future executive director, until the city extended an olive branch in the form of the contract it just terminated. To recruit new members, the current chamber needs to erase its reputation as a “social club” that “doesn’t do anything,” said President Isaac Jackson, who stepped into the role last month. Jackson, who owns a carpet cleaning company, is a bona fide businessman with experience across many industries. He replaces Présumé, who sold crafts out of her house. Her business has no working website, no physical address, no business email address nor phone number. Anderson is a breath of fresh air for the chamber, too. She’s a prominent local realtor and co-owner of a real estate firm with deep ties The chamber’s first executive director, Terri Crain, resigned along with most of the board of directors after she violated chamber bylaws by hiring her boyfriend as an executive assistant. The next director, Jim McMichael, was forced to resign by the board after six months. He was followed by John Kennedy, who lasted two months until he was arrested on charges of stalking and burglary. Four more directors and three years later, the chamber hired 20-year-old recent high school graduate Sara Troyer, who had no business experience. Her hiring caused the chamber to become the defendant in an exhaustive lawsuit, which it eventually won. Then, the board rehired Crain. The chamber operated with no executive director for nearly one-fourth of its existence due to lapses in leadership. For Anderson, it’s, “New year, new chamber.” POISED FOR SUCCESS? Maricopa City Council and the freshly minted board of directors are convinced Anderson will break the cycle. to the community. JOB INSECURITY “I can tell you with confidence that they didn’t have anybody like her in that position [before],” Jackson said. “A lot of directors that came in, they just didn’t know the role that well. And for somebody to understand that role, and come in and actually build, their longevity is going to be because of her.” It’s an uphill battle, but Jackson said “it’s a miracle” the chamber has come as far as it has. He’s got the support of all around him. “We applaud the efforts of the chamber to support businesses in the city of Maricopa and
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February 2024 | InMaricopa.com
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