What candidate would be able to satisfy – exceed, even – the qualifications for a job description that could read something like this:
Enthusiastic, motivated individual needed for full-time position. Work includes night meetings, weekend catchup and early morning events. Constant desire to make improvements in the community. People-person skills a must.
That wouldn’t be the easiest job to fill, but that’s just what Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce leaders are faced with, following the announcement that President Michele Burgess is retiring at year’s end.
Burgess possesses all those qualifications, and then some. And though she said she will miss the people she’s had the pleasure to work alongside since July 2019, she said she looks forward to having more family time – especially with two young grandchildren.
She spoke with WIZS News Friday about her previous Chamber experience – all with the local office. You see, this is her third time back. She previously held the job in the mid-1980’s and then again in the mid-1990’s.
“When it’s your hometown, you’re so passionate about it,” Burgess said. She returned in 2019 with the idea that it would be a short-term role. She said the Chamber underwent a bit of a restructure “to try to make it work a little bit better. And we were on this big roll,” she continued. Until COVID-19.
Members sought advice from Chamber officials about how to follow pandemic protocols, she said. “I feel like we did a really good job” of answering questions and keeping businesses and employees safe.
The pandemic has changed the way many organizations operate, and the Chamber is no exception. Burgess said today’s businesses may need different things from their Chamber membership, such as virtual meetings and networking events that target particular professions.
“It’s just a different world,” Burgess said.
When she leaves the office at the end of December, she said she leaves on a good note – the Chamber is functioning at a high level, and Burgess said she feels comfortable stepping down at this time.
Current Chamber Board Chair Ronald Bennett was on the board when Burgess was selected to lead the chamber most recently.
“She’s one that has her job at heart and the people at heart,” Bennett said by phone Thursday. “I can’t say enough good about what all she’s done,” he added.
A search committee is already formed to look for her successor, Bennett noted, adding that the board would be looking for additional volunteers to serve on this committee as well.
Burgess praised the Chamber board for all the support it has given her over the last few years and said she would miss those relationships. “When you have real strong leaders, you’re real thankful,” she said.
Burgess said she will continue to participate in different ways to help her community after she retires.
“I’m still going to be in the Chamber, still going to volunteer and participate,” Burgess said.
Just maybe between visits to see the grandchildren.