Clarendon chamber has new executive director

CLARENDON COUNTY - The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce may have a new executive director, but she's not new to Clarendon County.

Jennie Lee, former owner of Merle Norman of Manning, began her new duties on Monday. She said she's "settling in" right now and that she's looking forward to visiting with each chamber member very soon.

"I am excited to be back in Clarendon County and working to bring back the events that helped to support my business," Lee said. "I am also looking forward to exploring new ways to grow the chamber and our community."

Lee said that she's ready to "fulfill the mission of the chamber by championing businesses, striving for a healthy economy and continuing to improve quality of life in our community."

"As a former small business owner, championing businesses is near and dear to my heart," Lee said.

Lee said that hosting the chamber's Business After Hours event and the chamber's ribbon cutting to launch Merle Norman of Manning "was a great way to introduce the new space to a lot of potential customers and fellow business owners in a fun and relaxing way."

Lee said that running a business is full of challenges as well as rewards.

"I have 15 years of experiences filled with challenges and rewards," she said. "I know how much work it takes to establish and grow a business. I constantly worked to find ways to delight customers as well as ways to run the business more efficiently."

Lee said having a successful business involves research, brainstorming and asking a million questions.

"The business network facilitated by the chamber was a huge resource for me," she shared. "The networking events helped me meet other business owners and share ideas for business success. Some of my most successful ideas came from those connections."

As a local small business owner, being a member of the chamber was a "really great way to stay updated on the activities and events going on in Clarendon County," she added.

Lee has also been an avid volunteer in the community. She has volunteered in various organizations and positions promoting Clarendon County, including the Junior Ambassadors, a community-minded group of young women that is sponsored by the chamber; Miss Clarendon Committee member; Striped Bass Committee member and volunteer; former co-chairman of Taste of Clarendon; and a former leader of Clarendon County Chamber Youth and Adult Leadership courses.

"Being involved with the chamber and volunteering with community events resonated with my customers," Lee added. "Our customers chose us over competitors because they knew we cared about Clarendon County just as much as they did."

Lee said she's ready to meet the new challenges that COVID-19 has placed on "every facet of our lives."

"I want to continue improving the quality of life in our community," Lee added, "because to me, there is no place like home."

In one of her first duties as the chamber's new director, Lee reintroduced herself to each chamber member through an email blast.

"Some of my favorite memories of the past couple of years are of the events and festivals on which I served as a volunteer," Lee said. "I am looking forward to making many great new memories as the chamber continues to be a driving force in the furthering of Clarendon County."

Lee said the chamber office, 19 N. Brooks St., is open each weekday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and she invited chamber members and non-members to stop by her office to enjoy a cup of coffee and "chat about what's going on in Clarendon County."

"Let's talk about how the chamber can help you and your business achieve even greater success," Lee said.

Owning a small business wasn't always easy, Lee shared.

"I owned a small business in Clarendon County for more than 10 years," Lee said. "It was not easy, but the people of Clarendon County always made it fun."

Lee said that her doors will always be open and that she's ready to hear from chamber members and potential members about how the chamber can work with them to accomplish great things together.

Clarendon County also has a new director of tourism who will begin his duties in a couple of weeks.

Like Lee, Jesse Surette isn't new to the folks of Clarendon County. He is a graduate of Manning High School and the University of South Carolina. Surette will be focusing his talents and abilities into improving tourism in his home county.

The Sumter Item's Clarendon Sun section will feature a story on Surette and his plans for improving tourism in next week's edition.

For more information on the chamber, call (803) 435-4405 or visit the chamber offices, 19 N. Brooks St.