It's an awesome story that travels back in time 113-years. After losing his cap repeatedly on the windy locomotive where he worked, George "Stormy" Kromer asked his wife, Ida, to stitch a new-fashioned baseball cap with a high-crown, a pull-down earband to keep it snug, and a soft, cloth visor. That simple six-panel cap was so unlike the popular fedora of the day, all of Mr. Kromer's fellow engineers wanted one. Thus was born the iconic Stormy Kromer hat. If you're not familiar with it…think Elmer Fudd, only decidedly more stylish in nature.
The Stormy Kromer story and a whole lot more will be shared with businessmen and women from throughout Michigan's Great Southwest at next month's Summit 2016 hosted by the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce on the South Haven Campus of Lake Michigan College.
Keynote speaker Bob Jacquart of Jacquart Fabric Products who joined his father's business at the age of 19 and has been a key player ever since. His father launched his career by sewing bank bags in the basement of his own home in 1958. Today, Jacquart is the home of the famous Stormy Kromer hat, having saved the business from extinction 15 years ago when it was about to cease production in 2001.
Bob will tell his Southwest Michigan audience about how his small business got off the ground in the tiny community of Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula, and his personal philosophy to "never stop growing."
Summit 2016 is slated for Friday, October 28th. With the subtitle of "Empowering Business Leaders," the Summit is designed to be a high-caliber business seminar relevant for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Both chamber members non-members are invited and encouraged to attend the day on campus.
Two other speakers will round out the inspirational and informative workshop sessions including Brenda VanderMuelen and Elizabeth Wells Skaggs. VanderMuelen will present "From Managing to Leading, Creating a Shared Vision," while Attorney Wells Skaggs will present an informative session focusing on employment issues facing businesses today.
Tickets are $60 for Chamber Members and $70 for non-members. That price includes lunch. You can purchase tickets now by calling 1-269-637-5171 or by e-mailing to cofc@southhavenmi.com
Corporate partnership opportunities are also available by clicking the link below, or be contacting Susan at the same phone number, 1-269-637-5171 or e-mailing to events@southhavenmi.com.
