Last week, we started telling you about the employees that make your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce a very special chamber.

This week, we are focusing on Michelle Long.

We were fortunate to have Michelle rescue us in April 2012. Liz and I were struggling to maintain all the programs we had started, and Michelle came in and was able to pick up everywhere we needed assistance.

At that time, we were struggling with our new website as well as our weekly chamber newsletter, and Michelle took ownership and even improved what we had originally been attempting.

So, just who is Michelle B. Long?

Born Michelle Boozer, she was born right here in Newberry County.

She grew up in the Stoney Hill community dreaming that one day she would be an astronaut. She enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together simply because she wanted to know how things work. Now personally, one would think Michelle would have been a natural to study engineering, but following graduation from Newberry Academy she chose to attend Clemson University, graduating with a degree in psychology.

She then returned to Newberry and went to work for the Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

She married Dennis Long, gained two “bonus” daughters, and now together, they have a daughter Braylen.

After nearly 15 years in the social work field, Michelle changed paces to work with people and organizations in a different way by joining your chamber and still has that desire to help make a difference in the world. Michelle did not start Newberry’s Harper Street Fourth of July parade, but for the last couple of years, she has been the parade’s organizer. She is also active in her church and many other efforts throughout Newberry County.

The first thing I noticed about Michelle was her air of “calmness under stress.”

Liz and I might get excited about deadlines, etc. but Michelle steps in and easily calms us down. Trust me; your chamber is moving forward in impressive style.

Our planned events for 2013 will continue to improve just because we have Michelle and Liz making things happen. Michelle will also be the driver for our 21st Annual Golf Tournament in October, which we fully expect to be another great chamber offering.

I certainly hope these last two updates have shown you the value of the folks that help make your chamber stand out. We feel confident your chamber employees will always go out of their way to display friendliness and sell Newberry County as “the” destination place. It is this friendliness that tells our visitors they are welcome here!

If you have been struggling with the idea of “making a difference,” why not opt to get involved with your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce? We welcome your membership and would love to tell you how you might volunteer through your chamber and help make Newberry County a better place to live, work, and play.

Why not call 276-4274 and let Michelle, Liz, or me tell you the many benefits of Chamber membership? Choose to make a difference, if only for the next generation.