🌟 Ambassador Spotlight: Melinda Rae Schmidt, MR Consulting

Meet Melinda Rae Schmidt, founder of MR Consulting and one of our dedicated Chamber Ambassadors. Melinda is passionate about building authentic relationships, connecting people, and helping others succeed.

💡 The "Why"

"I love people and getting to know them. What makes them tick? What do they love about life? What challenges have they overcome? Everyone has a story, and I enjoy learning from it."

🍽️ One Last Charlotte Meal

If Melinda had just one meal left in the Charlotte area, she'd head straight to Rooster's.

"There's an Uptown location and soon one opening in Davidson, which I'm excited about because I'll be able to walk there from home! The menu changes seasonally, and honestly, I've never had a bad meal there. Anybody want to join me?"

🚀 Best Advice for New Chamber Members

"You've made the commitment to join. Now take the next step and get involved. Join a committee, attend Member Orientation, and learn about all the resources available to you. Consistency is key!"

🎉 What Does Fun Look Like?

For Melinda, fun is all about meaningful connection.

"I love spending time with people I care about, having great conversations, laughing, and sharing experiences together. A bike ride through a charming town is hard to beat. I also enjoy live music, writing, and dancing. If you know me, you know I'm usually the first one on the dance floor! I'm currently turning my writing into a book, which isn't always fun, but it's definitely rewarding."

😄 A Surprising Fun Fact

"I was 'Velora The Bar Fly' and did weekly bar reviews on the morning show for 107.9 The End in Cleveland, Ohio! Ask me about it sometime."

🤝 What She Loves About Welcoming New Members

"I enjoy getting to know new members and learning what they're building in their careers and lives. Everyone brings a unique perspective and story."

⭐ Chamber Resource You Shouldn't Miss

Member Orientation

"It's one of the best ways to learn how to maximize your membership and uncover opportunities to connect, promote your business, and get involved."

💬 One More Question: What Makes Someone Valuable in a Business Community?

"The people who create the most impact are usually not the loudest people in the room. They're the ones who build trust, connect people thoughtfully, follow through, and genuinely want to help others grow. Strong business communities are built through real relationships, not just transactions. When people feel seen, supported, and connected, better businesses and better outcomes naturally follow."

Thank you, Melinda, for your enthusiasm, authenticity, and commitment to helping Chamber members build meaningful connections and thrive!