ARTICLE
My Fellow Chamber Members: I have some important news! The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce this morning announced the selection of Angela R. Adams as Executive Director for the Chamber. The announcement was made after an executive session of the monthly Board meeting. Angie has worked for the Chamber since 2012, initially as Marketing Coordinator. In 2013 she was promoted to Director of Membership Services, and in 2015 she was promoted to Director of Operations, having responsibility for day-to-day operations. Prior to joining the Chamber, Angela was employed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and also by Foxwoods Resort Casino. She was Direct Marketing Coordinator for Foxwoods. Angela brings over 25 years of experience in quality customer service, marketing and events. She has lived in Connecticut for 35 years, and has strong community ties, including volunteering for various GNACC events before joining the team, and acting as long-time sports coach to various organizations, including Mystic Little League Softball, GPR Soccer, Robert E. Fitch High School Volleyball and The Connecticut Velocity Volleyball Regional Organization. Angela understands the challenges that face businesses, both large and small, and she has enthusiastically embraced our mission of helping businesses. She is great at connecting people to the products, services and resources offered by our Chamber to help them succeed The entire Board is pleased to have her leading the charge for the Greater Norwich Area Chamber. As Nancy Cowser, our Vice Chair, said, “Angie has already proven herself to be able to successfully work with our membership to make our service area a better place to live, work, and play.” The Chamber has continued to grow under her leadership, and now is approaching 500 businesses throughout the northern half of New London County, representing thousands of employees. Second Vice Chair Lisa Griffin noted that “Angie’s enthusiasm for everything she gets involved with is amazing. Her willingness to wade into the waters to accomplish whatever needs to be done is inspiring.” The Chamber is volunteer driven, and that culture is not expected to change, she added. Ever gracious, in accepting the appointment, Angie said “I have been mentored by some of the most successful leaders in the greater Norwich area and continue to work with the best committee volunteers from all our amazing GNACC businesses and organizations. A chamber can only succeed and grow with their support and I can’t thank them enough. I am both honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful organization. My family will always mean the world to me. However The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce is a huge part of who I am today. It just fits.” She lives in Norwich and has acted as a beach and indoor volleyball player and coach in eastern Connecticut for nearly twenty years, and has also served as Head Coach in various other sports, including soccer and softball. As we move forward, please join me in working with Angie to make the future of eastern Connecticut brighter than ever! Very truly yours, Chris Jewell, Chairman