The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new director after current director, Hope Vargas, accepted a position with the Tennessee Department of Tourism.
Vargas served as the chamber director for five years. Chamber President Ryan Hopkins said Vargas has made a huge impact on the county during her time with the chamber.
“Since Hope’s been here, we’ve had multiple businesses move in and really flourish,” Hopkins said. “I feel like she has helped the community be more aware of what businesses we do have.”
Hopkins said the chamber has already closed the application period and received six applications. Hopkins said he was surprised at the strong interest in the position.
“It is a big job that takes a lot of time and effort, but having multiple candidates gives us a better idea of who the best fit will be,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins said the board of directors will meet to review the applications, then conduct interviews before making a hire. Hopkins also outlined what the chamber is looking for in the next director.
“We would like to see somebody who’s up on economic development,” Hopkins said. “Tourism has been a great thing for us. We have lots of event centers like Wildwood and, of course, the shops and restaurants. But the waterfall, Cummings Falls, pulls a lot of visitors to the county. So really, economic development as well as a good relationship with the board.”
Hopkins said the chamber wishes Vargas the best in her new position and that her shoes will be hard to fill. Hopkins said the board is hopeful to make a hire soon.
“We need someone to start fairly quickly,” Hopkins said. “We do not want to leave the seat empty for too long. So we are hoping to close the process out by the end of next week.”