.
“We are a fun, down to earth group representing businesses in the local area and work together to promote each other’s organizations to help strengthen business in our community,” Moon said.
That community-first approach is one of the biggest reasons the group works.
“Leads is valuable because it turns business connections into community,” Ware said. “Members aren’t just networking, but are becoming advocates for one another.”
A Way to Stay Connected to White Lake
For professionals who serve the area but may not be based directly in town, White Lake Leads can also be an important way to remain present and engaged.
Yvonne Bullinger from Access Health said the group helps her stay tied to Whitehall and Montague.
“The group has helped me stay connected to the White Lake area,” Bullinger said. “The meeting gives me a reason to drive to Whitehall and Montague.”
That visibility matters — especially for organizations that rely on community awareness and partnerships.
“Building relationships with local business leaders helps to bring awareness of Access Health,” Bullinger said. “I have received a few referrals from the group and value the opportunity to strengthen those connections.”
She described White Lake Leads as collaborative and focused on both community involvement and business growth.
“White Lake Leads is a collaborative group of local business leaders representing a wide range of industries,” Bullinger said. “Members regularly share industry insights, support local events and initiatives, and provide meaningful word-of-mouth referrals.”
Real Growth Through Word-of-Mouth Referrals
White Lake Leads is built around one of the most powerful tools any business can have: trusted recommendations.
That’s something Andrew Geoghan of Nolan Insurance has experienced firsthand.
“I was looking to expand my networking reach as a new producer in the insurance industry,” Geoghan said.
Since joining, he’s gained clients and referrals, along with a deeper understanding of the community.
“I have gotten a handful of new clients from people in the group as well as referrals,” he said. “It is a great way to expand your reach as well as meet new people in your community. I have learned a ton about the White Lake area since joining!”
For Shanna Newman with Lakeshore Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Leads offered an opportunity to connect locally and strengthen their business presence.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to connect with other local business professionals and help more people in the community get to know our business,” Newman said. “It’s also a great way to be more involved locally.”
She said the benefits have been clear.
“We’ve grown our business, built meaningful connections, and raised our profile in the community,” Newman shared.
Nonprofits Welcome, Too
White Lake Leads isn’t only for traditional businesses — it’s also a great fit for nonprofits and community organizations who want to stay connected.
Ian Martin of the Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center said the Leads Group provides a valuable window into the local business landscape.
“When I started attending the meetings, I immediately saw the benefit of them,” Martin said. “They were a fun inside peek into the world of White Lake business and a great way to meet people in the community.”
For a nonprofit working across the community, those relationships are essential.
“Through the Leads group, we build relationships with companies who we might not otherwise have an opportunity to connect with,” he said.
Martin describes Leads as a great way to get connected quickly and build confidence, too.
“This is a great way to get plugged into the White Lake business community,” he said. “You can build connections, practice your elevator pitch, and learn new skills during the entertaining and educational twice-monthly meetings.”
Interested in Visiting or Joining?
The Chamber encourages current members to visit a meeting and see if the group is a good fit.
“Come with a willingness to engage, share, and support,” Ware said. “Leads works best when members are invested in the group and helping one another succeed.”
And for anyone who values local collaboration and community growth, she says the group is worth checking out.
“If you value that collaboration and believe in supporting local, Leads is a great fit,” Ware said. “Someone is always welcome to visit once and see if it’s the right fit for them!”
Leads Group Requirements
To participate, members must meet a few simple requirements:
- Be a current White Lake Area Chamber member in good standing
- Pay an $80 annual Leads Group fee
- Commit to regular participation
How to Join
To learn more or apply, contact:
Stephanie Ware
📞 (231) 893-4585
📧 sware@whitelake.org
The Chamber also offers a Leads Networking Group Guidelines PDF and Application Form PDF for those ready to take the next step.
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