New President Leads Chamber of Commerce

With an extensive background in information technology and social media, the new president of the Sussex Area Chamber of Commerce, Chuck Schuele, is ready to develop Sussex on a comprehensive business level.

Schuele began his two-year term with the arrival of the New Year, and he took the torch from former president Heather Pfalz. After living in the area for 8 years, he decided it was time to step up and volunteer with the chamber.

Schuele says it is time to bring something back to Sussex: prosperity.

Schuele’s long career in IT management and marketing offer the chamber useful tools to tackle new goals.

“My background and experience and managing - all of that - helps set a foundation that will bring something to the table for the position,” Schuele said.

Schuele said his first lofty goal will be to get out and meet businesses that are part of the chamber to see how the chamber can help the local business members.

Among business involvement, Schuele looks forward to increasing community engagement and seeing progressive growth in business infrastructure.

In his plan, Schuele wants to establish a proficient and more professional chamber website, and further social media usage. These changes would help reflect a professional image to outside businesses and the community.

Schuele said these direct changes would “make a brand” for the chamber and Sussex as a whole. While he understands the rough economic landscape is currently the main challenge for businesses, the new president knows business-to-business networking is of great importance.

“The Sussex area isn’t a huge business area, but it does offer a potpourri of businesses, and that's a good aspect for businesses to help each other."

The Position Found Him

After a long series of events, the opportunity to become president of the chamber found Schuele after meeting the past president five years ago over a business transaction at Waukesha State Bank.

His current company, My Virtual Project, works with a vast range of local and worldwide clients to help them develop websites, graphics, marketing materials, establish social media and more. It's also part of the Sussex chamber. Schuele started the company with his wife in 2008.

Schuele grew up and spent is childhood in the Oconomowoc area and loved the rural atmosphere. After spending time working in Milwaukee, he decided come back to the Sussex area and said he looks forward to getting back to his roots and seeing the village grow.