To the Editor:
Cumberland Times-News
October 10, 2008 09:08 am
—
Thank you Barb!
As recently announced, Barb Buehl is stepping down as president of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, to concentrate on taking local tourism to new levels.
I met Barb several years ago, before she ever thought of becoming president of the chamber. We were attending a meeting between citizens talking about ideas to help elevate Allegany County to a better quality of life. I knew that first night that Barb was one of those unique individuals who would definitely have a positive impact on the area.
Barb was elected to the volunteer office of president/chairman of the board of directors of the chamber the same year I began my first of six years of service on the board and then took on the paid position of executive director/president later that year. It has been a true pleasure to work with someone with her vision, and her leadership skills. Although listed as a 30-hour a week, part-time employee, Barb’s days are normally 12- to 14-hour days. Her vitality and willingness to face challenges are infectious and have helped to create a new attitude within the chamber. I’m sure the Chamber will easily find a qualified person to fill the position of President, but Barb can never be replaced.
Just a few of Barb’s outstanding accomplishments are:
1) The establishment of the MDMountainside Internet Program — winning the Maryland Tourism Council Best Electronic Promotion Award in 2004 and in 2005.
2) Barb was the 2006 Maryland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of the Year.
3) Barb established the Mdmountainside kiosk program with an ARC grant — this program won statewide recognition.
4) Barb pioneered joint promotional agreements between tourism, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Canal Place Authority, Allegheny Highlands Trail and the Maryland Heritage Authority.
5) For 2009, Barb has obtained a $50,000 MHAA marketing grant to better promote our area.
6) Barb assisted in the creation of DelFest, Cumberland Goes to War, and the upcoming 2009 Mountain Maryland Marathon.
7) Development and implementation of countywide tourism promotion program through a contract negotiated with the Allegany County commissioners. For the first time in county tourism history, places the chamber’s members as key stakeholders in the effort
8) Provided a new bridge between local government and business and created a working relationship needed to provide a voice for the business community in Allegany County’s rapidly changing economic environment.
9) Oversaw development of inter-office automation and chamber member communications and implemented local chamber’s first e-mail system. Recent enhancements include installation of wireless internet ISP services and expanded Chamber web site with interactive member listings.
10) Implemented and promoted cooperative energy agreement for chamber members.
11) Initiated quarterly past presidents luncheon program to provide communication channel between new, current and historic chamber programs.
12) Oversaw creation of a local chamber legislative committee “bill tracker” spreadsheet used to communicate the local chamber’s positions on all major bills to member and to the Western Maryland delegation to Annapolis.
13) Appointed by Gov. Robert Erhlich to co-chair Western Maryland Economic Development Committee.
14) 2004 graduate of the Leadership Maryland program.
15) 2002 graduate of the Leadership Allegany! program.
16) 2007 Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
The chamber through Barbara’s success has enjoyed an increase in membership, greater participation in chamber sponsored events and increased participation with our county government. Our organization over the past six years has experienced resurgence in chamber participation at all business levels.
This list of accomplishments could go on and on, and could not have been possible without total dedication. The chamber will miss Barb, but the county will benefit from her full-time attention to tourism. It has truly been an honor to serve with Barb at the chamber, and I consider it an honor to be able to call her a friend. I’m sure all of my fellow chamber members wish Barb the best in her new endeavors.
Bill Valentine
Little Orleans
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