New leader looks to expand
WEXFORD — Just weeks into her new leadership role, Rebecca Martin, THE CHAMBER of Commerce's president and CEO, is digging into her new post and looking forward to a role in the business group that has more 1,100 members.
She has been busy learning about all the networking and programs offered by THE CHAMBER along with meeting business and government leaders.
“There's so many and such a variety of programming,” said Martin. “I've received such strong encouragement from the membership. Right now, I'm meeting people, trying to get a handle on things.”
Martin said she applied for the post because she was attracted to this chamber for its regional presence, impressive business network and community initiatives, its scholarship programs and its legislative agenda.
“The networking and the programming in THE CHAMBER is very strong,” said Martin. “One of the things I'm looking at in my first year is trying to stay strong and well in those programs.”
Martin wants to expand the membership to make the strong organization even stronger.
She came from Austin, Texas, where she was senior vice president of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for nearly three years. She replaces Susan Balla, who stepped down as THE CHAMBER's first director on Feb. 15.
In her previous post, Martin was part of the executive team in Central Texas for economic development, infrastructure, technology, education and workforce development, and business attraction.
“The challenge to any chamber is relevancy. Are we offering programs and services that are a need? Is the economic base strong that allows businesses to grow and thrive?” she said.
“I see the chamber as a powerful connector that brings businesses, community, education and government together. In those areas, the chamber touches all of them, and they all impact business.”
