Jim Acheson is SCORE Chairman and one of several Small Business Development Center counselors here at the Chamber. He has been providing counseling and mentoring services to existing small businesses (or to those starting up) for four years.

Jim has a BS degree in Civil Engineering, and has work experience in heavy construction, municipal engineering, gas and electric utilities, and industrial marketing. He has been involved in national and international projects.

Jim has also done volunteer work with MFMI (Men For Missions International) in business, engineering, and construction projects in other countries. He is married and has five children, (two sons and three daughters).

Kathy has been employed at the Chamber for over 10 years. Having been born and raised in Elkhart, she has a strong connection with the Elkhart Community. She has furthered her education with several business and computer related courses at Indiana University at South Bend and Ivy Tech Community College. Amongst her education she has a Certification in Travel and Tourism.  When time allows, Kathy enjoys traveling, art/craft projects and attending Formula One races with her husband.

Bob has graciously served as the Chamber Accounting Manager since late March, 2003, and has served in a similar position at Ruthmere Museum, on a part time schedule, since January, 2000.

Bob also serves as a Counselor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). SBDC's Elkhart location is housed on the 2nd floor at the Chamber. Bob counsels individuals interested in starting a new business venture, and assists existing businesses in any areas requiring improvements.

Bob studied Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, and took advanced studies at the University of Kentucky. He spent 13 years with Adams & Westlake as Director of Engineering, and 23 years at Excel Industries in Engineering Management. He retired in August of 1999.

Bob's wife, Karin, is well known by many as the Program Director of Marketing & Events for the Elkhart Parks & Recreation Department. They have two adult children, Erick and Rachel. Bob enjoys golf, bowling and traveling throughout the world.

As the Membership Retention Manager/ Events, Claudia strives to show all Member Investors their Return On Investment.  The staff liaison to the Ambassadors Council, Event Manager for FunWorking, Biz-Ness Before/After Hours, Golf outing and Biz-Ness Expo Claudia believes "Positive Networking" is a key to your company/organization's promote-ability.

Prior to coming to the Elkhart region, Claudia was the Managing Director for the Freeport, Illinois Chamber.  She has several years experience in organization and implementation of networking, golf and membership events.

Claudia received a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Western Illinois University. 

To learn how to make your Membership Investment more "Meenan-ful" contact Claudia for details.

Stephanie began her Chamber work on the Ambassador Council and in various sub-committees in June 2005. She twice achieved Ambassador of the Month before joining the Chamber team in late April of 2006 as the Membership Investment Representative. In her capacity, Stephanie is the liaison to the New Member Development Council and responsible for making sure that new members to The Chamber are able to maximize their membership in their first year.

Stephanie is a member of the Elkhart Breakfast Optimists and advisor for the Youth Action Committee/Junior Optimists. YAC is a high school youth led group who provides an avenue for youth service projects and expression of youth talents in events like Youthfest.

Stephanie is a 2004 graduate of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana and is currently enrolled at Indiana University-South Bend to obtain her Masters of Public Affairs. A native of LaGrange County, Stephanie is the oldest of two brothers, Matthew & Michael and one sister, Sandra. Her parents, Warren & Anne, live in Howe with her siblings and the family's German short-haired pointers, horses and 4-H animals.

Valentina Simon is the Executive Assistant to Philip E. Penn, who is President of the Chamber and Secretary to the Board of Directors. Val assists the President with Board meetings, Chamber projects and responsibilities, carrying out the goals of the President and Board as a priority assignment.  She also serves as staff liaison to the Minority Business Development Council to provide awareness of Chamber resources to all minorities.  Val also works with the President on his many other varied group affiliations: City, County and State governments and associations, regional partner organizations and area Chambers.  She also provides membership support, services and contacts, along with the Chamber's team of 14 other professional staff.   Val also is a Notary Public, a free service offered to members.

She is a graduate of Goshen High School, the Dale Carnegie Course, and has taken courses at IUSB, Ivy Tech, Goshen College "Lunch 'N Learn" programs, and seminars through the Indiana Commerce Executives Association (a Chamber-affiliated state organization), and Fred Pryor.   Val is married, has a son and daughter who are adults, and one granddaughter. 

Meet Jim Walsh, an Business Technology Improvement Field Agent who has worked with manufacturing companies for nine years through the Chamber's NCI program. (NCI standing for North Central Indiana Business Assistance Center).

Jim works with manufacturers in a 4-county area to improve performance and competitiveness, and to help them be more profitable. Jim is also the Chamber liaison to the OSHA Council.

Jim received his BS in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, and his MBA in Finance from Bethel College. He served in the Navy for eight years, and has worked at several Elkhart companies in positions such as foreman, plant superintendent, and plant manager. He also owned an ice cream shop for eight years. Jim's hobbies are swimming, canoeing, and scuba.

Beth works as an Administrative Assistant at the Chamber, along with serving as Staff Liaison for the Technology Council. She is currently attending Ivy Tech Community College and is working on a degree in Accounting. She attended the Elkhart Area Career Center for two years while in high school, taking the Computer Applications program. While there, she was involved with Business Professionals of America and competed at local and state levels. Beth won 4th place in the state competition for Database Applications. She was also involved in the Cisco Networking Academy. Beth enjoys reading, fishing, and NASCAR.

Brenda's main duty is answering the phone and assisting visitors at the front desk.  Brenda has a special place in her heart for the Elkhart Chamber. She previously worked at the Chamber in several capacities as an administrative assistant, accounting assistant, and was in charge of many special projects and events. 

Brenda is a graduate of Mishawaka High School and South Bend College of Commerce. She has attended continuing education classes at IUSB and Ivy Tech. She and her husband Mel live in Elkhart. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Brenda enjoys cooking and being a grandmother.