FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2006
Contact Information:
Will Beattie
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce
706-635-7400
Tim Chason
The Chason Group, Inc.
404-735-0540

Gilmer County Chamber Set To
Begin Interviews For New President

Thirty-one resumes have been received for the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce president’s position. Members of the search committee plan to begin interviews with the leading candidates in the next few weeks.

“We are extremely pleased with the interest shown for this important position,” says Will Beattie, chair of the search committee and incoming chair of the chamber. “The experience levels of the candidates range from a recent college graduate to an individual with over 20 years in the chamber or economic development profession. There are several non-traditional candidates outside of the chamber field who have expressed a desire to lead the organization as well.”

Twenty-three of the candidates submitting resumes are from the state of Georgia. Candidates from Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington are also in the mix.

The search process began in earnest last month. A position description was developed by the search committee members as well as a timeline. Postings for the position were placed on the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and Georgia Economic Development Association websites. Letters with background information on the community and position were mailed to over 130 chamber and economic development leaders in the southeast to generate interest.

The deadline for receiving resumes was August 11. On August 15, each person submitting a resume was provided an application to complete in order for the committee to learn more about the candidates’ philosophies and leadership skills. The applications are due this week.

“Feedback from the membership and government leaders is one of the cornerstones of the search,” according to Beattie. “Our goal is to make this an inclusive process. The chamber president will serve our membership and represent the community in many ways. The feedback we have received through ‘stakeholder’ interviews is invaluable to our selection process.”

Based on a membership survey completed this month, communication skills are by far the key qualification the membership has indicated the new president must possess. Leadership is next in line as a top quality the person should hold followed by organization abilities and strategic visioning.

“The board of directors of the chamber is taking a very calculated approach to selecting the new president,” says Beattie. “Our goal is to move the organization to a new, higher level of service for the membership and become the leader in economic development for the community. We recognize the importance of supporting our existing businesses while at the same time seeking new companies to locate in Gilmer County. An increase in the tax base and opportunities for new jobs are important to the long-term vitality of the community.”

Chamber and government leaders have been working together during the past several months to build a stronger partnership. Economic development is the central theme for the partnership. Chamber leaders view the new president’s position as one that will solidify the relationships between all local governments and the business community while at the same time provides state economic development officials with a single point of contact for new business prospects.

Members of the chamber’s search committee include Beattie as chair; Steven Purvis, current chair of the chamber; Kyle Ray; Mark Holden; Paula Plumley; Melinda Hadden; and Jamie Tallent.

The chamber has nearly 500 members. A majority of the members are small businesses in the agricultural, professional and retail sectors.

The Chason Group, Inc., of Cartersville, Georgia is assisting the chamber in the search for a president.