FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2007
Contact Information:
Jim Yarborough
Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce
706-335-1102

Membership Highlights Key Areas of Focus, Attributes for New Jackson County Area Chamber President

The membership of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce has provided the search committee for a new president and chief executive officer with feedback on the key areas of focus for the new leader. Infrastructure growth, government-business cooperation and economic development top the list of items needing attention.

“The results of the membership survey have provided the search committee, board of directors of the chamber and local government leaders with some excellent thoughts,” according to Steve Schingler of Havertys and co-chair of the committee. “This feedback will play an important role in the search process. Questions relating to these issues and others will be a part of the interview process with candidates to determine their level of skills in handling these type matters.” Jeff Blair of Hamilton State Bank also serves as co-chair of the committee.

The survey was conducted online from June 14 through June 26. Of the 730 members receiving the email, 24.42% or 171 responded. Based on similar surveys conducted of other chambers in recent months, the number of responses was well above average.

Chamber members also ranked key personal attributes the search committee should look for when interviewing candidates. Leadership topped the list followed by communications, which includes listening, speaking and writing. Vision also received high marks by the membership as an important personal attribute.

Business acumen ranked extremely high on the list of professional attributes the new president should possess. Economic development skills, networking and leadership development followed as key attributes desired.

“Our community has a very strong and vibrant chamber due to the strong foundation developed in the past,” according to Jim Yarborough, 2007 chair of the chamber and chief executive officer of BJC Medical Center. “The feedback on this survey and stakeholder interviews held in the community during the past few weeks are major ingredients in the search process. Our goal is to find the best qualified individual to move our chamber to a new level of commitment and service through an inclusive process that involves the membership.”

A position description has been developed for the new president. The minimum education and experience requirements for the seat include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience in a leadership position in business or another non-profit organization. Also, a minimum of five years in a leadership position at a chamber of commerce or related field with increasing responsibilities is recommended.

Skill sets desired of the paid executive and listed on the position description include: outstanding consensus building and interpersonal; verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with volunteers, general public, professional staff and news media; proven track record of building successful, lasting relationships as a leader; knowledge of economic and community development; clear understanding of how businesses operate and their needs for success; ability to organize, implement, and evaluate programs; experience as a leader of a professional staff; strategic planning and implementation experience; articulate and poised; ability to identify issues, develop solutions, build support and implement decisions; and creative and innovative in the profession.

Advertisements for the position have been posted on various industry websites, including the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association and Southern Economic Development Council. Personal contacts have also been made with potential candidates throughout the country as a part of the search process. Resumes will be accepted through July 18.

Once the resume deadline has passed, a detailed application will be sent to all candidates seeking additional input on their skill sets and areas of expertise. The search committee expects to receive recommendations for the top three to five candidates to interview in early August.

The chamber plans to employ two new professionals this year. Once the president is selected, a vice president of economic development will be added to the team. The idea is to allow the president to focus more on community visioning and membership relations while the economic development professional will work with existing and potential new companies in order to meet their needs.

The search process, which started in early June, is expected to take 90 to 120 days. The goal of the search committee is to have a president on board October 1.

In addition to Schingler, Blair and Yarborough, other members of the search committee include: Keith Ariail, McDonald Hardware; Pat Bell, Jackson County Board of Commissioners; David Bockman, consultant; Eddie Cartee, Huber Engineered Woods LLC; Mayor Buzzie Hardy, City of Commerce; Keith Johnson, Randstad Work Solutions; Scott Martin, Jackson EMC; Sam McDuffie, First Georgia Banking Co.; Gina Mitsdarffer, J & K Utilities; and Roy Stowe, Jackson EMC.

The chamber has a membership of 515 and is the economic development marketing arm for the community.
The Chason Group, a consulting firm focusing on executive searches and strategic planning for chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, is assisting the committee in the process.

The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, volunteer business organization that serves as the voice of the business community of the Jackson County area. The members of the Chamber of Commerce address a range of issues on a daily basis in an effort to enhance the quality of life and business opportunities available to the citizens of this region of Georgia. This is done in collaboration with government leaders from Jackson County, its nine municipalities, the State of Georgia and the federal government. Through economic development, education, governmental relations and the delivery of member services, the Chamber strives to accomplish its goal of developing leaders and building a community with a high quality of life and opportunities for the future.