The Yale Area Chamber of Commerce revealed to its members this past December that their treasurer was involved in an alleged embezzlement case.
The treasurer had worked for the chamber’s executive board since 2019, with the chamber’s website showing that Kellie Lauwers, wife of State Sen. Dan Lauwers of Brockway Township, began her work as treasurer in 2019. She was recently replaced in the role by Fred Manulow.
According to the chamber, they are “working closely with law enforcement and financial auditors to determine the full extent and impact of the alleged embezzlement.”
According to chamber president Kate DeRue, measures taken to prevent further issues include limiting the number of authorized signers on their bank accounts to the president, vice president and treasurer and setting up text alerts for any withdrawal or purchase over the amount of $100 from the accounts.
Another change is that where only the treasurer had online viewing access to the bank accounts, now the president, vice president, and the chamber’s CPA have online viewing access as well. The case also prompted the board to begin including monthly reconciliation reports at their monthly meetings to increase transparency and oversight.
It is unclear if charges have yet been pursued in the case.
