The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce today announced that its formal partnership with the South Bend Regional Chamber (SBRC) has concluded. The Niles Chamber said it is a mutual decision that marks the end of a successful, six-year collaboration that began following the Greater Niles Chamber’s 2019 merger.
The Niles Chamber’s announcement said the partnership with SBRC provided critical executive leadership and operational support, helping stabilize and unify the newly-formed Greater Niles Chamber. While the formal agreement has ended, both organizations have pledged to continue working together on regional initiatives to strengthen the economy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jeff Rea and Ryan Boeskool for their years of leadership,” said Bryan Van Itallie, Chair of the Greater Niles Chamber. “Their contributions have positioned us well for this next chapter.”
To manage the transition, the Greater Niles Chamber Board of Directors announced it has tasked its Executive Committee with overseeing daily operations and launching a strategic planning process. They said the process will culminate in a search for the organization’s next permanent executive.
In the interim, the board has enlisted the support of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) for operational assistance. SMRC’s team will help maintain continuity in member benefits, events, and communications, ensuring a seamless experience for the Niles-area business community during the transition.
