The Board of Directors of the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce approved a reorganization effective January 2011.

As you may know, both the Chamber’s Program Manager and the Director of Tourism resigned within a few weeks of each other in May and June of 2010.  As we contemplated our next steps, some guiding principles were identified.  

First, we realized we had a rare opportunity to shape the future of the Chamber by re-evaluating how we align staff to our various programs of work.  One of our primary missions is economic development.  To compete with the over 3600 economic development entities in America today, it was apparent that we had to have a dedicated Director of Economic Development.  

We also have the obligation to our members to represent our collective business interests to local, state and federal officials; as well as to improve the benefits, programs and services available to members.  And another of our primary missions is to promote tourism in Eufaula and Barbour County.  This includes serving as a visitor’s bureau for Eufaula as well as administering restricted funds used to sponsor events that attract visitors; events like the Eufaula Heritage Association’s annual Pilgrimage and Christmas Tour of Homes, the little league baseball tournaments hosted by Eufaula Parks & Recreation, and fishing tournaments.

Additionally, of course, this had to be accomplished within the Chamber’s current financial resources.  A perusal of salary survey information for these positions revealed that this constraint would be a difficult one.  Fortunately, we have done so.

Katrina Wright, a five-year Chamber employee, was promoted to Program Manager; and Joy Crawford was hired as Visitor Information Specialist.  

We are extremely fortunate that Ann Sparks, Executive Director of Main Street, Inc., has agreed to assume the Director of Tourism duties in addition to her Main Street responsibilities.  Main Street, Inc. has long been housed in the James S. Clark Center, and Ms. Sparks has long been a de facto part of the Chamber team, even if not formally so.  

Our good fortune does not end there.  Jim Bradley, Executive Director for the past five years, will be moving into the new position of Director of Economic Development.  Mr. Bradley has been juggling economic development efforts with his broader responsibilities of day-to-day management of the Chamber, and is well qualified to assume this role.

And Jack Pelfrey, outgoing 2010 Chamber President, will become the Chamber’s next Executive Director.  Mr. Pelfrey followed a corporate career in the third-party logistics industry with a management consulting career.  He is a native of Barbour County, the former mayor of Clio, and serves on the boards of a number of area organizations.  

We think this reorganization plan is the best solution available to generate forward momentum.  We are excited by the prospects this new organization brings to the Chamber and we look ahead to 2011 as a year of achievement for the Chamber, our membership and our community.

Jim Esry, President