COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Lori Hunt-Bobilya announced Friday via social media that she will retire as executive director of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce at the end of the year, marking the close of a seven-year tenure she described as far more than a job.
In a heartfelt post, Hunt-Bobilya said the decision was difficult because the chamber had become such an important part of her life, noting she could never have imagined how deeply she would come to care about the organization, its members and the broader community when she accepted the role.
She emphasized that the position centered on people, relationships and helping local businesses succeed.
During her time leading the chamber, Hunt-Bobilya oversaw significant growth, expanding the Ambassador program from six members to nearly 30, doubling the board, launching new events and strengthening longtime traditions such as the Awards Dinner, scarecrow contest, Golf Classic, Mini Golf Scramble, Jingle Mingle, Chamber Chat, Coffee Hours and Business After Hours.
The chamber also welcomed numerous new businesses, celebrated ribbon cuttings and built a social media presence that now reaches more than half a million people each month. While proud of those accomplishments, she said she will most remember the friendships, laughter and mutual support among members.
Hunt-Bobilya thanked the board, ambassadors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and partners for their trust and support, and shared that she plans to continue assisting small businesses with social media and marketing in her next chapter.
The Chamber has not yet announced the process of selecting a new director.
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