From the Executive Director's Desk

A Bold Start to 2025: Chamber Leadership in Action

The first part of 2025 has been fast-paced and full of momentum. We’ve already hosted the City of Farmington Candidate Forum with over 150 in attendance, held a Resources for Realtors Meeting, and participated in Southeast Missouri Regional Advocacy Day at the Capitol.

We co-hosted the State of the County Address, launched our first B.O.O.S.T. Women’s Conference, and welcomed the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for a roundtable discussion. We also published our first community magazine, Regional Review, attended the MAKO Chamber Professionals Conference, and began rolling out the highly anticipated Lead Local Leadership Program.

The Right People in the Right Places

One of the greatest strengths of a successful chamber is having the right people in the right roles—and we’re fortunate to have exactly that. Emily Hulsey serves as our Event Coordinator, and Julie Estes leads as our Membership Coordinator and Small Business Specialist. Together, they bring unmatched energy, creativity, and commitment to our mission.

Julie has added tremendous depth to our member services. From her engaging Monday Member Pop-ins to an outstanding effort during Small Business Week, where she produced 84 member highlights in just seven days, Julie has taken our member visibility to new heights. Her work has significantly elevated our social media presence. She’s also added thoughtful touches to our monthly luncheons, helping grow attendance and enrich the experience for all.

Emily is leading the charge in elevating our events across the board. Her efforts have led to record-breaking participation in the 2024 Golf Tournament, a sold-out Celebration of Success, and more vendors at Country Days than ever before. With years of Chamber experience behind her, she’s made the Event Coordinator role her own, and it shows in every detail of the exceptional events she delivers. With this only being her first year, I cannot wait to see what all she is able to accomplish with the first year almost complete and under her belt.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

As the Chamber continues to grow in size and impact, it’s clear that thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose are shaping something special. By fostering a culture of creativity, trust, and forward momentum, we’re seeing new energy across every corner of the organization. With the right people in the right roles and a renewed focus on bold ideas and meaningful support for our members, we’re building a Chamber that’s more connected, more dynamic, and more valuable than ever before.

The work is far from over—but the path ahead is clear, and the progress so far speaks volumes.

As Executive Director/CEO, my greatest priority is serving our members with intention, heart, and purpose. I want every business that walks through our doors to know they have a true advocate in their corner—someone who is listening, championing their goals, and working tirelessly to create an environment where they can grow and succeed. It’s not just about being present; it’s about building lasting relationships and making sure the Chamber is a source of strength, connection, and opportunity for every member we serve.