By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

Rob Parker, the CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, located in Warsaw, loves working with people. This born-again Christian practices the Platinum Rule in all of his relationships: “Do unto others what they would have done unto themselves.” Photo provided by Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

WINONA LAKE — “Most of us have heard of the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others what you’d have them do to you,’ ” stated Rob Parker, Winona Lake. “But I try to take that a step further. I live by the Platinum Rule: ‘Do unto others what they would have done unto themselves.’ I help them where they’re at, working to understand them. I seek to give them tools for their success.”

Parker is the CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, located in Warsaw.

“I started out in the business world,” Parker explained. “I worked in communication at a wireless/wireline company. In 2008 I attended the Kosciusko Leadership Academy and began volunteering for non-profit organizations.”

Parker joined the chamber board in 2013. “In 2015 the leader resigned. Some of the fellow board members encouraged me to throw in my hat.” Parker was hired as the new CEO Jan. 1, 2016.

He’s a graduate of U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management. He also participates in retreats put on by the Indiana Chamber Executive Association and attends monthly meetings of the Statewide Main Street organization.

One of the things he enjoys about serving as CEO is that no two days are alike. “I meet with business members to work on growth plans. We’ll survey what’s working and what’s not working. Our goal is to help them any way we can.”

His favorite part of helping people in the business world is being able to share his own insight with them. “We also bring experts alongside new business owners. I get the privilege of learning something new each day as I interact with others.”

According to Parker, one major tenant of the chamber is to make its members famous. “We highlight our members and the work they do through social media and videos. Our social media presence had over 11 million impressions in 2022!”

He also makes sure his staff members: the office manager, the communication director, marketing, member relations manager and Launch Pad director are in the loop. “I make sure we’re all on the same page. We brainstorm ideas, think outside the box, and learn from others while at retreats. I view my work as being the conductor of a fine orchestra. I’m certainly not the most important. But when I get people to work together, we make beautiful music.”

Parker is a big believer in the five C’s: 1) character, 2) commitment, 3) communication, 4) courage, and 5) compassion. “I believe these are also Christ-centered characteristics. When we put our Lord and Savior first, the rest just falls into place. Whether I’m in the business world or not, these five C’s are my priorities to live by.”

A born-again Christian, Parker attends Warsaw Community Church with his wife of 28 years Renee. With his gift of church hospitality, Parker mans the information desk. “I love welcoming visitors and directing members when they have a question. Again, I’m working with people, just like at the chamber.”

The Parkers have two college-aged children. Their son Trenton is studying to be a minister at Grace College. Their daughter Kiersten is studying to be a physician’s assistant at the University of Saint Francis, while playing college soccer.

Although Parker is a busy man, he has many hobbies. He loves snow skiing, playing pickleball with Renee, golfing, biking and fishing in his boat on Winona Lake.