Cleveland/Bradley Chamber reorganizes two key positions

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Existing industries and work force development are getting special attention at the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

Sherry Crye, former administrative assistant for the economic development division, has been named the new work force development director.

Lisa Pickel is joining the Chamber as its existing industry director.

Both titles were previously held by Randy Morris, who took a job in a local company last month.

Both areas have grown to the point where someone is needed for each position, said Gary Farlow, vice president for economic development.

“Sherry’s experience with existing industry and her relationships with local schools made her the best candidate for this newly defined work force development position,” Mr. Farlow said.

Mrs. Crye will continue to work with educators, businesses and civic leaders through programs such as Tennessee Scholars, he said.

Mrs. Pickel joined the Chamber earlier this month. She was introduced at both the Cleveland City Council and Bradley County Commission meetings.

“The level of support from the existing industry community to the Chamber’s ‘Climbing New Heights’ campaign several years ago allowed us to take Cleveland and Bradley County’s economic development to a new level,” Mr. Farlow said.

That included growth in the Chamber’s existing industry and work force development programs, he said.

Mrs. Pickel most recently worked in public relations and corporate communications at Denso Manufacturing in Athens. Previously she was at Randstad employment agency, working with the Maytag account.

“The Randstad experience is certainly going to help,” Mrs.

Pickel said. “We worked with existing industry there. ... I’m not shy about going to existingindustry and asking how we can help them.”