Meetings and Membership
Meetings
Regular meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at a different location each month. We typically meet at a local restaurant to support local businesses, but occasionally meet at members' houses. Committee meetings take place ad-hoc.
Membership
We are always open to new members! Qualifications are that you are passionate about having a positive impact in our community and that you are willing to foster community connections.
Membership is $24 for the first year and $12 each year thereafter. Membership includes a DC polo to wear to our events or to show off your membership any day of the week! Additional DC apparel is also available for order.
We welcome you to attend a meeting to see if we're a good fit for you! Email dowagiacconnected@gmail.com for the location of our next meeting.
Board Members
Board members provide overall leadership and administrative support for the group. All board members are elected by other members, serve two year terms, and volunteer their time without pay.
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Chairperson - Neil Keller
Responsible for: Leading board meetings, serving as main contact for board-related issues, holds board accountable for fulfilling duties, along with other roles
About Neil:Neil Keller is our membership chair and the owner of Doe-Wah-Jack's canoe rental.
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Vice Chairperson/Membership - Kayla Wilson
Responsible for: The Vice Chair & Membership Chair supports the Chair in the execution of organizational leadership duties while overseeing all aspects of membership administration and engagement. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate membership records and communications, managing dues collection, onboarding new members, ensuring member access to organizational documents, serving as a backup administrator for organizational communications platforms, and co-leading the planning and execution of the annual membership mixer to strengthen engagement and participation.
About Kayla:Kayla was born and raised in Dowagiac and has lived here nearly all her life. She has been employed at C Wimberley Automall for 10 years. She enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her husband, Erik, and their dogs, Harvey and Lily. Kayla joined the group to meet new people and to become more involved in the community.
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Social Media Chair - Rebecca Steenbeke
Responsible for: Maintaining social media presence, creating marketing materials, liason for newspaper, distributing event information
About Rebecca:Rebecca is originally from the West Coast of Canada but she has been a resident of Dowagiac for the past 8 years. As a new comer to Dowagiac, she hardly knew anyone, so Rebecca joined the Young Professionals because she wanted to meet great people doing good in the community. Rebecca owns Blue Print Photography and she loves how supportive the community is!
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Secretary - Stefany Holland
Responsible for: Providing agendas, taking and distributing meeting minutes, schedules and notifies members of upcoming meetings
About Stefany:Stefany and her husband (Mike) moved to Dowagiac in 2008 and have strong family roots here. She has worked at Wightman since 2008 and is the current Commercial Market Sector Leader for the Architect, Engineering, and Surveying consulting firm. Stefany has her MBA in Lean Systems & Leadership from Ferris State University. Stefany and Mike enjoy supporting their children's involvement in local events, including dance, sports, and festivities.
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Treasurer- Jeremy Truitt
Responsible for: The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial management, including reconciling accounts, maintaining accurate financial records and statements, ensuring timely filing of tax and legal documents, managing deposits and payments, and presenting regular financial reports to the board. The Treasurer also supports financial oversight at events and manages financial correspondence and transactions on behalf of the organization.
About Jeremy: Jeremy Truitt was born and raised in Dowagiac, Michigan, and is proud to serve his hometown as Treasurer on the Dowagiac Connected board. He brings strong financial and operational experience from his professional role at Bud Distributing, where he contributes to business operations and financial management. Jeremy is actively involved in the community through volunteer service with local hospital boards and Rotary clubs, supporting initiatives that strengthen health, service, and civic engagement in the region. Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, he enjoys golfing and staying connected with the community he calls home.
