Delta Chamber of Commerce picks new operations manager

What’s happening: The Delta County Chamber of Commerce has hired a new operations manager, Matthew Valiquette. The former executive director of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board in Green Bay, Wisconsin, also served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and instructed at the U.S. Naval Academy. Valiquette is a 1988 alum of Escanaba High School.

What does the position cover: The operations manager is involved in strategic planning and policy decisions while maintaining the business operations of the chamber. In addition to monitoring the financial side of the chamber, Valiquette also helps lead the U.P. State Fair, which has continued to grow since the pandemic.

What they’re saying: “Matt has an impressive background and brings to our organizations all the skills that we are looking for in an operations manager,” said Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie Micheau. “He has exceptional communication and leadership abilities, which are crucial for motivating staff members and connecting with stakeholders.”

What’s next: Valiquette will start working on numerous goals for the Chamber and the U.P. State Fair.

“My initial primary goals are really focused on familiarizing myself with current operations and building relationships with the countless community stakeholders involved in the Chamber and U.P. State Fair,” Valiquette said. “As my knowledge level develops, I look forward to strategically enhancing our Facilities Maintenance and Renovation plan, ensuring we are responsibly allocating our resources to priorities collectively identified by our Board and Authority leadership.”