By Bryant Goodreau – DBG Social Connection
As someone who’s deeply rooted in Macomb County’s small business community, I never imagined I’d be writing something like this. But after hearing from a close friend and former colleague, I felt compelled to speak out.
Recently, I caught up with an old friend—someone I met through the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce (now known as Connect Macomb). He shared something that left me stunned: not only is he leaving the Chamber, but his entire Business Resource Alliance Group (BRAG), nearly 30 strong, is walking away too.
Now, I know what some people might say: “Bryant, you’re writing this because you run DBG Social Connection, and Connect Macomb is your competition.” That’s not the case. I’m writing this because I’ve been part of this community long enough to remember when the Chamber meant something. I’m writing this because I care about small businesses in Macomb County.
I was a proud member of the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber. I served on the board—twice. I volunteered at events like Sterlingfest and went out of my way to connect others to the value the Chamber once brought. I’ve watched small businesses thrive through networking and connections built in that space. It was about relationships, not politics. About support, not status.
People like Lil Adams and Wyne Qehmke led with heart. They understood the core of Macomb County: hardworking families, small-town values, and local businesses with big dreams. They championed the little guys—our mom-and-pop shops, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs who wanted nothing more than to serve their communities and grow their businesses.
But something shifted. And not for the better.
Since the leadership changed hands a few years ago, especially under the current director, the Chamber’s focus seems to have veered sharply away from small business. It’s become more about politics and less about partnerships. More about rubbing elbows at Mackinac Island conferences and less about supporting the business around the corner.
I saw it begin during COVID. When small businesses were struggling to survive, the Chamber was busy aligning with political narratives instead of advocating for its members. Anyone who voiced concern or offered suggestions was dismissed—or worse, publicly undermined. That’s not leadership. That’s control.
The results are clear. Smaller chambers in the area are now growing. Former members of Connect Macomb are finding better support elsewhere. Why? Because they feel seen, heard, and valued again.
Macomb County isn’t Detroit. It’s not Wayne County. We’re a community built on small industry, agriculture, retail, and service-based businesses. Our strength is in our neighborhoods, our lakeshore cities, our family-run shops. Trying to make Connect Macomb into a mini Detroit Regional Chamber misses the mark entirely. Our community doesn’t want big-city politics—we want real support and real connection.
If you were once a member of the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber, and you’ve since left because it stopped serving your needs as a small business, I invite you to share your thoughts on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Keep it respectful, but let’s get honest.
At DBG Social Connection, we’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re working to be the best for you. We believe in affordability, accessibility, and authentic community building.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about competition. It’s about connection—and standing up for what small businesses truly need.
