This week, the MI Chamber hailed Robert “Bob” LaMacchia for an impressive 34+ years of dedicated service to the organization’s members and business community as he retires June 30.
Bob started his career as a department supervisor at TruGreen before joining the MI Chamber membership team in 1989 — a year when the retail price of gasoline was $1, the first pilot episode of Seinfeld aired and the facsimile or “fax” machine was all the rage for sending communications.
While the world and workplace has evolved tremendously over those three decades, as Bob notes, one thing that has remained constant is the Michigan Chamber’s focus and commitment to its members.
“So many things have changed at lightning pace, but ensuring our members — the job providers of every size and industry from all 83 counties — receive the maximum value of their Michigan Chamber membership has stood the test of time,” LaMacchia said. “Whether connecting business leaders with key events or resources that can help build a relationship or save money or connecting them with individuals who can listen, understand and help solve an issue, that is what has kept me here all these years.”
In 2019, Bob received the Lifetime Achievement Award Diamond Level as awarded by the national Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
“Bob has been an integral part of helping fulfill the Michigan Chamber’s mission for so long it’s hard to imagine our work without him – he’ll be greatly missed,” said President & CEO Jim Holcomb. “Thank you, Bob, for everything and best wishes for all that’s next.”
Bob LaMacchia with the current and past two MI Chamber CEOs. Pictured from left to right: Jim Holcomb, Rich Studley, Bob LaMacchia, Jim Barrett.
Bob looks forward to volunteering more with several non-profits, spending more time with his family, playing copious rounds of golf, being a Michigan-Florida snowbird, and traveling – including a return trip to his ancestral roots in Italy.
So, with that, a warm Ciao! to Bob – and his extensive collection of holiday sweaters, a long-time Chamber tradition.
