Robin Platt is the new part-time director of the Eaton Rapids Chamber of Commerce. A longtime resident of Eaton Rapids, Platt returned after a few years of living in Nevada. She came back looking for work that would use her skills and talents, while also serving her home community.
Platt has called the Island City home since 1989. Although she moved to Nevada for a few years, she felt an ache for home, and that was good enough reason to return to the Mitten in 2017. In the early 90s she owned her own pizzeria in town called, The Other Pizza Place. In her time in Eaton Rapids Robin was active in the Eaton Rapids PTO, at one time holding position of president of the organization. She also spent 15 years in Eaton Rapids managing a bulk organic ingredient warehouse, NewOrganics, which eventually moved its location out of state.
As a former business owner with a list of other management experiences, Platt felt the position of chamber director would be right for her.
“I really understand business to business networking, building and supporting each other,” said Platt.
Getting people involved and excited in a cause, event, or organization has been one of Platt’s biggest takeaways from her management experience. As she steps into the role as chamber director, she plans to use her ability to bring more businesses into the chamber fold, and to keep the current members involved in the community and interested in investing in Eaton Rapids.
In her first few weeks with the chamber, Platt has brainstormed simple ways to step up the organization’s presence in the community. She’s met with many of the chamber’s member businesses, worked on creating/restructuring the monthly newsletter, made headway in recognizing member businesses for their accomplishments, and several other tasks. But with the director position only part-time, Platt will face many limitations of previous directors. Even so, she’s optimistic about what the chamber can accomplish under her leadership.
“Once the lines of communication are open, the sky is the limit,” said Platt. “It’ll be exciting to see what we’ll be able to come up with over the next couple years.”
Platt’s personal philosophy of business and the value of interconnected businesses was largely shaped by her own experience as a small town business owner.
“A small town community is essential, and the businesses are the back bone of the community. The more successful they (businesses) become the more successful the town is, and the more people will come in from other communities.”
To contact the Eaton Rapids Chamber of Commerce, or Robin Platt specifically, readers can visit eatonrapidschamber.com or the Eaton Rapids Chamber of Commerce Facebook, or call (517) 663-8118, or email robin@eatonrapidschamber.com.
