Executive Board Fills Chamber's Board of Directors

By Jay Crawford
Editor, Greene County Record

STANARDSVILLE (August 2005) - The Board of Directors of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce was filled and a tentative schedule for meetings was set during a meeting of the executive board held last Thursday at the Lafayette Inn.

With five members of the nine-member Board of Directors elected during a reorganizational meeting earlier this month, the remaining positions were filled with the appointment of Robbie Morris of Performance Signs, Marianne Shepard of Edward Jones, Lynn Keel of Fairhill Farms Bed and Breakfast and Director of Tourism for Greene County, and Bill Welch of Albemarle First Bank.  All had been contacted previously and agreed to accept their positions, Chamber President Alan Pyles said.

Pyles then told the executive board that Shepard had expressed interest in serving as the chairperson of the social activities committee, a position to which she was immediately appointed.  The board followed with a discussion of a few ideas that should be placed on the Chamber calendar, at a rate of one event per quarter, and a variety of funding for such activities.

The executive board also expressed excitement that the first membership checks had been received, and authorized Chamber Treasurer Gray King to meet with local bankers to determine the best location for the Chamber's account.

Three members of the executive board also accepted their first duties during the meeting.  Secretary Ruth Parsons agreed to serve as chairperson of the Chamber's membership committee, and vice president Jay Crawford agreed to work with former president Tom Zakielarz on updating and simplifying the Chamber's by-laws.

Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce President Tim Hulbert said the suggested changes should "make it easier for the Chamber to function and make decisions."

Parsons' first duty, meanwhile, was announcing that membership checks could be sent to: Greene County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 442, Stanardsville, VA  22973.

Hulbert then suggested a letter initiating a membership drive, outlining the purpose and vision for the Chamber.

In other action, the executive board:

- Heard Pyles' recommendation for formation of a "business pool" for use in a joint effort between the businesses and schools in Greene County.  Hulbert said the idea was similar to a "work force effort" known as the Charlottesville Area School Business Alliance (CASBA) already in service by the Charlottesville Chamber.  After some discussion, the executive board agreed that the matter would be discussed during a meeting of the general membership.

- Agreed to hold Board of Directors meetings on the third Thursday of each month.

- Discussed holding the Chamber's "Annual Meeting" in October, although a date was not set.

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