Sterett “Stet” Schanze, president of Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. in St. Joseph, Mo., will serve as chairman of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors. Gray Manufacturing designs and manufactures world class lifting and floor service products in the heavy-duty truck market.
Schanze takes over chairman duties from Brad Thomas, president of the Silver Dollar City Company, who has completed his two-year term. Thomas handed over the ceremonial gavel during the Missouri Chamber’s board meeting on Nov. 7, 2024.
“It is an honor to be selected as chairman of the Missouri Chamber Board of Directors, and I look forward to serving an organization that plays a vital role in the success of our state, our communities and our businesses,” Schanze said. “As chairman, I hope to embark on an organizational strategic plan for the Missouri Chamber so that we can focus on transformational initiatives to continue to secure Missouri’s position as an economic powerhouse and the best state in the nation to do business.”
The Missouri Chamber is the largest business association in the state and works to ensure employers’ voices are heard on legislative, regulatory and judicial issues. The Missouri Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from 46 companies across the state.
“I’d like to congratulate Stet Schanze on being elected chairman,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. “Stet is a visionary and dynamic leader, as well as someone I deeply respect. I am confident that both the future of the Missouri Chamber and our state’s business climate look bright under his leadership. I look forward to working closely with him to protect and advance Missouri employers.”
Schanze has been with Gray Manufacturing since 2001 and has over 30 years of executive level management experience. As president, he oversees day-to-day operations and leads the strategic direction of the company.
Schanze recently completed an 11-year stint as a member of the Board of Directors of the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI), three of which were as chairman. ALI promotes safe design, construction, installation, inspection and use of automotive lift products. Previously, Schanze served as chair of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. He lives in St. Joseph with his wife, Jeanne.
