Submitted by
Myranda Cravens
The Chamber Board of Directors regrets to inform our membership and the Libby community of the recent staffing changes at the Libby Chamber of Commerce. Due to the current financial struggles the Chamber has been forced to reduce employee hours significantly, in order to reduce monthly expenses. Unfortunately, there are many areas of this organization that have not received the attention they require over the past few years, and the new Board and its committees are finding that they are having to make some very tough decisions in order to turn things around.
At this time, the Chamber is utilizing a grant from Glacier Country Tourism to keep the Chamber open 50 hours a week during peak tourism season. We have been lucky to receive funding through a temporary on the job training program to retain our Office Manager and Communications Manager. Regrettably the Chamber’s Visitor Services Representative, Pam Peppenger, has had a significant reduction in hours.
The Chamber Board of Directors would like to recognize the work, loyalty and energy that Pam Peppenger has brought to the Chamber of Commerce over the years. She is still a valued member of our team, although you will not see her on a daily basis at the Chamber of Commerce. Pam has seen highs and lows through the Chamber over the years, and has always stuck by and striving her best to continue to support the community she loves.
Marcy Tharp, Chamber Board Member said “I appreciate her volunteer spirit and the message she shared with generations of Libby community members.”
Kim Peck added “Pam has a big heart. She loves Libby and she has given this community hours volunteering on boards, dedicated to making the local events as successful as possible. Her smile and desire to help our visitors in our town won’t be forgotten.”
In addition to the staffing changes, the Chamber’s Board has also had a few recent changes. Bob Henline and Noelle Gilmore have recently resigned from the Chamber Board, both were valued members of our team and we appreciate their contributions and volunteerism to the Chamber. We are honored to welcome Kim Peck, of Glacier Insurance, and Bruce Vincent, of Environomics, to the Chamber Board of Directors. Both are longtime residents of Libby and have a passion for supporting the community. We are hopeful that their insight and expertise will help the Chamber to reach its goals.
The Chamber is continuing its work to put programs and supports into place that will strengthen the overall business community and support and promote our membership. The new Libby Chamber website will be going live later this month, and we are very excited to show the community this finished project. We are very encouraged to see an increase in engagement with our membership, the more of us that work together towards our common goal, the more successful our community can be! We look forward to our continued progress and truly hope to continue to engage the community to support a thriving and successful Libby.
We will be making a ‘State of the Chamber’ presentation at the next Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Aug. 9, at Henry’s. We hope to share the current projects and programs the Chamber is currently focusing on, as well as information on how to best utilize your Chamber membership and all the benefits included.
