ESCANABA–The Delta County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce two new members to its Board of Directors.

Michelle O’Connor and Cheryl Ohman will attend their first board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 8. Both women have impressive careers and are active members of the Delta County community.

Michelle O’Connor, who has been a resident of Delta County her entire life, owns four Papa Murphy’s franchise locations across the Upper Peninsula with her husband Ray (locations in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Marquette, and Houghton). Seasoned business owners, Michelle and Ray opened their first store in Iron Mountain in 2005 and Ray has owned O’Connor Construction for 30 years. Over the years, Michelle says her perspective on running a business has been somewhat unique because she was trained as a social worker.

Before owning Papa Murphy’s, Michelle worked for the MDS-CAA Early Childhood Program for ten years, which she says has helped her in building relationships with her employees.

“If you develop relationships with your employees first, they’ll want to listen to you. Once you form a relationship with them, you can more effectively give them guidance and they will respect you and know you care about them; as a result, they care about their job.”

Aside from the standard financial goals, Michelle said her goals in business are relationship-centered.

“Making a difference to our young people through grace and guidance is what is most important in my approach to success. Mentoring youth in a fun, healthy work environment is what stays top of my mind. My mantra has always been, “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.”

Her strategy is working, as every one of her current store managers and assistant managers are long-term employees who began with her as teens and have been promoted over the years, including her oldest son. In addition, many of Michelle’s former employees stop to see her and say ‘hi’ at their food trucks at local fairs. “It’s really cool to have been a part of watching them learn and grow and hopefully helping them navigate their way to becoming successful adults in whatever career they choose,” Michelle said.

“I have had countless young adults come back to me after they’ve moved on and say ‘thank you’ for the job experience that helped to give them the skills to be a better employee, parent, human, but also for patience, support, and a sense of accountability while they acted a fool during those teenage years. Ultimately, that is how I define success – making a positive impact in the lives of our young people.”

As far as her new role with the Chamber Board, Michelle says, “I’m looking forward to learning all that the Chamber Board does, and hoping to offer some new and creative ideas, and will certainly be thoughtful in my approach.”

Cheryl Ohman works as executive director of Lakestate Industries; she began her career at Lakestate in 1987 as the Placement Specialist, and in 1996 was promoted to program director. “I truly enjoy every aspect of managing the businesses and helping people with barriers to employment learn and grow.”

Cheryl has been an active member of the Delta County community since 1987 when she moved to Escanaba from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She has served on one of the Chamber “Love Affair” Event Committees, and was a member of the second class of Delta Force, of which she said, “I absolutely loved learning more about Delta County and developing my leadership skills.”

Some of Cheryl’s volunteer roles have included: serving on the Special Olympics Board of Directors from 1988 to 1996, assisting with their fundraisers, as well as coaching and volunteering at many Special Olympics sporting events. She is currently president of the Delta Area Transit Authority Board, and has been a member of the Escanaba Elks since 2015, was awarded the Elks Citizen of the Year in Spring 2022, and joined the Elks Auxiliary in Fall 2022.

“I’ve always enjoyed living in Escanaba and being involved in activities that make Escanaba a great place to live,” Cheryl said. “I believe my experience in serving on various boards, committees and service clubs would make me a valuable Delta Chamber of Commerce Board member. I am a firm believer in promoting integrity, good faith, and fair business practices. One of my favorite quotes from Thomas Jefferson hangs on my office wall: ‘Fundamentals–In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.'”

Vickie Micheau, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, says she looks forward to working with both new board members in helping move Delta County businesses forward.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside the 15 members of the Chamber Board. All are passionate individuals committed to working together to support local business and drive economic growth. Michelle and Cheryl share that passion and bring a unique perspective and expertise to the table,” Micheau said. “Their exceptional communication skills and leadership abilities will be invaluable in energizing local business owners and helping to grow Delta County.”

For more information, call (906) 786-2192, visit deltami.org, or search “Delta County, Michigan Chamber of Commerce” on Facebook.

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Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce