Last year at our June Chamber Board meeting, I informed the board that I had decided to retire at the end of the year. They discussed the matter and asked if I would give them more time to determine who my replacement would be.
I agreed to stay until they could complete a search for the next Director of your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. Side note: do you recall reading Family Circus in the cartoon strip where little Jeff goes for a walk that encompasses the entire neighborhood in search of his hat, only to return home and find it on the front porch?
Well, that is what this search committee did as well. Their search went through Wisconsin, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina and in the end, the last person standing was already here.
In case you have not heard already, they chose to offer the position to Michelle B. Long, and she accepted the offer.
When I became the director on Jan. 1, 2010, my thoughts were to A) Get the Chamber’s respectability back on track; B) Increase the Chamber’s awareness in the community; and C) Increase Chamber membership.
I really felt this could be accomplished in three years. I did not anticipate how much fun and excitement this would also be. I must tell you that the time I have spent here at your Chamber has been exciting, and I feel blessed to have been a part of this movement.
The people of Newberry County are wonderful, and I can honestly say that I care deeply for all of you. As I take my leave from this Chamber on Dec. 31, 2015, I leave knowing your Chamber is in capable hands.
You see, Michelle came to work with us in April 2012, and her knowledge and wisdom was quickly apparent. We started her off by sending her to the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management, the four year professional development program for chamber and association professionals, and she graduated this July.
She previously graduated from Clemson University after growing up in the Stoney Hill area. So, essentially, she has spent her entire life in Newberry County and plans to stay.
Other attributes would be: A) Intelligent, B) Courteous, C) Calm under pressure, D) Witty, and E) a Leader.
So, I can now walk away knowing that on Jan. 1, 2016, your Chamber’s leadership will be fresh and ready to face a great future. As for me, I plan to explore other aspects that will appear in my life.
Things like sleeping in, long walks, tending my large yard, relaxing, and who knows what else. If you know me, you probably are aware that I cannot sit still, and there are other avenues that I still have not tried, so being the adventurous type, I will try something else to help the good people of Newberry County.
In the meantime, if you have been considering how you might help Newberry County, why not join the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce? Your Chamber sells Newberry County better than any entity I know, and you can help simply by becoming a Chamber member.
I promise the benefits far outweigh the minor cost of membership and you will be part of something special. Why don’t you come downtown, see the Christmas tree in front of Community Hall, walk into your Chamber and let either Liz, Michelle (congratulate her), or me (at least until Dec. 31), and let us tell you how you can make 2016 a wonderful year for you, simply by jumping on the Chamber bandwagon.
If coming to us is impossible, just call 276-4274. We can’t wait to hear from you. Merry Christmas and remember, shop Newberry County first.