Greene Chamber of Commerce Gets Fresh Start

By Jay Crawford
Editor, Greene County Record

Greene County Record photo

RUCKERSVILLE (July 2005) - With more than 60 people in attendance and input from representatives of more than a dozen businesses, the Greene County Chamber of Commerce reorganized last Wednesday during a breakfast meeting at the Blue Ridge Café in Ruckersville.

With Tim Hulbert, president and CEO of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, offering support, Tom Zakielarz called the meeting to order and asked for a definition of "active members," which was established to be those in attendance who will show "dedicated interest in the organization" and pay their $100 membership fee within 30 days.

With the membership roll established, officers were elected for the remainder of 2005 and 2006.  Zakielarz, the presiding president of the Greene Chamber, opened the discussion with an explanation of a brief candidate search process, then made nominations to fill four seats on the Greene County Chamber's Board of Directors.

Alan Pyles, who co-owns the Lafayette Inn with his wife, Kaye, was nominated as president, and Jay Crawford, editor of the Greene County Record, was nominated as vice president.  T. Gray King, the chief operating officer of the Virginia Company, was nominated as the treasurer, and Ruth H. Parsons, of Davenport & Company LLC, was nominated as the secretary.  With no further nominations from the assembled group, the four nominated officers were approved unanimously.

After replacing Zakielarz beside Hulbert, Pyles made a few brief comments about himself and his vision for the Chamber.

"I believe the Chamber offers a chance for us to give new people to the community a place to gather, a place where we can serve as a welcoming committee," he said, noting that the Chamber also offered an opportunity to provide accurate information about the county and the businesses within it, and an opportunity to direct action and guide volunteerism.

After the remaining newly-elected officers gave brief introductions of themselves, Zakielarz said the "key to success of the Chamber is the support of the people who are here."

"The welcome mat is out to assist the Chamber," he said, noting the commitment of the Charlottesville Chamber and two local banks.  "Please step in where you want to be and where you can help."

Patty Wilson followed with comments of support from the "old members" of the Chamber who remain active, and suggested that reinitiating the "Greene Pages" telephone and address listing be considered.  Her comments prompted other discussions of publications, marketing and promotions, and the Chamber's website.  Pyles said he supported publication of a membership list and a calendar of events.

Before adjourning, the group decided to hold bi-monthly meetings of the general membership, but agreed that the Board of Directors needed to meet more frequently.

Zakielarz, appointed by Pyles to chair the nominating committee, made a final plea for volunteers willing to serve on the Board, and the meeting adjourned.

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