I have always said that you must have a passion for your career and if you have that, it will never be a job.  I recently wrote the article below to celebrate my 10th anniversary with the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob Chamber of Commerce and wanted to share…………….. 

Without a doubt, I have the best job in the world.  On June 6, I will celebrate ten years with the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob Chamber of Commerce.  In some ways, it seems like only yesterday.  I remember my interview — I was so nervous.  We had just moved to Troy two months prior and I knew absolutely no one.  I answered an ad in the Times-Tribune and was contacted for an interview.  I remember thinking to myself that there was absolutely no way they were going to hire me.  But, after two interviews, my dream came true.  At that time, the Chamber office was located in the building in front of Troy SuperValu.  We had one room in that building.  Boy, we have come a long way.    So, here we are, ten years later, having met hundreds and hundreds of absolutely incredible people along my journey.  My wish is that everyone enjoys their job as much as I do.  The trick is really to surround yourself with great people.  I have been lucky enough to have an incredible Board of Directors each year, which have trusted me enough for ten years to empower me in my position.  Our Ambassadors continue to promote our Chamber, helping our membership grow to 384.  We have had some wonderful office staff and interns throughout the years as well.  How about the three best mayors in the entire world — Troy Mayor Tom Caraker, Village of Maryville Mayor Larry Gulledge and Village of St. Jacob Mayor Ray Muniz.  These three individuals have been and continue to be great role models.    My family and friends, who have been with me throughout my journey, have been so supportive of my crazy hours and my crazy requests.  I don’t think they knew that when I took on this job that they would be brought on as volunteers!  Let’s not forget all of the Chamber members who continue to support our organization!     There have been so many other changes over the last ten years — a newsletter, a website, two office moves, our e-news, branding of our organization, three logos, new resident packets, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, Facebook, Networking Luncheons, gift certificates, Morning Mingles, two new organizational names and so much more.  What does the Chamber’s future hold?  Hopefully a continued increase in membership, continuation of our 98% retention rate and keeping up with technology.  We are always open to new and exciting ideas so we hope that you will share.      On another note, we hope that you will join us for our Troy Family Summer of Fun Series, which is held every Friday at the Tri-Township Park in Troy from June 4 through September 27.  In June we will host Elvis (June 4), show the movie “Blindside” (June 11), hear the wonderful music of Elizabeth LaKamp (June 18) and a double opportunity of fun (June 25) with the Community Band performing and followed by the movie “Fame”.  For more detailed information, visit the Chamber’s website at www.troymaryvillecoc.com.