Following a nationwide search, the Chamber Board of Directors has hired Chris Hardy as president and chief executive officer of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Hardy provided the following responses to AlbanyCEO.com questions regarding his move to Albany, time with the Clemson Area Chamber and initial priorities in his new position:

What made you decide to come to Albany? 
The opportunity that the Selection Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors have given me is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime. The people on those committees truly made me feel like they valued what I would bring to the table. It was amazing to see during the interview process how much people appreciate and understand the importance and relevance of the Chamber in Albany. Trust me that is not the case everywhere. To be selected to lead a Chamber with the reputation that the Albany Area Chamber has among other Chambers nationally is an unbelievable honor. The Chamber's 5 Star Accreditation proves that the Chamber is operating as a Chamber should internally and in the community. 

What one or two accomplishments are you most proud of in your time at the Clemson Area Chamber? 
There are many great things we were able to accomplish during my time at the Chamber. The two things I am probably most proud of are: we made the Chamber relevant in our community as well as regionally and statewide and the other would be the raising of $115,000 to retire the debt on the Chamber and Visitor Center headquarters to make the organization debt free. I am especially proud of this considering we did it during the worst economy any of us has ever seen.

What will be your priorities in your first one or two months on the job? 
A few of the things I will work on initially will be getting to know the staff and volunteers so that they understand my philosophies and how we can work together to make the Chamber, Albany and Dougherty County the best it can be for business prosperity and quality of life. Another priority will be to personally meet every member and get their feedback on how the Chamber can help them while better understanding the needs of the business community.

For more on Chris Hardy joining the chamber visit today's news story: Chamber Announces Chris Hardy as New President/CEO.

About Barbara Kieker

Barbara Kieker is a freelance writer who writes on business-related topics for a number of web-based properties. She also provides communications services to Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.