Executive Director Hired by Chamber of Commerce

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce has chosen a local resident as it’s new Executive Director. Dorothy Stephenson of Monterey will take over the position come January, 2015.

Ms. Stephenson is a small business owner, having established a dance studio in 2006, and feels that experience will serve valuably in her new role.

“I feel like the Executive Director’s position and the Chamber’s responsibilities are kind of two fold – one, for the small business, encouraging small business, being there as a resource for small business owners, and then also, with the tourism, Maple Festival, Hands and Harvest, Wintertide, is kind of the other branch of their responsibilities, and both of those really excite me, because, I am a small business owner. I know the struggles that small business owners go through, I know what they face, and I know what they feel like when they’re having struggles that can be only unique to Highland because of our unique location. I know what I can do, or what the Chamber can do to help them, and I definitely want to be a resource for them, and a friend for them.”

Ms. Stephenson said she’s looking forward to getting started and growing the Chamber.

“Once I get into the office, and kind of get my feet wet, and get through Maple Festival, which is coming up quick, I want to be able to go out and talk to all the business owners in the community, the Chamber members, to see what I can do, what their concerns are. I’ve met with the Board, and we all get along really well. My biggest concern is doing the best work I can for the community and making them proud.

“I definitely want to work towards making a Chamber membership an even more valuable asset for the small business owners and members of the community, so I open the door for anybody who wants to come talk to me, provide their opinions, their comments, concerns. The Chamber has done an awesome job doing what they can for the community, but I’m really interested in taking it one step further, so, my office door is open, whoever wants to come talk, I’ll be absolutely grateful and interested in listening.”