“My door is open,” concluded Chamber Coordinator Meridith Layne, left, while discussing her first day working for the Morrison Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. She is available Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. She told the Editor, at right, that her day “has gone great….By learning the membership directory and some businesses that are here, I would love to meet” the owners.
Her job description–so far–is to
- carry out activities directed by the Chamber Board
- promote local businesses, through press releases, website articles, Ribbon Cuttings, and Open House notices.
Layne’s work experiences the past six years were with YWCA of the Sauk Valley. She was a non-profit social services volunteer. Layne served as an advocate and coordinator for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. How might her skill set fit into the Chamber position? “My skills are advocating for clients, working with community members, and communication,” she answered.
“I like being surrounded by community-minded people. In Morrison, you go to events, and you see [eager] volunteers.”
The majority of the Layne family has lived in Morrison, IL, for seven years, after their move from Sterling, IL. Meridith and Troy have two daughters: Lilah, an eight-year-old second grader, and three-year-old preschooler, Muira. The Morrison school system initiated their change in residence.
Executive Director Kim Ewoldsen said of Layne, “Welcome aboard! We’re excited to have her here. It’s an exciting time[, because] we’ve grown in the last two years” since Ewoldsen has been employed. The new Coordinator “will work in partnership with the Chamber, Morrison Area Development Corporation, and the City. She will take on all Chamber functions.”