Meet Courtney Garrett
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Courtney Garrett
Diversity + Business Development Director Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) 203. S Washington Avenue Suite 260 Saginaw, MI 48607 (989) 824-1062 [email protected] www.cmurc.com |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: 2019
Q: What year did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: 2025
Q: What motivated you to become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I genuinely enjoy being a connector, and serving as an Ambassador allows me to play a small role in helping our local business community thrive. It's also a great opportunity to continue building relationships with people who are passionate about making our region stronger.
Q: What’s a small moment as an Ambassador that made you feel proud to be involved?
A: One of the moments that always makes me proud is seeing a new member walk into an event not knowing anyone and leaving with a handful of connections and a sense of belonging. They just found a few new best friends without even knowing. I did.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you, personally or professionally?
A: One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is: "People may not remember everything you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
Q: If someone is attending their first Chamber event, what’s one thing you hope they take away from the experience?
A: I hope they leave feeling connected. It can be intimidating walking into a room full of people you don't know, but one of the things I love most about our Chamber community is how welcoming and supportive it is.
Q: If someone wanted to start a conversation with you at a Chamber event, what’s an easy topic to bring up?
A: Entrepreneurship, community, or food! I love hearing people's stories, what they're building, and what they're passionate about. And if all else fails, ask me where to find the best local restaurant, what community event I'm helping plan next, or how many things I have on my calendar this week. Chances are we'll have plenty to talk about!
Q: What role has the Chamber played in your personal or professional growth?
A: The Chamber isn't just about business, it's about people. Many of the relationships I've built through the Chamber have turned into genuine friendships, collaborations, and opportunities to make a real impact.
Q: What’s one skill or area of expertise people are often surprised to learn you have?
A: People are surprised to learn that event management is one of my strongest skill sets. I absolutely love creating experiences that bring people together. There's a lot more strategy behind events than people realize. You're managing partnerships, logistics, marketing, budgets, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, speakers, and attendee experience all while making it look effortless. I thrive in that environment. I joke that I can plan a large community event, connect you to the right resource, and tell you where to get a great meal all in the same conversation. That's probably my superpower.
Q: What’s something you’re currently learning or would like to learn next?
A: I'm in the process of developing a new business venture (heard it here first), which has given me the opportunity to learn from an entirely different perspective, as the entrepreneur. It's been a great reminder that growth happens when you're willing to stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning, no matter where you are in your journey. I truly believe that if you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably in the wrong room. I love being surrounded by people who challenge me to think bigger and learn something new.
Q: What's one thing you always have at your desk?
A: A notepad. Actually, several notepads. No matter how much technology evolves, I still love putting pen to paper. I have notebooks and notepads filled with ideas, meeting notes, event plans, random thoughts, and reminders that go back years. A former boss once told me, "If it's not on paper, it doesn't exist." That stuck with me like glue.
Q: If your job had a theme song, what would it be?
A: Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. Not because of the title exactly, but because every new opportunity seems to come with a new challenge to solve. The bigger the opportunity, the more moving pieces there are behind the scenes. However, while the problems may come with the territory, so do the rewards and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Published: June 2026
A: 2019
Q: What year did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: 2025
Q: What motivated you to become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I genuinely enjoy being a connector, and serving as an Ambassador allows me to play a small role in helping our local business community thrive. It's also a great opportunity to continue building relationships with people who are passionate about making our region stronger.
Q: What’s a small moment as an Ambassador that made you feel proud to be involved?
A: One of the moments that always makes me proud is seeing a new member walk into an event not knowing anyone and leaving with a handful of connections and a sense of belonging. They just found a few new best friends without even knowing. I did.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you, personally or professionally?
A: One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is: "People may not remember everything you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
Q: If someone is attending their first Chamber event, what’s one thing you hope they take away from the experience?
A: I hope they leave feeling connected. It can be intimidating walking into a room full of people you don't know, but one of the things I love most about our Chamber community is how welcoming and supportive it is.
Q: If someone wanted to start a conversation with you at a Chamber event, what’s an easy topic to bring up?
A: Entrepreneurship, community, or food! I love hearing people's stories, what they're building, and what they're passionate about. And if all else fails, ask me where to find the best local restaurant, what community event I'm helping plan next, or how many things I have on my calendar this week. Chances are we'll have plenty to talk about!
Q: What role has the Chamber played in your personal or professional growth?
A: The Chamber isn't just about business, it's about people. Many of the relationships I've built through the Chamber have turned into genuine friendships, collaborations, and opportunities to make a real impact.
Q: What’s one skill or area of expertise people are often surprised to learn you have?
A: People are surprised to learn that event management is one of my strongest skill sets. I absolutely love creating experiences that bring people together. There's a lot more strategy behind events than people realize. You're managing partnerships, logistics, marketing, budgets, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, speakers, and attendee experience all while making it look effortless. I thrive in that environment. I joke that I can plan a large community event, connect you to the right resource, and tell you where to get a great meal all in the same conversation. That's probably my superpower.
Q: What’s something you’re currently learning or would like to learn next?
A: I'm in the process of developing a new business venture (heard it here first), which has given me the opportunity to learn from an entirely different perspective, as the entrepreneur. It's been a great reminder that growth happens when you're willing to stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning, no matter where you are in your journey. I truly believe that if you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably in the wrong room. I love being surrounded by people who challenge me to think bigger and learn something new.
Q: What's one thing you always have at your desk?
A: A notepad. Actually, several notepads. No matter how much technology evolves, I still love putting pen to paper. I have notebooks and notepads filled with ideas, meeting notes, event plans, random thoughts, and reminders that go back years. A former boss once told me, "If it's not on paper, it doesn't exist." That stuck with me like glue.
Q: If your job had a theme song, what would it be?
A: Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. Not because of the title exactly, but because every new opportunity seems to come with a new challenge to solve. The bigger the opportunity, the more moving pieces there are behind the scenes. However, while the problems may come with the territory, so do the rewards and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Published: June 2026
Thank you to our Chairman's Circle Sponsors
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