Four West Michigan Executives Share Their Favorite Rick Baker Moments for His 30-Year Anniversary in the Chamber Industry
On May 1st, 2018, we celebrated our President & CEO, Rick Baker’s, 30th year in the Chamber industry.
Under Rick’s leadership, our organization has actively engaged in championing an inclusive and magnetic community for talent, accelerating business growth through cutting-edge programming, and providing a positive business climate by fiercely advocating for business.
A native of Minnesota, Rick was raised in a rural community, where his family operated a dairy farm and owned two small businesses. As the oldest of five children, he learned the meaning of a strong work ethic and responsibility at a young age.
Rick has a Bachelor of Science degree for Upper Iowa University and is a graduate of the University of Colorado Institute for Organization Management. He is also a Board Member for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. His distinguished career in Chamber of Commerce management includes executive positions with Chambers in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.
To properly celebrate this huge milestone, we asked four of Rick’s colleagues and personal friends to share their favorite Rick Baker moments.
Mike Verhulst
2018 Board Chair, Grand Rapids Chamber
Vice President, Rockford Construction
On Rick as a leader: He is probably the most connected person that I know. I don’t think I’ve ever asked him about any person that I wanted to connect with that he didn’t have their contact information to me within the hour.
Favorite Rick Baker Moment: I can meet Rick at any brewery or out for dinner, whether we’re talking work or not, and the funny thing is that he’ll make me wait 40 minutes while he goes and works out before meeting me.
Paul Rumler
President & CEO, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
Former Chief Strategy Officer, Grand Rapids Chamber
On Rick as a Leader: The best thing about Rick is that he genuinely appreciates feedback from his team. He likes to be challenged by them and doesn’t see it as pushing back or not being cooperative. It’s a cool thing, especially as a CEO.
Favorite Rick Baker Moment: Rick once gave me the following sage advice: “If you’re wearing pants with belt loops, wear a belt.”
Sonya Hughes
Vice President of Inclusion, Grand Rapids Chamber
On Rick as a Leader: Rick is excellent at listening to new ideas to help form the vision for the Chamber so that it’s not stuck in what we’re currently doing, but what the possibilities are for the future.
Favorite Rick Baker Moment: My favorite memory of Rick is being on the dance floor and looking over to see my CEO out bustin’ a move! And not bad, I might add!
Andy Johnston
Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber
On Rick as a Leader: What I respect about Rick’s leadership is that he’s a fierce advocate, not only for our businesses but our community as a whole.
Favorite Rick Baker Moment: My favorite Rick Baker moment has to be when he was doing the ribbon cutting for the new Chamber office!
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