LVCC reorganizes board, looks to refocus efforts

The Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce ended their February meeting with two new board members, a re-organized board and new focus on promoting Lincoln.

Tammy Jordan and Bob Weatherston, who chose to step down at the expiration of their terms, left the board with two open seats that were filled by Shelby Brookie of Rev Mountain Entertainment and newcomer Jeff Hollingsworth, the new Chief Financial Officer with Hi Country Snack Foods.

When the board reorganized at the end of the evening, the LVCC officers were completely reshuffled.

Kate Radford, who served as the LVCC president for the last year, chose to remain on the board, but stepped down from that role. “If I step down, I can put those efforts toward other things I’m better at,” she said, adding that her energy is not being best used for the chamber in the president’s role. Radford agreed to continue taking part in the various community efforts and meetings she’s been involved in, but will do so now as the LVCC vice president.

Whitney Cyr, who wasn’t able to attend the meeting, was named as the treasurer. She has been training with Erin Dey, who served in the role for several years, to take on the position. Dey intends to remain on LVCC board through the end of her current term.

Despite being new to the board, as well as to the LVCC and Lincoln in general, Hollingsworth agreed to take over the secretary role from Weatherston.

Laurie Welty, who joined the board last year, rounded out the LVCC officers by taking on the duties as the organization’s new president.

Throughout the meeting, much of the attention on the future of the LVCC as it seeks to shift to the more traditional Chamber of Commerce role of supporting the entire business community through marketing and event support, rather than be serving as a primary event organizer.

Board member Greg Smith of The Montanan noted that last year’s economic turmoil really impacted the Chamber’s funding and forced the board to re-evaluate its priorities. “We don’t have the resources to put on events anymore,” he said. “There are events the chamber does - the parade, fireworks, there are events that need to be put on by the Chamber, but we kind of got to this point, kind of by force of funding more than anything.”

With the Montana Business Assistance Connection preparing to conduct market analysis and create targeted video promotions for Lincoln, White Sulphur Springs and Townsend, board members agreed the time seems right to restart and refocus the LVCC.

That effort is set to get underway with a strategic planning meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 25 at The Montanan. The meeting seeks to discuss the current and future strategy of the LVCC, determine what the business community thinks the Chamber should be doing and develop action plans for improving marketing and tourism. Those who are unable to attend but who have suggestions or input are encouraged to email the LVCC at [email protected].