Articles of Interest

Living the Association's Values       
Bob Harris, CAE   
Boards frequently adopt values. Values are the guiding principles that are intended to frame discussions, decisions, and events.
  
This is the time of year when many Americans contemplate giving back - and not coincidentally, it's also the time of year when nonprofits and charities of all stripes send out solicitations for donations.
 
  
CACCE

2019 CACCE
Event Dates
 

Be sure to save our dates on your calendar :

Staff Leadership Development Conference
April 14 - 16, 2019
Winston-Salem, NC

 
Annual Management Conference

October 2 - 4, 2019
Myrtle Beach, SC 


Ryan W. Simons    
Ryan Simons How long have you been in Chamber work ?  
5.5 years

How long have you been in your current position
5.5 years

What do you love most about your job?
I love working with other community organizations and leaders to help make Wilson a better place.  Coming to work is a pleasure when you know that what you do is making a difference.
 
Tell us about your most embarrassing Chamber moment.
I accidentally double-booked two keynote speakers for one event.  I didn't realize it until five minutes into one of the speaker's remarks - when the other speaker (a high-profile government official) walked through the door with her remarks and presentation in hand!
   
Who has had the biggest impact on your career and how?
My biggest professional influence was a boss I had early in my career.  To this day, I've never met a better communicator, or anyone who could lead with such ease and confidence.  Any personal leadership style I may have developed over time began with the example he set.
 
What is your Chamber's signature event? Tell us more about it... 
Our business expo (the Wilson Spring Expo), has really flourished over the past three years. It has outgrown its original venue, and has started to earn some regional attention. It's become an event that many in our community look forward to.
 
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
My wife and I started our family and careers on the Outer Banks, and made great memories there. Whenever we visit, it's like a part of us never left.
 
Tell us more about your family and what you like to do in your spare time...
Married to my best friend (Debra) for 12 years, with two daughters (ages 10 and 6). Husbands, fathers, and chamber executives don't have a lot of spare time, but whatever little bit I do have, I try to enjoy on my back porch with a nice cigar and single malt scotch.
 
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My dad was in the Marine Corps when I was growing up, so military service was something I always considered. I also thought I could have made a good lawyer, unfortunately, my undergraduate performance suggested otherwise!

Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives | 404-312-0524 | tfulmer@tlfexecutiveservices.com | http://www.cacce.org
1622 Tarklin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37920