By Angelica Ingram
Published Aug. 23 2016
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce board of directors has announced staff member Autumn Smith will be the organization's new manager effective Sept. 1.
The decision was made following a board meeting last week and was announced on Aug. 18 in a press release issued by chamber president Jerry Walker.
The position will mark a promotion for Smith who was hired by the chamber in December 2015 to fulfill the role of member services representative. Smith will fill the manager role previously held by Rosemarie Jung who was let go by the board earlier this year.
Prior to being hired by the chamber Smith worked at Haliburton's Moose FM as a reporter/radio announcer.
She is looking forward to the opportunity and challenges ahead.
“I'm really honoured” said Smith. “It's really awesome to have their [the board's] support. It boosts my confidence too.”
Smith said the chamber won't be replacing her former position during the transition period.
The new manager is looking forward to continuing to serve the members of the area which is a priority for her.
“I know one of the goals is to go out and visit members more” said Smith in regards to new responsibilities. “We really want the manager position to be more interactive … so members can look forward to that. We really want to be out there more often.”
Smith will continue to oversee the chamber newsletters e-blasts and other communication tools.
“I'm just so excited to get started” she said.
The board is also looking forward to the change and says members can look forward to an active board of directors and manager.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Autumn to develop new and existing services to promote and support the business community” said Walker in the release. “Our vision remains focused on seeing every business in Haliburton County a thriving successful year round venture bringing wealth and prosperity to both the business community and its people.”