To local businesses, joining a chamber of commerce is likely one of the first items to complete, once established. Chambers are known for bringing visibility to businesses and providing networking opportunities, important resources and a sense of community.
The Plainfield Chamber of Commerce was established in 1967 and hired its first executive director in 1992.
This year, a new executive director has taken the helm and he’s excited to see how businesses in Plainfield can thrive.
On the surface, Executive Director Tim Weigel might not be the obvious first choice for the job, but his experience, transferable skills and love for the Town of Plainfield makes him the perfect fit.
Weigel served as the director and vice president of field marketing for CKE Restaurants, Inc. for more than 30 years. They own Hardee’s restaurants, and after several moves throughout the country, the job brought him to the Indianapolis area.
“My business was in Nashville, Tennessee, and there was a lot of traveling all over the country,” he said. “We eventually called Plainfield home for 15 years, and four of my six children went through Plainfield School Corporation, but I didn’t get too involved in civic organizations in town because of all of the traveling.”
When a friend suggested he apply for the executive director position for the Plainfield Chamber, Weigel wasn’t sure, but the friend told him, “You like to talk to people. You know a lot of people in town and you like getting to know their story.”
The Plainfield Chamber board agreed, and as Weigel and the board continued discussions, it was clear that his experience could truly move the chamber’s goals forward.
“I understand the small-business perspective, what their challenges are and what they are looking for,” Weigel said. “I’m a problem solver by nature and it’s interesting to hear everyone’s story – how they started their business and what they hope to gain from a chamber membership. I want to look at how we can help you expand, grow and improve, and create tools and resources to help you do that.”
For those unaware of what the chamber does for the town and local businesses, Weigel said it’s not a marketing expense, but rather an investment in the community.
“When I was with CKE Restaurants, I really only knew of the chamber through the many ribbon cuttings we did with them,” Weigel said. “They were the bridge to help introduce the new business to the local community, but since I’ve come on board, I can’t believe all the things the chamber can provide. You get out of it what you put into it.”
The monthly meetings allow time to get to know fellow business owners, network, and create plans for growth and success. They include a catered lunch for a small fee, door prizes using your business card, and an educational speaker, sharing tips ranging from community concerns to best business practices.
Other events throughout the month, such as Happy Hour, First Friday Meetup, Chamber Café and Small Business Round Table, provide educational opportunities and expose businesses to resources they might not have known about otherwise.
All networking events, with the exception of Small Business Round Table, are held at various local restaurants each month.
“There’s a real sense of community and so many things that can benefit businesses,” Weigel said. “Learn about sponsorship and promotional opportunities. You have additional access to resources for advocacy. There are a lot of programs we can point people toward to help you.”
The chamber hosts large annual events for the community, such as the farmers market each summer and the annual Quaker Day Parade. They also provide three college scholarships, including two to high school seniors and one to an adult going back to school, each year.
As Weigel begins his new position, he’s learning quickly that although he felt he knew many people in Plainfield, he’s just getting started.
“I have been so blessed and surprised at how welcoming the town has been,” he said. “I’ve met with many of the town leaders and have recurring meetings with Town Manager Andrew Klinger. He tells me what’s going on and I’m able to share some of that with our members. I recently met with Scott Singleton, director of transportation, and he brought me up to date on the work to be done on U.S. 40.”
He’s also making plans for the future of the chamber and creating ways to better serve members, starting with his desire for the current staff to remain where they are.
“Terri [Fisher, executive manager] and Nichole [Schmitt, executive assistant] are here and they do such a great job,” he said. “It was one of the criteria I had when accepting the position. I wanted this staff to stay and I’m already learning so much from them.”
In addition, the team is working on a new strategic plan and hopes to start implementing some of those plans in 2025.
Weigel has some personal goals as well. He’s working on additional tools, such as a guide to start a new business, and he’s reaching out to local businesses, hoping to share what the chamber has to offer.
“I want to continue to develop relationships with other chambers in the surrounding towns and counties,” he said. “I met with Zionsville, Avon, Danville and others, and I want to continue to do that. I can learn from these other executives. I would also like to grow our membership base to over 500. We’ve been in the mid-400s for quite some time and I’d like to get over that 500-member goal.”
In addition, Weigel is attending the local Kiwanis and Rotary Club meetings, getting familiar with the many nonprofit service organizations serving Plainfield.
“I’m still learning about the position and hope to be able to help Plainfield continue to grow in the right way,” he said. “I love the Town of Plainfield. It’s a community based on values, and I just love the people here.”
