Board of Directors

Peggy Barry Bartz – Something Fabulous/The Event Place

For 24 years, Lake Orion has been my work place, my home….and a place to grow my own business, as a pastoral musician and professional seamstress. I work for Something Fabulous/The Event Place, and Romain Financial. I was an Orion Chamber ambassador for 2 years. I personally know more than 70% of the downtown business owners, and more than 60% the chamber members.  And, yes, I am still known as The Fairy Godmother of Lake Orion. A bit of magic and fun is always good for any business. There is a show on Orion Neighborhood TV, called “You’re Kind of a Big Deal”, because- we have this place to do that! The show’s focus is that we ALL are a big deal -each in our own unique way.  The growth of Lake Orion has progressed from a vacation land that was just a lake with “stuff around it” to a place that people want to work and live and do business and recreate. We have unique niche markets, and growth non-stop. In today’s business climate, if you’re not growing, you’re obsolete- (and someone will take your space in this town!)  We have all sizes of businesses here; it is truly a great mix. The Orion Area Chamber Board is a great place to help keep growing and promoting the businesses in our great town.

Grant Fodor – Edward Jones Investments

With great pleasure I have been helping people in the Lake Orion area to plan for their financial futures, think about retirement, send kids to college, and prepare for the unexpected. Starting a brand new financial advising office 11 years ago and today serving over 300 business and families in the Lake Orion Area, I know what it takes to scratch and claw your way to becoming a successful small business. It has been a great 4 years in the Chamber of Commerce and one of my best investments in myself that I have made. There have been so many connections that I have made and my business has grown as a result of the networking opportunities. As an ambassador for the past 2 years I have enjoyed working with the OACCs newest members to get them integrated into the culture that is our great Chamber. Having built a business from scratch myself, I enjoy helping other new businesses create marketing and networking plans to grow and succeed in their own fields. If elected to the board, I look forward to serving the Chamber and to continue to help shape the future of the OACC.

Garrett Hoffman – Phillips Consulting and Security, Mach Studios

When you first meet Garrett Hoffman, you can’t help but notice his taste for outrageous patriotic clothing and truly infectious zest for life.  These characteristics help him get recognized around town, but it’s what you don’t see that powers his success in business, as Orion Area Chamber Ambassador and devoted family man.  At 39 years old, Garrett balances several projects with ease and finesse—thanks to a strong drive to positively impact those around him.  Others have described his work ethic as “astounding”—a compliment he does not take lightly. In fact, he relishes being highly productive, working full time as Senior Business Development Manager for Phillips Security and Director of Field Services for Phillips Consulting and lending his talents as Realtor for Real Estate One of Rochester and as Executive Director of Sales and Marketing for Mach Studios.  On top of all of this, he is also an active Board Member of his Home Owners Association. As Ambassador for the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, Garrett welcomes the chance to get involved in chamber-related events and programs. He enjoys meeting and guiding new members to promote teamwork and a greater sense of community among local businesses and the citizens they serve.

Bill Kokenos – Individual

Hello, my name is Bill Kokenos and I am running for the Orion Chamber Board. I would like to again return to the board because I believe that I have many ideas not only to keep the chamber improving but to continue moving forward. I also believe that we have areas of businesses that we need to recruit. The Chamber has been doing a great job by working with many different groups within the chamber and I will work very hard to continue this. The chamber and this community mean a great deal to me and I believe that being on the Chamber Board I can help continue the great work of the Orion Area Chamber

Pam Omilian – API Consulting

I have been active with the OACC since 2010.  I became a Board Member in 2016 and became Treasurer in 2018.  Our new strategic plan is focused on bringing more value to our member.  Being a life long Lake Orion resident, I believe in giving back and continuing to make Lake Orion a successful business community.  I would like to continue being a board member to bring this new strategic plan to conclusion and help our local business grow.

Valerie Penz – Holistic Health by Valerie

My name is Valerie Penz, Certified Nutritional Therapist and owner of Holistic Health by Valerie.  I am in my 4th year as an OACC member, serving as an Ambassador for the last two.  In my practice, I counsel individuals and families to help them develop healthy habits and obtain the necessary knowledge to achieve true wellness from the inside out.  Being an active part of the OACC has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.  By contributing to many causes within our community and collaborating with other business owners, I have built countless relationships and connections in and around Orion that have given me a true sense of the passion and pride we have for our town and the people in it.  I would be honored to share all that I have learned to positively contribute to our organization as a member of the Board of Directors.  Thank you for your consideration and Go Dragons!