In this episode, host Josh Hirsch interviews Tara Tomcsik-Husak, President and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, about the importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector. Tara emphasizes the need for nonprofits to minimize competition and work together to make a bigger impact. She shares examples of successful collaborations, such as partnering with local businesses and other nonprofits to drive their missions. Tara also discusses the importance of networking, asking for feedback, and being open-minded to learn from others. She encourages nonprofits to join chambers of commerce, attend conferences, and connect with other organizations to find collaborative opportunities.

Takeaways

• Collaboration in the nonprofit sector is about minimizing competition and working together to make a bigger impact.
• Nonprofits can partner with local businesses and other organizations to drive their missions and create a well-rounded approach.
• Networking and connecting with other organizations is essential for finding collaborative opportunities.
• Asking for feedback and being open-minded to learn from others can help nonprofits grow and improve.
• Joining chambers of commerce, attending conferences, and researching other organizations can lead to collaborative partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to IMPACTability and Nonprofit Leaders podcast

03:18 Tara's nonprofit journey and founding Feline Fund

05:59 The importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector

09:18 Finding collaborative opportunities

15:21 The benefits of being vulnerable and asking for help

27:47 Wrap-up and final thoughts

Guest Bio

Tara Tomcsik-Husak brings over 20 years of experience in non-profit management, the arts, and hospitality industries. She is enthusiastic and passionate about developing loyal community/ business relationships while making an impact.

She currently serves over 700 businesses/nonprofit organizations in her role as President/ CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, fostering relationships and connectivity for businesses to collaborate and grow. In this role, she is responsible for the Chamber’s business retention/expansion, infrastructure, workforce/education, health and safety, civic innovation, and collaboration with city and county governmental agencies and other economic development organizations. She also serves as chair of the Nonprofit Network where she hosts monthly educational forums and a nonprofit management conference for over 75 nonprofits.

Her career started in hospitality, working in operations and sales in numerous hotel and restaurant chains. She transitioned into the nonprofit field starting in corporate development and grassroots fundraising for the American Heart Association for Washtenaw County and quickly progressed into serving as the Vice President of Mission Advancement, encompassing mission development and engagement across the Midwest.

After working at the AHA, she served as the Executive Director of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, fulfilling the mission, to empower young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of theatrical and musical art that engages, transforms and inspires. She served as the executive leader and manager for financial operations, administrative operations, fund development, grant writing/reporting, human resources, and marketing and communications. In addition, she served and represented the organization as the spokesperson, promoting the mission and its activities to the board of directors, foundations, corporations, volunteers, community partners, media, and donors.

Her work as an actress and vocalist provided her with the ability to travel the world. Performing professionally in theatres and concert halls in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Poland, Alaska, Hawaii, NYC, and Michigan. You may have seen her in many local/national commercials, films, and TV shows such as All My Children and the Detroiters. She is also the current host of a podcast series, "Members on the Mic," and video series, “Inside Corporate Troy.”

Tara was recognized in 2022 as a Notable Woman in Nonprofit in Crains Detroit Business, a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Corp Magazine, and in 2018 as one of Oakland County’s 40 under 40 award recipients. She currently serves on the CEO Action Committee for Diversity, Troy DDA, Business Advisory Board for Madonna University, Wayne State Alumni Council, Culture Source Member, Michigan Nonprofit Association Member, and NPN Chair, and serves as an active volunteer for many local charities that serve youth, arts, and animal welfare.

Her passion for animal welfare led her to found Feline Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterinary care to cats in need throughout Metro Detroit, Flint, and Ann Arbor. In less than two years, she has provided care for over 1500 homeless cats. Tomcsik graduated with degrees in Communications and Peace and Conflict Studies from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She currently resides in Novi with her husband, Michael and two cats, Nomi and Jazz.

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