JAN 2024
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Your connection to the greater Hanover business community.
CHAMBER NEWS Pages 4-7
BUSINESS BRIEFS Pages 8
BUSINESS BRIEFS Pages 9-10
EVENTS
Page 11
THANK YOU WORKFORCE SPONSORS
The Chamber Bids Farewell to President Gary Laird After 21 Years! This February, we will bid a bittersweet farewell to the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce President, Gary Laird as he will be going into retirement. Gary began his work at the Chamber in 2002 and has been crucial to the Chamber’s success over the past 21 years. When asked about his time at the Chamber, Gary said, “I feel good about the work of the Chamber over the past 20 years. We have had great support from our Board of Directors and Chamber members which makes it incredibly helpful when it comes to executing the organization's workplan. Our focus has evolved over the years. We do less social networking than when I started at the Chamber and concentrate more on economic development efforts in the community. A key initiative that stands out to me is workforce development, including the pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. We have also been very pleased with the consistent growth and
popularity of our Leadership Hanover program and the development of the Discover Hanover® brand. Back in the mid-to-late 2000’s, the Chamber committed a lot of resources to the revitalization of downtown Hanover, so it is very rewarding to have a stake in the renaissance that has been occurring downtown for the past several years.” During his retirement, Gary plans to do some traveling around the country and plans to further explore and experience other local communities in South Central, PA. Gary had the following to say about his favorite memories with the Chamber: “I have had a lot of great experiences and memories during the past twenty-one years with the Chamber. I’ve worked with some very talented individuals and working with new staff members has always been rewarding.Watching them grow into their roles and contribute to the success of the organization is the best.” Gary’s contributions to the Chamber have been essential to its success and his presence will be missed by all staff and members. All of us at the Chamber wish Gary the best in his retirement and thank him for the incredible work over the past 21 years!
40 York Street, Suite 2 Hanover, PA 17331 717.637.6130 www.hanoverchamber.com