In a bold move to encourage additional economic and industrial growth opportunities and community engagement activities the Donalsonville-Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville have announced changes in the leadership of each organization.
Sarah Avery has been selected as the Director of the Development Authority, and Kadie Matthews has been selected to lead the chamber as its President.
Prior to this announcement Avery has served as President of the Chamber and Director of the Development Authority for the past five and a half years. Matthews has served the Chamber as its executive assistant and member services director for the past eight years.
Moving forward Avery’s duties and tasks will include implementing a marketing strategy for business recruitment, business expansion and economic growth, advocating for any laws, local, county, state and national that would impact the city and county, developing strategies to overcome laws that may have a negative impact, and finding, writing, and submitting responsibly managed grant and incentive opportunities for the betterment of the entire community.
As Chamber President Matthews’ duties and objectives will include promoting new growth in membership, marketing and reinforcing membership benefits, participating in and the development of new activities designed to enhance the quality of life in Donalsonville and Seminole County, and partnering with local individuals, groups and organizations to plan, organize and promote a unified effort in all existing and potential community projects.
Avery commented, “I have truly enjoyed my time as President of the Donalsonville-Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, and I’ve learned so much in that role. I now believe that the only way you will ever know everything that a Chamber does is to work at one.
“Serving as the Director of the Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville has opened my eyes to the possibilities for economic development in even small, rural communities like ours.
“I am looking forward to being able to focus solely on Economic Development, and I am confident that this change is taking place at a crucial time for our community. We are experiencing some moderate growth, I believe that will continue into the foreseeable future for many, many reasons. I am looking forward to working with the Board of Directors to explore the possibilities. We want growth and we will work for growth, but we also want it to be smart growth and to make sense for us in our community.”
Matthews commented, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve Donalsonville and Seminole County as the President of the Chamber of Commerce. The wording of the Chamber’s mission statement mirrors my committed desire – To provide a unified voice in promoting new growth, sustaining current businesses, and enhancing life in Seminole County.
“I look forward to working with community leaders, local business owners, and the residents of Seminole County to build relationships, share opportunities, show our support, and provide and even brighter spark in our community in our ongoing efforts, projects and plans to make Donalsonville and Seminole County an even greater place to live and work!
“I am grateful to my Board of Directors for trusting me with this position. I have been working behind the scenes at the Chamber with the last two Chamber Presidents, and I am so excited for this opportunity to be able to better serve our community in this new role. We have so many exciting things coming up this year, and I can’t wait to share them with all of you soon.
“If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Chamber, feel free to reach out via email at kadie.chamberofcommerce@gmail.com or call the office at (229) 524-2588.”
For the immediate future Avery’s office will remain at the 122 East Second Street Chamber office location. Reach out to her at shavery.seminolega@outlook.com or by calling (229) 524-2588.
Last modified: July 11, 2024
