SHAMOKIN - Sandy Winhofer is in her final days as director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce after nearly six years leading the organization.
Winhofer, of Kulpmont, has announced her resignation, effective Friday, May 24, to take a position as mortgage originator with UNB Bank, Mount Carmel.
The chamber board accepted her resignation Tuesday.
"I really enjoyed my time as director of the chamber doing the work I did for the businesses in the community," Winhofer said Thursday.
She said the bank job was an opportunity she couldn't pass up, and she's happy that it will allow her to stay involved with the chamber. UNB is an active member of the organization.
Winhofer said she's proud of the advancements made at the chamber over the past six years, including increasing membership from 188 when she started to a steady 230 to 240 today, and creating several new events and programs.
Members also have new benefit options today, including an energy pool for commercial customers and discounts for residential electric customers; ala carte insurance products, offered through PCI Insurance, that are typically difficult for businesses to provide today, such as vision and dental coverage, and discounts through Constant Contact, the e-mail marketing firm.
The chamber has a contract with Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc., through which office space, overhead (including supplies, phone and Internet service) and administrative assistance are provided to the chamber.
"CSO really adds a lot of value to what the chamber can do," Winhofer said, starting with having adequate and affordable office space.
The chamber raises money for its operation through memberships and fundraisers. Other than the assistance from CSO, the director position is the only paid chamber employee.
A 16-member board of volunteers from the business community helps the director guide the chamber operation.
"We are saddened to see Sandy leave and wish her the best in her future endeavors," said Pam Burns, current chamber president.
She said the chamber is looking forward to new opportunities and is working toward finding the right person to fill the role. That person would be a "dedicated individual with a passion for helping new and existing businesses within the area," Burns said.