At the end of the month the Alliance Chamber of Commerce will be looking to fill the position of executive director, following the announcement that current Executive Director Susan Unzicker is resigning effective April 30.
Unzicker said that she is resigning to pursue a business opportunity with her family. She said that the business will be a nutritional lounge, serving energy teas, protein shakes and various other goods. The business will also serve as a picking store, with miscellaneous items for sale. The business will be located at 304 Box Butte Avenue in Alliance.
Reflecting on her 10 years of service as Executive Director of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, Unzicker said that she has enjoyed building relationships with community members and promoting business.
“Just working with the community has been a highlight,” said Unzicker. “It’s always fun, like during Heritage Days and the Easter Egg hunt, getting out and seeing people enjoying themselves. I just have really enjoyed my time as the director and getting to know everyone in Alliance better. So I will miss seeing everyone at the Chamber and the events, but I will still be around.”
Unzicker said that some of the most satisfying aspects of serving in the role include growing various events to promote the community. She cited adding the Christmas light scavenger hunt in December as well as working with Viaero Wireless to bring reindeer to the Christmas parade as some of those examples.
“Just seeing that grow has really been satisfying,” Unzicker said.
Unzicker offered advice for the next Chamber Executive Director: have a strong passion for the community.
“They have to have a passion for the community, a passion for Alliance and a passion for the businesses,” said Unzicker.
Allie Tyree, Board President of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, explained that the board will meet later this week to determine a direction forward and to create an interview committee. She noted that the application for the position is open currently and is set to close later this month.
Tyree said the board is looking for someone with strong communication skills and eagerness to grow the community to carry on Unzicker’s legacy. She said candidates should be ready to hit the ground running as Heritage Days is approaching quickly.
“We’re looking for someone who is good with people; who is looking to be a part of several different things in the community,” said Tyree. “Somebody who is a strong communicator, who is going to be able to carry on a lot of the things. Susan’s been there for so long and built such a great Chamber for our area, and she is leaving big shoes to fill.”