RE-MARKS

As I am sure the majority of you know, I will be retiring at the end of April. That means I have written approximately 235 Re-Marks columns and this is by far the most difficult.

When I started at the Chamber in March 2002, I said this was my dream job and I would probably stick around for about 5 years. Now, 21 years later I feel the same way. It has been an absolute honor and privilege serving the Alliance Area Chamber and the Alliance community for all these years.

There are so many people that I am so thankful for including, but certainly not limited to, the past and current Boards of Directors, committee members, Tip Club members and most importantly, you, the members of the Chamber.

A very special thank you to Faye Roller. Shortly after Faye came on staff, she found out I would be retiring. She has worked tirelessly over the past year to learn all she can about what the Chamber does and how we put it all together. It did not take her long to figure out that we are a very active Chamber. She has put in many additional hours making sure the transition would be as smooth as possible. Thank you, Faye!!

Rick Baxter will assume the duties of President of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce as of May 1st in addition to his duties as the President of the Alliance Area Development office. Rick and I have been working on the transition over the past year. I hope that you will give Rick the same support you have given me over the last 21 years. I wish Rick, Faye, and Lidia all my support as you lead both organizations into this next chapter.

WHEN I STARTED AT THE CHAMBER IN MARCH 2002, I SAID THIS WAS MY DREAM JOB AND I WOULD PROBABLY STICK AROUND FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. NOW, 21 YEARS LATER I FEEL THE SAME WAY. IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE SERVING THE ALLIANCE AREA CHAMBER AND THE ALLIANCE COMMUNITY FOR ALL THESE YEARS.

MARK LOCKE RETIRING CHAMBER PRESIDENT

Thank you to each one of you for making the last 21 years an incredible experience, I hope I will continue to see you at many Chamber events.

Mark Locke President of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce

To learn more, visit mountunion.edu

Mark Your Calendars

September 21, 2023

Social Media 101

Trista Todd CommQuest Services

October 19, 2023

Social Media Panel –Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Alysha Davis

University of Mount Union

Niki McIlvain

Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity

Cheyanne Gonzales Alliance City Schools

Dustin Burgess

Dustin Burgess Insurance Group, LLC

Nate Sheen Astoria