Barry County Economic Success Summit 2025
Join us on November 5th at the HPAC for the 2025 Barry County Economic Success Summit!
We are thrilled to host the 2025 Economic Success Summit. This year's Summit will provide attendees with valuable insights into where we are as a County, the opportunities on the horizon, and everything we are working on to bridge that gap and elevate us to the next level.
In addition to hosting this year’s Economic Summit, we we will be presenting our prestigious Economic Impact Awards. These four awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements that have significantly influenced economic growth and innovation within the Barry County community.
About Our Speakers
Greg Moore - Consumers Energy - Introductions
Speaker details coming soon!
Nichole Lyke - Barry County Chamber & EDA - Overview of current initiatives!
Nichole Lyke is the Economic Development Director for the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance. Nichole earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Davenport University in 2015. Nichole previously worked for the Chamber & EDA for nearly 7 years as the Office & Special Projects Coordinator, before taking a position to head the Middleville Downtown Development Authority in 2019. As the Economic Development Director, Nichole will work closely with businesses to ensure their growth and longevity within the County, while also recruiting, supporting, and growing new businesses. A lifelong resident of Barry County, Nichole lives in Hastings with her husband Rob, and their two children, Jorden and Bobby.
Quentin Messer - Michigan Economic Development Corporation
As the MEDC Chair and President, and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, Quentin is charged with implementing and executing MEDC's core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and enhancing Michigan's image and brand with a focus on building a strong & equitable economy for all Michiganders. His responsibilities include managing the administration of all programs, funds, personnel, contracts, and administrative functions of MEDC. He serves in the Cabinet for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and is on the boards of the American Center for Mobility, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and OK University's Economic Development Institute (OU EDI), and is a member of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. He was named by the Financial Times as a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100, Crain's Detroit Business, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), by Consultants Connect as one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers (2020, 2019), and by Ebony Magazine for its Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018). Immediately prior to joining the MEDC, Quentin was President & CEO at the New Orleans Business Alliance which, under his leadership, became one of fewer than 80 accredited economic development organizations worldwide (AEDO). Quentin also previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Economic Development (LED), Louisiana's department of economic development. Quentin is an alumnus of the Boston Consulting Group and O'Melveny & Myers LLP and a degree recipient from Princeton and Columbia Universities.
Jeran Culina - Business Leaders United
Jeran Culina is the Senior Manager of Business Leaders United (BLU). Jeran manages the implementation of engaging and expanding the BLUE network and focuses largely on supporting the BLU network in state policy and advocacy.
Before joining the National Skills Coalition, Jeran worked nationally at Advance CTE and before that, in her home state of Michigan working as a liaison between business and education to create policy agendas in everything from cradle to career. Jeran has a Master of Educational Leadership from Michigan State University and a BA in Interdisciplinary of Social Sciences from SUNY-Buffalo.
Paul Isley - Grand Valley State University - Presenting on Future Forecasting
Dr. Paul Isely is the Associate Dean and Professor of Economics at Grand Valley State University, having joined the faculty in 1995 after earning his Ph.D. from Purdue University. He holds an M.S. in Economics and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics. Since joining GVSU, Dr. Isely has taught over 100 classes to 4,000 students, focusing on courses such as Environmental Economics, Business Cycles and Growth, and Economics Capstone. His research includes more than 50 publications covering West Michigan’s economy, storm water management, environmental cleanups, and wind energy development. He has also assessed train stations for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Active in public service, Dr. Isely serves as Interim Chair of the Utility Consumer Participation Board and participates in local renewable energy initiatives and strategic planning efforts in Kent County. During the financial crisis, he helped lead GVSU's public response, organizing meetings for business leaders and providing media support. His expertise has made him a sought-after commentator on the West Michigan economy, including interviews with NPR, USA Today, and the AP. Since 2013, he has led the Seidman forecast team, known for its accurate economic predictions, and averages 20 speaking engagements annually across various platforms.
Jennifer Heinzman - Keynote Address - Strong Roots, Bold Future
Jennifer is a dedicated community leader who began her journey in 2006 as the Executive Director of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce in Michigan, right after completing her college education. Her passion for community and economic development led her to the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, where she worked for over seven years. She now serves as the President and CEO of the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance in Michigan.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has focused on overcoming barriers to employment, fostering community advancement, and supporting business development. She currently leads initiatives in critical areas such as housing, broadband access, workforce development, placemaking, and childcare, recognizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving success.
Beyond her professional role, Jennifer is deeply involved in her community, contributing her expertise to fourteen different Boards and holding the position of President in her local Rotary Club. She also serves as the Treasurer for her children’s school PTO. Committed to continuous growth, Jennifer is currently enrolled in the Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) and values the importance of lifelong learning.
Jennifer holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Central Michigan University, along with a Master of Science degree in Public Administration. Her commitment to making a difference in her community through collaborative efforts and a dedication to learning continues to drive her work forward. in her
community through collaborative efforts and a dedication to learning continues to drive her work
forward.
Images
Barry County Economic Success Summit ...
Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 5, 2025
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
November 5
1:00pm-5:00pm
Location
Hastings Performing Arts Center (HPAC)
520 W. South Street
Hastings 49058
Fees/Admission
Early bird registration:
$20 for BCCEDA Members
$30 for non-Members
Regular Registration:
$25 for BCCEDA Members
$35 for Non-members
Contact Information
Kim Martin
Send Email
Printed courtesy of www.mibarry.com/ – Contact the Barry County Chamber of Commerce for more information.
138 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058 – (269) 945-2454 – kim@mibarry.com