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New Chamber officers elected
Chamber looks forward to 2010 with aggressive plans for community

<br>Submitted by Jan Shirley<br>
Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce board members and staff smile for the camera during a recently held all day planning retreat to formulate plans for 2010. Pictured standing are Thad Johnson, Jim Winbourn, Doug Wells, Judy Lollich, Kent Jones, Teresa Rodriquez, Connie Leadabrand, Connie Hiemenz, Jim Wurgler, Jim Bultema, Carol Glassburn, Connie Freson, Kevin Young, Sierra Miller, Michael Vasquez, Dee Seehorn, Mike Besler, and facilitator Char Beltran. Front Row seated are Chamber of Commerce staff members Pimi Bennett, Jan Shirley and Sue Atkinson.

<br>Submitted by Jan Shirley<br> Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce board members and staff smile for the camera during a recently held all day planning retreat to formulate plans for 2010. Pictured standing are Thad Johnson, Jim Winbourn, Doug Wells, Judy Lollich, Kent Jones, Teresa Rodriquez, Connie Leadabrand, Connie Hiemenz, Jim Wurgler, Jim Bultema, Carol Glassburn, Connie Freson, Kevin Young, Sierra Miller, Michael Vasquez, Dee Seehorn, Mike Besler, and facilitator Char Beltran. Front Row seated are Chamber of Commerce staff members Pimi Bennett, Jan Shirley and Sue Atkinson.

WILLIAMS - The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce formulated plans for projects and activities to advance economic activity and improve the community of Williams in 2010. The board of directors and staff hashed out a plan of work for the organization at its annual all day retreat held in Cottonwood recently. The board also reviewed accomplishments of the 2009 year, seated newly elected board members and elected officers for the upcoming year.

Elected to lead the organization next year and serve on the executive board were, Carol Glassburn elected Chairman of the Board, Kent Jones incoming Chairman, Judy Lollich Treasurer, and Connie Hiemenz outgoing Chairman.

"First, I want to thank Connie for all of her hard work serving as chairman this past year," stated Glassburn. "I'm going to need everyone's involvement next year to help this organization accomplish all of our goals. I am honored to be chosen to lead the chamber and will give it my all."

Newly seated board members present were Mike Besler, Jim Bultema, Kent Jones, Connie Leadaband, Dee Seehorn and Jim Winborn. The chamber board consists of 15 members who are elected by members of the organization.

Next those present got down to the business of formulating a plan of work. Char Beltran, a 30-year chamber of commerce and tourism professional, facilitated the discussion. Beltran has served as president of the Sedona and Lake Havasau chambers.

"I have reviewed your plan of work from last year and am impressed at the involvement the Williams Chamber has in the community," Beltran said. "I want to challenge this board to continue this involvement and formulate a vision of where this organization wants to be a year from now and five years from now to meet the challenges of our changing world and marketplace."

Beltran stressed the need to become proficient with all the new technologies that are evolving at breakneck speed. She said chambers must embrace the Internet, become Tweeters, know about Facebook, and encourage members and staff to learn how to utilize new media. The chamber should become capable of using these tools to survey membership, expand marketing messages to targeted audiences and to better communicate the mission to the outside world, Beltran concluded.

Other items the chamber reviewed and made plans for include:

• Continued support for the Clean and Beautiful efforts in Williams.

• The need to support special events activities in Williams, including beginning plans for the Statewide Arizona HOG Rally in June.

• Strengthening the chamber's partnership with the city of Williams and Kaibab National Forest to operate the Visitors Center.

• Hiring and support for a new president of the chamber as a paid executive officer.

• To encourage positive economic development in Williams and continue to support pro business polices in government.

• Maintaining strong ties with the Main Street organization.

• Support efforts for a better community from Ambassadors, Williams Needs an Angel, Education, and Tourism/Marketing committees.

Chairman of the Board Connie Hiemenz concluded the planning session by allowing each board member to emphasize what they would most like to see the chamber focus on in the coming year. A complete written summary of this year's Williams-Grand Canyon 2010 retreat will be available for review in December.


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