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| ‘It’s just been a great ride’
Chamber of Commerce’s executive director retires after 32 years By Cortney Casey STERLING HEIGHTS — When Lillian Adams became executive director of the Sterling Heights Area Chamber of Commerce in 1976, the organization had few members, little money and a lot of problems. Thirty-two years later, the thriving chamber, which encompasses Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Utica, boasts a membership of about 1,800 businesses. “It wasn’t that I was so good; it was just the timing, the luck and the wonderful people here I had the pleasure to be acquainted with that were really the catalysts,” said Adams. She considers now, amid the organization’s booming success, the right time to retire. “I’m 74. There comes a time when you don’t have quite the oomph and go that you had,” she said. “You know when you’re slowing down a little bit. “They keep saying, ‘How are we going to replace you?’ I said, ‘You’re not replacing; you’re starting over with someone with different ideas and different priorities, and that’s how it should be,’” she added. Though Adams, the chamber’s second — and, technically, final —executive director, has relinquished her position, she’ll continue to serve in a limited role until Wayne Oehmke takes the helm in mid-May. Oehmke, publisher of Oakland County’s Daily Tribune, is being named the chamber’s president, while the head of the Board of Directors will shift from president to chairman. “Most chambers … do call their CEO a president. I’ve just been too lazy (to change titles) because you have to change the bylaws,” laughed Adams. “I said, ‘What difference does it make what we call ourselves?’ (But) it was just time to maybe bring us up to the 21st century.” After accepting the directorship in 1976, Adams said, she quickly learned that things were not as rosy as she’d been told. She faced issues ranging from pending lawsuits to lackluster membership to virtually non-existent funds. “I started, and of course, I find that the 250 members they said they had, they had 50, and most of them hadn’t paid,” she said. Unfazed, Adams immediately solicited advice from “stalwarts in the community.” “They told me who I had to see in town and whose support I needed to get to make it, and to knock on doors,” she said. “And I did just that.” During her reign, Adams wasn’t afraid to make waves. She laughingly recalled how a previous Utica mayor scornfully referred to her, even when she was within earshot, as “that woman.” And one of her fondest memories is staging a rush-hour protest with former Sterling Heights Community Relations Director Pat Lehman to push the Michigan Department of Transportation to construct a median on Van Dyke. “We’re both rather aggressive,” said Adams. “Together, we were formidable.”
Lehman agreed. “We got in trouble many, many times from our bosses, but when they saw the end results, it was always on behalf of the communities that we served, so it was fun getting in trouble with her,” she said. “She’s just been a dynamic, extremely honest, great leader for the tri-communities.” Adams said she’s proudest of her 25 years on a committee to get M-59 built. She recalled having everyone from MDOT to the governor’s office to local politicians on speed dial. “Every single day, I called them,” she laughed. “Every morning, I’d say, ‘Hi, it’s me. Where are you?’” Expecting to be “roasted” at her May 1 retirement party, Adams said she was surprised and pleased by friends’ and colleagues’ touching presentations. Shelby Township Supervisor Ralph Maccarone said Adams has been the chamber’s driving force. “She’s responsible for countless businesses locating in our area,” he said, “and has always been a premier spokesman and supporter of all three communities in business, charitable and civic events.” Utica Mayor Jacqueline Noonan credited Adams with making the chamber one of the most respected organizations in the state. “The partnership and the relationship there is invaluable to the growth and positive development of an area,” Noonan said. “She has always been there to assist the communities that she serves in any fashion.” The Sterling Heights City Council continued the parade of accolades by honoring Adams, a resident of the city, with a resolution May 6. “She did a great job,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte. “One person really made that chamber. If it wasn’t for her, that chamber wouldn’t be what it is today. I just wish her well.” Adams said she doesn’t plan to go far; she intends to assist the chamber with special projects. “My timing coming out here was just right,” she said. “The growth came, and it seemed that there was a need for the chamber. I hope we filled that need. It’s just been a great ride.” Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske contributed to this report. |