DOWAGIAC, Mich. — August 24, 2026 — The Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Joe LasCola as its new Marketing and Events Manager, bringing extensive nonprofit event-management experience, an entrepreneurial perspective and a growing commitment to the Dowagiac community to the Chamber team.
LasCola brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit event planning and logistics
from his time with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During his tenure, he managed events ranging from smaller 200-person educational sessions to large-scale annual conferences attracting more than 12,000 attendees.
That experience will translate directly to his new role with the Chamber, where he will help coordinate and manage Dowagiac's festivals, events and other community initiatives.
"Joe brings a tremendous amount of experience to the Chamber, particularly when it comes to the logistics and vendor coordination that go into producing successful events," said Kris Soenen, Chamber President. "But just as important, Joe has a genuine desire to become part of this community. He isn't simply coming here to work; he and his family have chosen Dowagiac as their home, and he wants to make a difference here."
For LasCola, the opportunity represents both a professional fit and a way to become more deeply connected to his new community.
"I see this role as a way to really put down roots and become part of Dowagiac," LasCola said. "I want to help create great experiences for families, support our local businesses and contribute to making the community a place people want to visit and live."
Originally from the Chicago area, LasCola also lived in Florida and Utah before ultimately choosing Dowagiac as the place to raise his family. His connection to the area began through his father-in-law, who owned a cottage on Big Twin Lakes for 32 years. Today, LasCola and his family are making Dowagiac their home, where he and his wife, Kelly, are raising their three children, Theo, Happy and Sonny.
"I wanted my kids to grow up in a small town where they can see what it means to be part of a community and to have an impact on the place where they live," LasCola said. One of LasCola's primary goals in his new position is to help the Chamber continue developing events that benefit both residents and local businesses. He sees well-executed festivals and community events as an opportunity to generate economic activity while also giving families new reasons to enjoy their hometown.
"Events aren't just about putting something on a calendar," LasCola said. "They're an opportunity to bring people into the community, support our businesses and create experiences that people remember. I want to help make our events as successful as they can possibly be."
LasCola assumes many of the responsibilities previously handled by Matt Money, who served as the Chamber's Marketing and Events Coordinator. Money is shifting his professional focus toward his real estate and property development endeavors, as well as his new role as an economic development consultant for the City of Dowagiac.
The Chamber looks forward to building on the momentum of its growing membership and expanding events and tourism initiatives with LasCola as part of its team.
