Navigating a Sea of Challenges

Written By: Stephanie Edwards - Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce | Issue: 2021/04 – April

From Left: Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Ubertino,
Secretary Stephanie Edwards, Past President Mary Lanning and Treasurer Ashton Harris.

President-Elect Ben Harris

New directors and officers of the Cashiers Area Chamber were recently celebrated in a virtual annual meeting. The event was the first of its kind, necessitated by the Covid-19 protocols for social distancing. Despite the challenges of a digital connection, the group included both incoming and retiring directors, chamber business members and staff.

Outgoing President Mary Lanning of Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers/Sapphire inducted incoming President Glenn Ubertino of Zoller Hardware, wishing him well in his newest leadership role. 

Other 2021 officers include President-Elect Ben Harris of Harris Custom Builders and Silver Run Reserve, and Treasurer Ashton Harris of The County Club of Sapphire Valley. Chamber executive director Stephanie Edwards serves as Board Secretary.

Daniel Fletcher of Hotel Cashiers, was appointed Vice President/Jackson County Tourism Development Authority liaison by President Ubertino. Returning directors are Malice Grant of Sounds Essential, President of Cashiers Area Legacy Fund; Lec Hobbs of Highland Hiker, Sarah Jennings of Lonesome Valley, Brandy Letson of Cashiers Valley Pharmacy, Wendy Lupas of Gracewear, and Dr. Don Tomas of Southwestern Community College. 

Following the ceremony, President Ubertino recognized Ms. Lanning’s long-standing and committed service to the Chamber and presented her a dining gift card as a gesture of the Board’s sincere appreciation. This year, she will remain on the Board as Past-President.

The 2021 officers and directors slate was previously recommended to the full membership after consideration of candidates’ business industry, location, length of residence, availability, and other civic involvement. The Nominations Committee and current Board of Directors made special efforts to ensure commitment and diversity among the future leadership.

Directors help set priorities in support of the Chamber’s Core Purpose: -To provide extraordinary Leadership in the Cashiers Area as an Advocate for business, Information Source for the community and Conduit for building destination awareness and responsible growth. 

They provide valuable strategic leadership for the organization’s programming, member services and benefits, and community and economic development initiatives.  

“This is a dedicated and very talented group of volunteers who generously give their time and energy to ensure the success of the Chamber,” said Edwards. “My associate, Thomas Taulbee who serves as Manager/Jackson County Cashiers Visitor Center and Director of Member/Community Relations, and I look forward to supporting their efforts in the coming year.”  

Visit CashiersAreaChamber.com for more information.