Linda Brown (Courtesy photo)
ASHEBORO – This month’s Asheboro/Randolph Chamber retreat came at a time of transition.
President Linda Brown is leaving the group for another job in Randolph County.
The annual retreat was held across three days in Myrtle Beach, S.C., dubbed a success with an array of community leaders and a healthy sharing of ideas.
There were 93 registered to take part.
“A good group of business and community leaders,” Brown said.
Three Randolph County commissioners, including longtime attendee and board chair Darrell Frye, took part. State Sen. Dave Craven, City of Asheboro leaders and other elected officials were among those who gathered. Representatives or leaders of Randolph Health, Cone Health, Duke Energy, Randolph Community College, North Carolina Zoo and others participated in discussions.
A county growth management plan was examined along with the exploration of business initiatives.
New RCC president Shah Ardalan provided updates about the college’s plans pertaining to training opportunities and adult apprenticeships related to Toyota Battery Manufacturing-North Carolina at the Greensboro-Randolph megasite.
The retreat’s attendance has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
“Just kind of getting back into things,” said Casside Butler, the Chamber’s membership and events manager. “We had a lot of good participation.”
Winding down
Brown’s time as president of the Chamber concludes at the end of October. She has accepted a job as strategic planning and development officer at Randolph Community College.
Brow has been with the Chamber for more than nine years. She became president in June 2014. She formerly led the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority.
“The good thing is nothing here is broken or needs fixing,” Brown said of the Chamber. “Maybe somebody with some fresh eyes can take it on to its next level.”
In Brown’s new role, she’ll head RCC’s fundraising efforts with individuals, organizations and corporations.
The Chamber had about doubled in the past decade. There are approximately 800 members.
“I can leave here feeling sad, but not feeling guilty,” Brown said. “We enjoy supporting the community.”
A search committee has been formed to recruit a replacement for Brown.
Coming up
The Chamber’s next major project is the Asheboro Field of Honor presentation. Flags are for sale for $40. They can be dedicated for display on the field next to South Asheboro Middle School from Nov. 10-12, which is also Veterans Day weekend.
The Field of Honor is presented in conjunction with the Asheboro Rotary Club. The deadline to order flags and sponsorships online is noon Nov. 3, though they also can be purchased on site from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10-1 and from noon-2 p.m. Nov. 12.
The closing ceremony is at 3 p.m. Nov. 12.
Funds raised benefit the Asheboro Rotary Club Foundation and the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber Charitable Foundation.
