Byrdstown/Pickett Co. Chmber of Commerce names new Executive Director
Nicola (Young) Smith is the new executive director of the Byrdstown/Pickett County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber board of directors had to lay off the paid executive director position back in May 2009 due to financial problems.
The duties of the executive during that time had been performed by board members and volunteers.
"During the financial crisis we suffered last year, we were able to revitalize the chamber. The main thing was that there was an update to the website, which is our portal to the world. We are also so fortunate to be able to once again afford to make this position available. It is part-time for now but the intention is to have it become a full-time position," said Lana Rossi, President of the Board of Directors.
Nicola graduated from Pickett County High School in 2005 as class Historian. She then went to Tennessee Technological University and received a human ecology degree in 2009. Recently she accomplished the almost impossible task of organizing last year's Sierra Hull Bluegrass Festival in only two months.
As executive director she will be responsible for maintaining membership, being involved with the county's economic development, and representing Byrdstown/Pickett County. She will be heavily involved with maintaining the county's Three-Star status. As a community it is crucial that we are Three-Star Certified, it allows us to receive grant money that otherwise wouldn't be available.
Nicola and husband Micah Smith, reside in Byrdstown and are expecting their first child in March.