On April 1, 1949, a baby was born weighing just two pounds and four ounces in Mishawaka, Ind. This tiny infant would go on to make a massive impact in the future. Mike Seitz, President of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, has always had a knack for community service.
“I have also been interested in community service for my entire life, as my father was the Superintendent of Parks under six Mayors. I grew up with a strong background in community service to our city and the political arena,” Seitz explained.
Seitz had a long length of education to prepare him for his position as a service and political figure. He attended Lincoln Jr. High and John Adams High School in South Bend. He graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, School of Public and Environmental Affairs. From there, he completed the six year program provided for Chamber Executives at the Institute for Organizational Management. In 1983, he attended the University of Kentucky Institute for Economic Development. But he did not stop there; he also graduated from the South Bend Leadership Program in 1991. Finally, in 1996 he earned the IOM designation from the U.S. Chamber.
Seitz always knew he was meant to serve the public, and after his education he did just that. He started as St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce vice-president of Existing Business and Membership Services. From there he I served as the President of the Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce. Then Seitz shifted his focus and was appointed the Director of Development for the St. Joseph County American Red Cross.
Seitz learned a lot from this position as he explains, “This was a very interesting position as it was during the same time as the September 11 tragedy.”
From there Seitz and his wife moved to La Porte where he took the position of President of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce.
Seitz said, “My wife of 22 years and I were immediately impressed by such a warm welcome from the community when we started and continue to love the City of La Porte and La Porte County. There is such a sense of community pride and in recent years a sense of activities moving the community forward.”
Seitz has excelled in the position and enjoyed every step of it. He brings a positive edge to the position and the organization has made gains.
Seitz elaborates, “This has been the most enjoyable time in my life, here in La Porte, with the chamber. We have been successful in obtaining the four star accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce since 2005. A five star rating is the highest a Chamber can receive and our chamber is one of four Chambers in the state of Indiana that is accredited. In addition, working with our state legislature and governmental affairs has truly made our Chamber the voice of La Porte business. I have been proud to represent this community as President of the La Porte Chamber of Commerce. Working with the leaders of our business community and governmental officials we all have contributed to the positive progressive movement in economic development and increasing our community’s quality of life.”
Seitz also fully enjoys his time away from work. In his spare time he relishes watching his four grandchildren, ages six month to three years old, grow up. He keeps active by playing golf, boating, fishing and supporting the Indiana Hoosiers.
Seitz comments, “I have been very fortunate to have a supportive family, my wife Cheryl and two sons and Gizmo, our Boston terrier, friends in the community and being able to continue my community service.”