A change of leadership rests upon the horizon for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in Manassas.
As Outgoing Chair Betty Dean prepares to conclude her year long term, she sat down with What’s Up Prince William to discuss her experiences as well as some of the highlights of her term.
“What was such a wonderful experience for me was the opportunity to get out and meet so many people and hear so many stories about how people have engaged with the chamber and how the chamber has made a difference for them and their businesses,” she said.
She explained how the theme for the year was focused around encouraging members to do business with other members. A focus she echoed in her first sit down with What’s Up Prince William in June 2018 before her term began.
During her year in the position she also researched and is currently finalizing a new strategic plan for the chamber. While the chamber has always been guided by a plan, Dean emphasized the ways this plan differs.
“In today’s world, belonging is not the same as attending. And so we have tried to put together a strategic plan that adapts to the way people are working today but at the same time what we learned from talking to our members is that there’s nothing more critical or more important about a chamber membership than the ability to form relationships. So were sort of trying to merge those two concepts,” Dean explained.
As for the future of the chamber, Bishop Lyle Dukes from Harvest Life Church is Dean’s successor. His term will begin on July 1, and Dean explained that Duke’s theme will be centered on the idea of “courageous leadership”.
His focus will be on making sure the chamber is a solid advocate for their members and that they are contributing to the success of the local economy.
Dean concluded her conversation with What’s Up Prince William by sharing what her position as Chair meant to her.
“It’s been really exciting and it’s been an honor to be in a leadership role like that and to represent so many amazing business people. It’s been the honor of my life and I’ve had a lot of fun doing it,” Dean said.
This article was written by Staff Writer Patricia Keitz.
