8 years
How long have you been in your current position?
10 months
What do you love most about your job?
People! I love connecting people, learning about new innovative businesses, technology, and manufacturing. Working for the Chamber challenges you on so many levels.
Tell us about your most embarrassing Chamber moment.
I was having a very busy day and started to reply to an email on my cell phone from one of our
retired gentleman executive committee members while driving to an appointment.
When I came back to complete the email, I thought I had initiated the email to my Board Chair, who is a female and a friend.
I proceeded to invite her away for a much-deserved weekend away to discuss all pending Chamber matters and "have a good time."
Then I pressed the send button.
You can fill in the blanks.
Which Chamber Executive has had the biggest impact on your career and how?
Dr. Dan Meyer.
He gave me the support and encouragement to try new and exciting things at my previous Chamber while challenging me in my gifts.
His heart and passion for serving others were infectious.
What is your Chamber's signature event? Tell us about how it is run and what time of year it is held...
The North Carolina Blackberry Festival is our signature event.
It is held the weekend after the 4
th
of July in downtown Lenoir, NC.
Over 20,000 visitors attend this event. A songwriter's competition, wine and beer garden, Little Miss Blackberry Pageant, blackberry eating contest, recipe contest, non-stop music, and the world's largest blackberry patchwork cobbler pie are just a few of the activities we have at this event as well as 250 vendors.
What is your favorite Carolina destination outside of the one you represent and why?
I love Asheville!
There is a great energy there and always something to do whatever your mood.
You can experience the arts, great food, music, shopping, and the great outdoors. I never get tired of the Biltmore or our beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is spending time with my husband, Reid, and taking our 3 Labrador Retrievers on a hike or a trip to swim in the river.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a famous fashion designer.
I started designing clothes for my Barbie Dolls when I was young and ended up sewing and designing specialty parts for our Space Shuttles after
college.
