CHAMBER NEWS
BY KIMBERLY KAHL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IN HIS FAREWELL article in the September/October issue, retiring Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Courtis titled his article, “Yuma, You are Amazing.” I want to take a second to echo his sentiments because Yuma, you ARE amazing.
It’s been a great first couple of months as the new Executive Director for the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. I have never received such a warm welcome to an organization or new home before. It seems like everywhere I go and every new person I meet, people want to help my family and me get settled in. They want to know what my husband does to assist in his job search. They want to know what hobbies my son has so they can get him connected to other kids with similar interests. I’ve already been invited to get involved with so many great organizations. It’s a testament to all the great people in Yuma County. For that, I thank you. You have made Yuma feel like home already. I can’t wait to meet even more of you.
A little about me - my husband of 18 years, 16-year-old son, and I moved to Yuma from Tolleson, Arizona, a small agricultural community outside of Phoenix. Joining us is a small “farm” of our own with four dogs, a rabbit, and a tortoise. Prior to moving to Arizona in 2002, my husband and I both lived in very small, rural communities in northern Illinois.
I have strong ties to some of the industries so prevalent in Yuma. Many of my family members are farmers. I spent many summers playing on my grandma’s farm and learned to drive a tractor before I could drive a car. I also come from a family who considers military service an honor. My dad is a proud Vietnam veteran. I have two nephews who served in the Marines, one of whom recently retired after 20 years of service. My grandpa was a WWII veteran and I have many cousins and other family members who have served or currently serving as well.
Professionally, I have spent the last 22 years managing membership organizations, 15 of which were spent as the Executive Director. I am a Certified Association Executive and mentor others on organization management as well as consult with nonprofit organizations on governance and strategic planning. Most of my education is in organizational management and nonprofit management as well. During this time, I’ve planned events for 20 to 2,000 and lobbied and advocated on behalf of my members with elected officials as well as government agencies, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to listen to the members. I can steer the organization where they want it go as long as I’m listening.
I know I have some big shoes to fill with John Courtis retiring. He has done great things for the Chamber and will be missed. I look forward, however, to using my experience and expertise to take all of the great things he has done and continuing them or where possible, making them even better.✶