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TUESDAY TIDBITS 
Tips from Your Chamber Professional Association
Chamber Executive Spotlight
Candace Boothby 2013                         
Candace Boothby, CCE, GCCE
Newnan-Coweta Chamber 


How long have you been
in the Chamber profession
?
16 years

How long have you been in your current position?
11 years

What do you love most about your job?
The variety is what I love most about my job! I can't think of another job that provides such an ability to wear so many different hats, to grow your skills and knowledge in so many different areas, and to realize such a far-reaching impact for the greater good.

Tell us about your most embarrassing Chamber moment.
There have certainly been lots of awkward moments throughout the years, but probably the most embarrassing moment would have been my first annual meeting with my current Chamber. Only in the position for three months and still learning about the community, I took the advice of the outgoing chair and booked a speaker who had "entertained" at a local community leader's 70th birthday party. Let's just say that the humor enjoyed at a private birthday party didn't translate to the dignity and tradition of a Chamber annual meeting. Not only did the speaker offend pretty much everyone in the audience including their mothers, fathers and cousins, but we (I) had to cut her off and end the act to hustle her out of the room before there was too much irreparable damage. What a way to bond with my new community and leaders!  
  
 
Which Chamber Executive has had the biggest impact on your career and how
My very first chamber I worked for was the Greater Killeen, Texas, Chamber. Rick Murphy was our CEO and was a fantastic mentor. He hired me soon after he joined the Greater Killeen Chamber after a stint with the Bentonville, Arkansas Chamber. I give Rick full credit for putting me on a solid foundation and igniting my passion for the chamber industry. A career chamber and economic development executive, Rick instilled in me a terrific knowledge of the industry, encouraged me to take advantage of professional development opportunities and, most importantly, prepared me for taking risks and moving to the next level.  

 

What is your Chamber's signature event?

Our signature event is our annual Golf Classic. Considered by many to be one of the premier golfing events in the state, the Golf Classic draws participants from throughout the Metro Atlanta region and supports efforts through the community branding campaign to position Coweta as "Prosperity's Front Door." With almost 300 golfers and more than 100 exhibitors and volunteers, the tournament generally nets about $70,000 to help fund the Chamber's efforts to promote and to foster economic prosperity for Coweta County. We've worked extremely hard over the years to position this not as an event, but as an experience that cultivates relationships. 
 
 

What is your favorite Georgia destination outside of the one you represent and why?

My favorite Georgia destination would be hands-down Savannah. The history, restaurants, shopping, and accessibility to the beach (Tybee, St. Simons, Jekyll) can't be beat. Savannah and its surrounding areas are truly unique.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be in public relations. Not sure I really knew what that meant, but I did write my career paper in the 10th grade on public relations. I went on to major in journalism with an emphasis in public relations, and in 2003 achieved a life-long career goal by earning my accreditation in public relations. Certainly one of the most challenging things I've ever done.

 

Who will be next in our Chamber Executive Spotlight?  Stay tuned and be on the lookout for your next Tuesday Tidbits coming out on Tuesday, August 12!