Mike McMullin with his Newfoundland, Henri.
by Lisa Moody Breslin, photography by Walter P. Calahan
A native of Chicago, Mike McMullin has served as President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce since September 2010. During his tenure, membership has grown from 375 members to 500 plus, and the budget has climbed out of the red. McMullin credits the turnarounds to the local business community, chamber members themselves and leaders within the membership who offer great advice.
“I have the skill of knowing that I don’t have all answers and I just need to listen, so I do and we keep getting better,” McMullin explains.
McMullin and his wife, Marcia, share their Westminster home with Henri, a 168-pound Newfoundland. They have to four grown children and they are the proud grandparents of Mark (10), Ella (8), Bryn (3), and Ryan Elise (1).
What aspect of the job do you enjoy the most? The people. I really enjoy working with the business owners; here in Carroll, they are the unsung heroes. They create jobs for so many people. It is a noble thing to create jobs that enable people to raise families, enjoy the holiday, ease children through school. I admire them.
What aspect of chamber work do you enjoy the least? Politics. We don’t try to be anything that we are not. The chamber is not political; we do not endorse candidates. We take a stance on issues through our legislative committee though, thankfully.
Three facts you wish more people knew about chamber work? First, we are more than simple mixers. We have educational programs, vibrant gatherings and signature events like The Biz Challenge. We recognize and honor outstanding teachers and do a great deal for the community. Last year we unveiled the Drug and Violence Awareness Expo.
Second, we are an independent, nonprofit entity. We are not part of the greater United States chamber or the local government. Third, our events are open to everyone, not just chamber members. They are designed to build relationships.
What do you hope your legacy will be as chamber president? That I attracted quality folks to work with me and, together, we revived the chamber, we helped make it alive and valuable to everyone in the county.
What were your goals coming into this leadership role? To increase membership, the make the chamber financially solvent, to increase the chamber’s presence and value in the county, and to get more young people involved in the business community and in the chamber.
Specific examples that those goals are being met? We are sustaining over 500 members; we have gone from being financially precarious to sound, solvent, and we have signature programs and events like Launch Carroll [a young professionals group sponsored by PNC Bank], the Biz Challenge and Carroll County Public Schools Biz Challenge [both brilliant ideas from member Jason Stambaugh]. And Leadership Carroll is up to 40 students from 25.
Roughly, what is the chamber’s annual budget and in what area does the chamber invest most of its money? Roughly, $450,000, and other than staff [we have 2.5 full-time, paid positions], Leadership Carroll, which is offered in partnership with Carroll Community College. From there, expenses roll out in marketing, educational programs and seminars.
What areas that you would like to see the chamber invest more time and money? Hopefully, we will be able to increase marketing for members within the overall community and outside. One 2016 goal is to unveil a Job Board as an online resource that will help more people find work here so they can live and work here.
If you were granted one miracle what would it be? World peace is an obvious, but I’d ask for health for my family forever, and to get Carroll County to the point where enough businesses thrive here so that more people live and work here – and our kids could stay here.
What and/or who sustains you? My lovely wife, Marcia, my family, friends and all illegal drugs, oops. Let’s see if folks are really paying attention. I’m kidding about the drugs. My faith in God sustains me. God gives us family, friends, etc.
What do you hope to be remembered for – personally? That I was somebody who was fun to be around, that I was a good family man who tried his best and that I was a peacemaker.
Who are your heroes in real life? My father, who passed away at 98. He taught me the value of family time and laughter.
What is your most treasured possession? The older I get what I can touch, or hold, matters less. Relationships matter most; no one can take them away.
Your favorite way to relax? With a cigar, with Henri, with friends and music, acoustic music.
And let’s end our discussion with a shout out to Henri. My wife gets credit for his name and he is named after a Catholic priest. I like making people happy and Henri does that. You see more and more people walking down Main Street with blank stares, but when they see Henri they light up. In the front of the chamber office, at Fallfest, at the Halloween parade – Henri is a people magnet. It’s great. They light up. That’s what the chamber should be doing too, right? Lighting things up.
