Syracuse Chamber Boss Moving On
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
SYRACUSE - Seven more weeks, and Jeanne Gardiner won't have to take those endless phone calls and questions that she so much loves.
Where's a particular store?
Is there a mountain bike race coming up nearby?
Where's a good hotel?
What's the latest with highway expansion?
And on and on.
In seven weeks, the calls will keep coming to the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, but Gardiner won't be there. One of Syracuse's most well-known and appreciated business leaders is stepping down, en route to a new life in Corpus Christi, Texas.
After 15 years' association with the chamber, including 12 years as the director, Gardiner and her husband are leaving Syracuse and its warm friendships for Texas and its warm climate.
Her exit comes at a time when the chamber, while fielding nearly 200 calls a month, is becoming more active and involved in community issues.
In recent months, the chamber has taken an active stance, including efforts to establish an Economic Development Income Tax and to widen Ind. 13 through the town's business district.
Establishing itself as a somewhat political player in the community is a change of pace.
"We've had kind of a quiet, laid-back chamber and not taken any stands," she said. "Now we're looking at issues and planning ahead. ... That has been a very popular move."
The new pro-active philosophy was a gamble that paid off. Two businesses who expressed appreciation for the new role recently joined the chamber, she said.
With the additions, the chamber now boasts 156 members.
Gardiner said she is pleased with relations built between the chamber and the town. Joint efforts have led to improved Christmas decorations and funding for a snowblower used to clear sidewalks in the business district.
Gardiner has also headed up several other projects, including a reassessment of long-term plans, programs to promote chamber member businesses and a new award known as the "Syracuse WawaSeal of Excellence."
Gardiner's position has always been part-time, and she supports talk of making it full-time. This year, she increased her hours from four a day to six.
The community is ready for a chamber that's accessible eight hours a day, she said.
"If we really want to serve our membership, we need to be here doing that," she said.
She's also been pushing for technological upgrades, including use of a computer with graphic capabilities and the future establishment of a Website on the Internet.
The chamber board is seeking applicants and hopes to fill the position before Gardiner leaves to ensure a smooth transition.
Filling her shoes will be difficult, said board president Don Tatman.
"She's done an excellent job for us. She keeps track of things. You don't realize how many calls go through that office." [[In-content Ad]]
SYRACUSE - Seven more weeks, and Jeanne Gardiner won't have to take those endless phone calls and questions that she so much loves.
Where's a particular store?
Is there a mountain bike race coming up nearby?
Where's a good hotel?
What's the latest with highway expansion?
And on and on.
In seven weeks, the calls will keep coming to the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, but Gardiner won't be there. One of Syracuse's most well-known and appreciated business leaders is stepping down, en route to a new life in Corpus Christi, Texas.
After 15 years' association with the chamber, including 12 years as the director, Gardiner and her husband are leaving Syracuse and its warm friendships for Texas and its warm climate.
Her exit comes at a time when the chamber, while fielding nearly 200 calls a month, is becoming more active and involved in community issues.
In recent months, the chamber has taken an active stance, including efforts to establish an Economic Development Income Tax and to widen Ind. 13 through the town's business district.
Establishing itself as a somewhat political player in the community is a change of pace.
"We've had kind of a quiet, laid-back chamber and not taken any stands," she said. "Now we're looking at issues and planning ahead. ... That has been a very popular move."
The new pro-active philosophy was a gamble that paid off. Two businesses who expressed appreciation for the new role recently joined the chamber, she said.
With the additions, the chamber now boasts 156 members.
Gardiner said she is pleased with relations built between the chamber and the town. Joint efforts have led to improved Christmas decorations and funding for a snowblower used to clear sidewalks in the business district.
Gardiner has also headed up several other projects, including a reassessment of long-term plans, programs to promote chamber member businesses and a new award known as the "Syracuse WawaSeal of Excellence."
Gardiner's position has always been part-time, and she supports talk of making it full-time. This year, she increased her hours from four a day to six.
The community is ready for a chamber that's accessible eight hours a day, she said.
"If we really want to serve our membership, we need to be here doing that," she said.
She's also been pushing for technological upgrades, including use of a computer with graphic capabilities and the future establishment of a Website on the Internet.
The chamber board is seeking applicants and hopes to fill the position before Gardiner leaves to ensure a smooth transition.
Filling her shoes will be difficult, said board president Don Tatman.
"She's done an excellent job for us. She keeps track of things. You don't realize how many calls go through that office." [[In-content Ad]]