Chamber executive director retiring in July

Nancy Smith has spent 20 years in the Shawano position
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

The Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce will soon be looking for a new executive director.

Nancy Smith, who has served in this role for the past 20 years, is set to retire in July.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce and tourism for the past 20 years,” said Smith.

Smith said that this position has been her dream job.

“Every day I have been grateful for a rewarding career, supportive board, dedicated staff, forward-thinking community leaders and generous chamber members,” said Smith.

In her retirement, Smith plans to pursue some hobbies and enjoy additional family time.

“When I retire in July, I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband, traveling, seeing family and friends and having no alarm clock,” said Smith.

Smith reflected on her time with the chamber, including sharing some information that she has learned in her time at this position.

“One thing I have learned through my time at the chamber is I am not afraid to tackle big projects that will benefit our members and communities,” said Smith. “I stay focused, despite any distractions or detractors.”

She does not have an immediate use for these skills, but she does plan to use them in her future.

“I’m not sure how this translates to my life in retirement. I don’t really have any big projects planned,” said Smith. “I suppose this skill may help me stay on task as I clean out closets and attack neglected home organizing.”

In her two decades as the executive director, Smith said that she has some memories and experiences that will last with her for life.

“I have had the pleasure of working with dedicated chamber staff, ambassadors, volunteers and community leaders,” said Smith. “I am very proud of all we have accomplished as an organization.”

Some of her fondest memories include building a new chamber and tourism building and working with the Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., among other things.

“No matter how big and audacious the idea was, the attitude always was, ‘How can we get that done?’” said Smith. “We have done a lot of stuff since I have been here, including building a beautiful new chamber and visitor center during a recession, joining forces with Shawano County Economic Progress to raise $1 million to create economic opportunities and incentives for our local businesses during a recession, engaging in multi-year Destination Branding research, development, and launch for Shawano Country and hiring the first paid director for Leadership Shawano County.”

She added that the thing that she has been most proud of though is the relationships that the chamber was able to build during her tenure.

“I am most proud of the partnerships we created with area organizations, municipalities, tribes, the county government and other community organizations,” said Smith. “Over the years, we have collaborated on many important initiatives.”

She also thanked the chamber’s board for working with her to help bring these initiatives to the Shawano community.

“I cannot express enough how important it was to have my board members’ support, encouragement and ideas,” said Smith.

Finally, Smith thanked the Shawano community for its support during her career.

“I have had the opportunity to develop relationships throughout Shawano and Menominee counties with business people, volunteers, elected officials, community leaders and others who shared a common goal to strengthen our business community, economy and quality of life,” said Smith. “I am forever grateful for the support that the chamber and I have received during my tenure.”

There has been no immediate replacement for Smith announced, but she said that the position will soon be posted on the chamber’s website, https://www.shawanocountry.com.


lreimer@newmedia-wi.com