New face at Chamber brimming with energy, ideas

As the new administrative assistant at the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, I’m excited to bring my experience in writing, customer service and nonprofit involvement to the Iola community and its local businesses and organizations. 

I grew up in Coffeyville and attended Kansas State University where I graduated with my bachelor’s in English and creative writing. My husband and I moved to the area in June after spending 14 months in the Nebraska Panhandle. As I learn and settle into the community, I bring with me a passion for writing, local history, community involvement, and investment in the lives of families and youth. 

During the past three years, I’ve gathered customer service experience in the banking and health insurance sectors. Those three years fostered a passion for excellent service — the drive to go above and beyond to give people what they need to make well-informed decisions and be successful. 

I’m excited to use that passion here at the Chamber as I assist with community events and business development programs.

As I learn my job and partner with Director Jill Hartman, I’m dedicated to serving the community by assisting with tourism development, furthering business reach and being another friendly resource to those who call in or stop by the Chamber office. 

Over the past decade, I’ve contributed time and resources to multiple nonprofit organizations, including Compassion International, Show-Me Christian Youth Home and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I highly value investing in local families and youth. Families and youth build the community’s future, and when they succeed, so does the community, its businesses and its organizations. I look forward to pursuing opportunities to partner with local organizations who dedicate themselves to investing in the community’s future through families and youth. 

I’m eager to use my gifts and passions to benefit the Chamber and its members. I plan to use my writing to assist with grants, future newsletters, brochures and website content. I also hope to incorporate my love of local history to help promote the Iola area as the Chamber pursues tourism opportunities. I also look forward to helping local businesses tell their stories as they seek to grow and reach more customers. I’m excited to be part of local organizations like Harvest Baptist Church and CITF/Iola Pride, and as I continue to learn the area, I hope to expand my involvement.