Executive Director of Chamber announces her retirement

James Windell

Kathy Wagaman, who has been Executive Director of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce since 2011, announced her plans to retire on February 28, 2025.
“I am proud of the consistent growth that we have enjoyed as a Chamber,” she says, “and I feel my staff and I have provided valuable support to area businesses and non-profit organizations throughout my tenure. That being said, I have always believed that there is a good time to step away and allow a new leader to bring fresh ideas and innovative concepts.”
Under her leadership, the Chamber of Commerce has grown to serve 457 business and nonprofit members. Wagaman introduced many key initiatives, including the “Think Local” campaign in 2012, which raised awareness of the importance of shopping locally, and the creation of the Community Expo & Job Fair. In 2013, the Chamber took over leadership of both the Farmers Market, implementing Project Fresh and SNAP programs, and the National Blueberry Festival, establishing it as a thriving non-profit organization with its own board and employee.
Wagaman also expanded networking events, bringing over 100 business members together each month to connect and showcase their businesses. One of her favorites being the Sesquicentennial celebration in 2019. Kathy’s innovative programs, such as Youth in Business, introduced high school students from Covert, South Haven and Bangor to entrepreneurship, while the 8th Grade Field Trips opened students’ eyes to career opportunities in technology, science, and engineering.
Asked about her favorite projects, she responded: “Consulting with entrepreneurs, whether the individual is in the ‘dream phase,’ has a solid business plan and is close to launching, or an existing business ready to expand. This is so rewarding and the Chamber is always well-equipped to provide resources and valuable assistance.”
An important part of the Chamber’s scope of work is event planning. The Chamber holds the famous Icebreaker Festival, attracting over 17,000 visitors and injecting needed revenue into the community during challenging winter months. In addition, the Chamber holds two major craft fairs, a golf outing, and the SUMMIT economic development seminar annually.
Kathy Wagaman first came to South Haven in 1988 when she first arrived aboard her 29’ sailboat. A few years later she and her son Dustin moved here full time. Prior to taking on the leadership of the Chamber, she owned a business franchise, served as General Sales Manager for the Battle Creek Radio Group, and as Business Manager of the Holland Rescue Mission, where she helped develop revenue-generating profit centers across West Michigan. Wagaman holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Captain’s License, with experiences delivering vessels as far as Venezuela.
Reflecting on her years with the Chamber, she says: “From the day the Board entrusted me to serve in this role, I have felt grateful for the opportunity, and have never grown complacent with my efforts or performance.”
The Chamber Board has established a search committee to fill her position.
She says her future plans will include continuing her work as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain as well as traveling with her RV. She plans to visit Banff, Canada; Newfoundland, Glacier National Park, and the East Coast. “These are all are high on the list, but my home base will remain South Haven.”