Sometimes “timing” is the most important aspect of a successful business decision. Your Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently made two key hiring decisions, welcoming Ashley Love as its new Communications & Marketing Manager and Julie Murray, PCED, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. These two extraordinary ladies will work closely with Operations Manager Janie Simmons, who has 18 years of service to the Chamber. Together, this highly-qualified staff to is set to lead the organization into the future. 

My tenure as Chamber President will end on April 15, making this my “farewell address” to our membership. It has been my privilege and honor to serve in this role over the last year in an interim capacity.  While my time on staff may coming to an end, I plan to remain engaged as a member and volunteer. I look forward to serving on the Strategic Planning Committee and the Economic & Workforce Development Committee. My goal is to continue supporting the Chamber, City of Van Buren, Crawford County, and the River Valley by being an active participant in preparing, developing, and promoting our community for economic growth.  My challenge to our membership is to join in raising the level of expectation for our local economy and quality of life for our community. As the second largest city and county in our region, we must step up and take on the responsibility of being a game changer.
Last year’s Annual Meeting and Business Expo celebrated the 63^rd year of the Chamber’s existence with the theme of “Right Here, Right Now.” I believe it is in our best interest to add to that “Growing and Working Together,” so that we are united in our goal to propel our incredible region to the next level.
“Right Here, Right Now – Growing and Working Together”