The search for a new chamber of commerce leader should wind down by the end of October.
A search committee received 51applications for the job, which was vacated last summer by Kirk Mancer. He accepted a similar position in Shelby County. Leah Bolin is serving as interim president of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and is not seeking the permanent position.
“We have a great search committee in place, but it is taking a little more time than we anticipated,” said Charles NeSmith, current chairman of the chamber of commerce. “Already, we have several applicants who could walk in and, I believe, do an excellent job.”
Two qualities at the top of the search committee’s requirements for the leadership position include a willingness by the new president to visit with members and a strong focus on tourism, NeSmith said.
“We want an outgoing person who makes direct contact with our members. One of the main goals is to improve the quality of membership,” NeSmith said. “This person will also need a strong emphasis on tourism. Learning about the entities we work with and what their needs are will be an important part of the new president’s job. The message is going to be that the chamber of commerce is the servant, that we are here to serve you.”
After hearing the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame proposal Wednesday, NeSmith said the need for greater tourism promotion has become more prominent.
“It’s always been important, but just having an organization like this considering our area shows how valuable preparation and promotion are for the community,” he added. “It was very impressive. I know I would go there and my son would love it.”
Cullman Mayor Max Townson said a few months ago that the city was considering the hiring of a tourism director. With the chamber searching for a new director, city officials are watching to see what direction the business organization will take.
“We want to work with the chamber of commerce because they are so important in all this,” Townson said. “We have money that will be budgeted and it would be great to work the tourism program through the chamber.”
NeSmith said the support of the city and county in the tourism effort will be important to the chamber’s ability to lead tourism development.
“Right now the chamber’s staff is on task with a lot of different responsibilities. A stronger emphasis on tourism is definitely one of the area’s we want to get into our partners. I think hiring a director for tourism is justified, but the financial support will be needed from sources other than the chamber’s budget,” NeSmith said.
NeSmith also emphasized that the chamber’s search committee will hire an individual who understands the value of personal contact, cooperation, and the growing market in tourism.
* David Palmer may be contacted at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com or 256-734-2131, ext. 213.
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