Kicking Things Off with Great Momentum
We are kicking off a new fiscal year at your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to say we’re looking forward to the year ahead with a strong Board of Directors leading the way.
Every year your Chamber has a few Board members whose terms expire. This year we want to say a special thank you to Savonda Turner who represented North Georgia Technical College and served on the Board and Executive Board and was an excellent Chair for our Chamber. Anne Shurley, who works for Currahee Club and served on the Board and Executive Board focusing on Tourism. Also, Pam Hill, who served on our Board representing our Stephen County School System. Though we hate to see them go, we know the priceless friendships made will be long-lasting.
This year we are thrilled to welcome to your Chamber Board of Directors: Tyler Pischke Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A in Toccoa, Shannon McFarlin Agent with Hammock Realty, Jennifer Ham Director of Communication & Public Relations for Toccoa Falls College, Jennifer Blasingame our Stephens County High School Work-Based Learning Coordinator, and Ashley Sharp with Advertising Unlimited. We are thrilled to announce they have all accepted the offer extended to serve both the Chamber, our members and our community.
Our existing Board includes Shantelle Grant, Children & Youth Services Director with Northeast Georgia Libraries, Phil Hobbs the GM for WNEG Radio, Van Loskoski CEO for Stephens County Hospital, Michelle Oglesby Dean of Academic Affairs for North Georgia Technical College, and Sonya Stovall City Clerk for the Town of Martin and co-owner of Stovall Farms.
We are also pleased to welcome two existing Board Members to their new roles on the Executive Board: Mary Lovett Anderson a Nurse Practitioner with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group-Toccoa is now our Secretary and Stephen Wallace with ASI-Southeast is our new Vice-Chair. Mary Lovett and Stephen will join Stacy Miller, Asst. VP & Branch Manager with South State Bank as Treasurer. Lisa Lawson with Woodmen Life has faithfully served as Chair of our Chamber Board for the past two years after serving on our Board and Executive Board for years. We are grateful for her continued commitment as she now continues her service on our Executive Board in the Past-Chair role.
We are proud to welcome Cassandra Wilkins as our new Chair of the Board of Directors. A lifelong resident of Toccoa-Stephens County, Cassandra brings with her not only deep roots in our community but also a wealth of experience, passion and leadership.
With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Cassandra is the Human Resources Manager for Patterson Pump Company, and before accepting this role she was the Director of Human Resources at American Specialties Inc.
Cassandra has served faithfully on the Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Board for many years, demonstrating unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a true commitment to our mission.
Cassandra is known for her heart for service and believes in making a difference in the lives of those around her. Cassandra leads by example, serving on numerous boards and civic organizations.
We are all thrilled to welcome Cassandra into this leadership role, and we are confident her vision and guidance will continue to move the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce forward. We consider ourselves fortunate to have her leading the way.
As you can see, your Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of strong, dedicated leaders who work collaboratively to strengthen our business community and enhance the quality of life for all who live and work in Toccoa-Stephens County.
Alongside our committed Board of Directors, your Chamber staff is excited to continue serving our members and our community with purpose and passion. Our mission remains clear: to serve, promote and protect every member of the Chamber of Commerce, helping each one grow and prosper. Our vision is to be the leading member-driven organization which fosters a thriving business environment, supports tourism, drives economic development and highlights the exceptional quality of life we all enjoy here in Toccoa-Stephens County.
Passing the Baton
Former Chairman of the Chamber board, Lisa Lawson (Woodmen Life), with the newly appointed Chairman, Cassandra Wilkins (Patterson Pumps).