CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. - Melody Day has been active in the Walker County Chamber of Commerce since 2000 when she became superintendent of Chickamauga City Schools, she said.
Ms. Day was a board member for eight years and executive board member for the last three years as she made her way to the director's chair.
The economy took a downward turn during those years, but she says the Chamber is well-positioned for a challenging year and will keep itself on track as a supporter of local businesses in a trying economy.
Q: How did you become the new Chamber chairwoman and how does being school superintendent play into the role?
A: Many people may wonder why the superintendent of schools, a nonprofit organization, would be so involved and active in the Chamber of Commerce. It's a very important initiative, I think, to have a collaboration between the business community and the school system. Not only are we preparing the work force of tomorrow; we want our children and grandchildren to be able to come back to their own communities and for it to be economically strong so there are jobs for them to come home to.
Q: What challenges do Walker businesses face?
A: It is a difficult economy, not just in Walker County but throughout the country. We are promoting "buy local" as much as possible. We want to utilize our businesses and promote tourism in our communities to bring visitors here. I think Walker County's a well-kept secret. The (number of) hits that we receive on the Web site at the Chamber, weekly, is staggering. More and more people are visiting this area, which always helps our businesses.
Q: What are the Chamber's business plans and strategies?
A: We want to put a focus on what we do and make sure that the effort we put into the Chamber is actually what our business owners need. We do have a lot of committees. We have a leadership group (that keeps) contact with businesses and leaders in communities.
We keep our members aware of key legislation and what is going on during the legislative session. We host quarterly roundtables where businesses can get together, share ideas, learn from each other.
Q: Are there strategies to lure VW suppliers or other international businesses?
A: The ancillary companies that will be supplying VW are definitely something we hope we can attract to this area. It's just going to be a tremendous boon for our area. Even if our residents aren't employed at VW, many people that are taking jobs there (lead to other) openings that Walker County residents can fill.
NEWSMAKER
Name: Melody Day
Age: 54
Occupation: Walker County Chamber of Commerce chairwoman and Chickamauga City Schools superintendent
Hometown: Chattanooga