New Chamber of Commerce leader Nicole Van Hyfte from Vermilion Advantage told D102’s Tommy B on “The Big Show” that although the effort to reinvigorate the Chamber started a while back, there was something in the way: COVID.
AUDIO: When Tim Dudley, our CEO, started in January of 2021, one of his first things was “I want to bring back the Chamber.” So he tasked Machelle Dykes, who just retired yesterday, to start doing that. And she did a wonderful job, but unfortunately it was during COVID times. So there wasn’t a while lot….you know we did what we could….a lot of “zooming” going on to be able to connect with people.
Van Hyfte says one thing she really wants to do is get more people involved in a place were she really got started, Vermilion Advantage “Leadership Tomorrow” classes. From mom and pop stores to huge manufacturing, there are so many businesses here that she wants tomorrow’s leaders to know about.
AUDIO: We make some amazing things here in Vermilion County through our manufacturing. I mean Danville Metal Stamping, Greenwood Inc; I mean these places are international, and they’re from here. It’s like really cool, and you might not know that. You get to take tours of some of these places, get really connected with government officials.
For more on the Chamber, Vermilion Advantage, and Leadership Tomorrow classes; contact Nicole Van Hyfte at NVanHyfte@vermilionadvantage.com; or call 217-442-6201.
