Ann Arbor Chamber names former state representative John Hansen interim head
The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that John Hansen has been hired as the interim president and CEO for the organization, according to a news release sent at about noon.
Hansen will temporarily fill the vacancy created when former CEO Jesse Bernstein left the chamber in late June. Chamber leaders have said the interim CEO will not be considered for the permanent position.
Hansen’s experience includes work in education, politics and consultation. He served as Superintendent of the Dexter Community Schools from 1984-1998. He was also state representative for the 52nd House District from 1999-2002. He served on the Energy & Technology, Agriculture and K-12 Appropriations Committees.
A major issue facing the chamber as it seeks a permanent leader is what some people describe as a divide in the city between traditional businesses and the emerging tech sector. Karl Couyoumjian, vice chairman of the chamber and president of Ann Arbor-based Thainer Electronic Laboratories, described the scenario in a recent Business Review article.
“We need to keep evolving,” Couyoumjian said. “The business climate is very different than it was 10 or 20 years ago. It’s not businessmen in fedoras carrying a briefcase. We’re a very diverse business community - diverse in age, in business type, in style. Not everybody goes to a brick-and-mortar building, goes to an office and sits at a desk.”
The Ann Arbor chamber is based in offices on South Main Street.
Membership has fallen from about 1,350 last year to about 1,250 this summer, Bernstein said in June.
Comments
westa2
Sat, Aug 15, 2009 : 7:41 a.m.
Why not a business person? The chamber is one of the few groups the is suppose to represent businesses in our area. We need that voice desperately. Without a vibrant business community, went can't pay for the roads, schools, parks, and all the non-profits. Is he even pro-business?
rwshas
Sat, Aug 15, 2009 : 12:58 a.m.
I wish John the Best. But we need business people running the chamber. Not government non profit types. We have enough of those in town.
faster
Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 8:58 p.m.
Thanks Edward...I suppose I should just read Crains Detroit for detailed information on Ann Arbor.
Paula Gardner
Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 4:34 p.m.
Thanks, annarbortownie, for the correction on the address! I was writing from memory, and the building's Main Street frontage is etched on my brain... but the Huron Street entrance coincides with the Chamber's true address. Paula Gardner, Business Content Director
GriswoldKJ
Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 3:28 p.m.
Congratulations to John. The community will benefit from his experience, intellect and process-oriented approach.
annarbortownie
Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 2:19 p.m.
I believe the AA Chamber is on Huron, not Main. Best of luck to Mr. Hansen. The AA Chamber has got to offer something new and unique to grow membership!! Hope Mr. Hansen can shake things up a bit!!