Amanda Lipsey headshot 3Amanda Lipsey can see the potential in Charlotte. As a small business owner, she knows the challenges that face the business community, but chooses to recognize them as opportunities. Now she has the chance to share that positive outlook with her fellow business owners, and the community at large, in a new way.
Lipsey was named Charlotte Chamber of Commerce interim director in late February, taking over for Grace Boehmer, who resigned from the position after nearly two years to take an opportunity with a local business.
“I am really passionate about my community,” Lipsey said. “Being involved on all the boards and committees I’m already on, I thought this was another avenue to stay involved and keep the momentum that we already have going.”
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce board president Jeana Rohrs pointed to Lipsey’s dedication to the Chamber and its growth over the past couple years as reasons the board selected her over other candidates.
“Amanda is going to bring a fresh face and new spin to the events and membership,” Rohrs said. “One of the most important things is that she has been part of the planning and execution of many of the Chamber’s activities and she has great vision for where we as a board would like to see the Chamber in the future.”
The board decided the interim position would allow Lipsey to get a feel for the position and give the Chamber some stability through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends in June. Rohrs said it was also important to have someone familiar with the Chamber’s two biggest upcoming events — Eaton County Home and Business Expo and Celebrate Charlotte.
“It helps the Chamber knowing that we have someone in place that has experience in the events that we have coming up in the near future,” Rohrs said. “The interim position was created so that Amanda and the board can make sure this is the right fit for her and her family.”
Lipsey said she sees her new position as an opportunity to grow as an individual in addition to being an integral part of the community’s continued growth.
“I am really excited to take a leadership role in where the chamber is heading,” Lipsey said. “I’d really like to reconnect with all of our members to see what they would like from their chamber. I want our members to be more actively involved with their Chamber.”
To learn more, follow the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or Instagram, or call (517) 543-0400.