Beth Henderson will soon breathe a sigh of relief as her first year as executive vice president of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce ends.
Henderson took over as chamber director last March when longtime Executive Vice President Janice Moor retired.
Henderson said replacing Moor was no small feat, and Moor has been an invaluable adviser to her over the past 10 months.
"I couldn't have done it without her wisdom and knowledge," Henderson said.
"But I think I'm beginning to stand on my own two feet now, and I'm getting more comfortable in this role every day," she said.
Henderson said time has certainly flown during the first year.
"I've been through most all of the chamber's major functions, including Salute to Agriculture, the Lawn and Garden Expo, Fourth of July, 300 Oaks and the Christmas parade, and it doesn't seem possible that almost an entire year has passed," she said. "I guess what they say is true: 'Time flies when you're having fun!' And I have had the most fun here of any job I've ever had."
Henderson says there is never a dull moment.
"I knew my first year would be hectic, but then again, I can't imagine it any other way. With the involvement that the chamber has in this community, there's always work to be done and always improvements to be made."
Henderson described the chamber as a "well-oiled machine."
But she said there are always things that can be improved. "I have tried to make some positive things happen for us, and I hope to continue to do that," she said.
"With every new person who comes along to take over a position of this caliber, it's only natural for the new person to have new ideas and new ways of looking at and doing things," Henderson said.
"That's something I plan to continue because personally, I feel I have some real momentum going right now," she said.
Henderson said no one can know all of the "behind the scenes" things that have to be done to make some of Greenwood's biggest community events happen.
"I was no exception when I took the job," Henderson said.
"It's amazing to me to get in here and work and see firsthand just how this jigsaw puzzle fits together. And it's a neat fit," she said.
The job offers networking opportunities across the state.
And from all she's seen this year, Henderson believes Greenwood's chamber is one of the best in the state. "And I think that's no accident," she said.
"This organization has been built over the years by an outstanding staff and exceptional volunteers who work tirelessly to make positive things happen," Henderson said.
Although she may be the director, Henderson said the backbone of the chamber is its volunteers.
"That's no question," she said. "I always knew there were some wonderful and generous folks in this community, and now I see the proof in the pudding, as they say."
Henderson said she has been amazed at the generosity of businesses and individuals who give their time, their talents and their financial resources to make Greenwood a better place to live and work.
"And that's what it's all about," she said. "Each of our 12 committees has capable folks who step up to the plate each year and jump right in and get the job done."
Henderson said she was told that motivating volunteers would be her biggest challenge as chamber director, but she has found that's not so.
"If people truly care about the community and its welfare, they they need no motivation from me or anyone else. Of course, I'm always there to give support when needed," she said.
"There's not enough that can be said about our volunteer base."
Henderson also had great praise for the chamber officers. She said they have been the "most patient, understanding, interested and committed group" she's ever worked with.
"I have asked them to bear with me during my transition, and they have stood beside me and have always been available to give their advice, their expertise and their opinions on any given matter," she said.
"They all love their community very much, and it shows."
Anthony Ola, chamber president for 2004, was the first president to work with Henderson.
"We are extremely pleased with Beth. She has done a wonderful job of stepping in," Ola said.
"You do not replace Janice Moor with 14 years of experience, but Beth has done a wonderful job of learning from Janice and bringing different talents and goals to the job," he said.
Moor has continued to be a mentor to the first-year director, Ola said.
Ola said Henderson's writing ability and her knowledge of the community have been a great asset for her as executive vice president.
"The officers are real pleased. Beth wants to do a good job for the chamber, and you can tell it," he said.
As for the Ambassadors, Henderson says they are "the best, most fun group of people.
"Their enthusiasm never wanes, and when they are asked to do something, they do not hesitate. They show up for every function ready to support me and the staff, officers and the membership," she said.
Being chamber director does have its challenges, Henderson said.
"A typical day for me is spent mostly on the telephone and on the e-mail," she said. "Communication is key to this job, and it's something that I feel I do well."
The biggest challenge is keeping it all organized, she said.
"Some days my desk looks like a total disaster, but I know where everything is, and if you give me a second or two, I can have an answer for you."
Staying on top of what's going on with the 12 committees is daunting at times, Henderson said.
There also are times when she feels overwhelmed.
"But I am never too busy to talk to a chamber member about a complaint, concern or just to hash out an idea," she said. "After all, without the membership, I wouldn't have anything to do."
Henderson said a lot of her time is also spent buried in her date book, trying to keep up with all her appointments and meetings.
"Of course when I took this job, there were lots of little things that were expected of me that I didn't know about - like cooking for some of the functions," she said. "Thank goodness I enjoy doing that sort of thing!"
Henderson also is responsible for changing the sign on the front of the building every few days.
"We try to promote as many community events as we can through that sign, and sometimes it's hard to discipline myself to get out there and change it, especially in the rain or freezing cold," she said. "But I know it gets read by lots of people."
