The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce has hired Samantha LaJeunesse as the next Executive Director for the GINCC.
LaJeunesse will succeed Bob Hendrickson, who will be leaving the position at the end of June to work for the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority as trail administrator for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. LaJeunesse will be working alongside Hendrickson until then.
LaJeunesse is a familiar face to the GINCC having been employed as the marketing and events coordinator in August of 2022 into 2023. She was instrumental in organizing and hosting a very successful GINCC Annual Dinner last fall. In addition, LaJeunesse launched an interactive Shop Local Holiday campaign that quickly caught the local media’s attention. She also played a large role in organizing the GINCC activities during Negaunee’s Heikki Lunta Winter Festival.
Originally from Houghton, LaJeunesse graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a focus in Photography and a Minor in Writing. Samantha has spent the previous seven years as a Co-Owner and Operator of Omer’s Golf Course, Restaurant, Bar, and Resort.
LaJeunesse currently resides in Ishpeming with her boyfriend, their two lab puppies, and cat. Sam is a very social person, enjoys meeting new people, and is well known to break out in song anytime Tina Turner comes on the radio.
“I really look forward to bringing some new ideas to the GINCC and the community as a whole,” Sam said. “My goal is to expand our membership and bring our local businesses together. As a team I believe we can make a stronger and more enjoyable community.”
With a membership of over 210, the GINCC services two cities and nine townships: City of Negaunee, City of Ishpeming, Negaunee Township, Ishpeming Township, Ely Township, Tilden Township, Republic township, Michigamme Township, Champion Township, Richmond Township, and Humboldt Township.
The mission of the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce is:
“Dedicated to building great businesses, great neighborhoods, and great places to experience Western Marquette County.”
It is the GINCC goal to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of businesses and the community. We encourage community involvement in pursuing our mission.
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