The Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed two new members and two re-elected members to its board of directors at the first board meeting of the year on Jan. 18.
Thomas J. Grant, of Welch Allyn, and Rita Trenti, of the Inn at the Finger Lakes, have joined the board for three-year terms, succeeding departing members Rita Drake, of the Whispering Winds Motel, and Mary Jane Fogerty, of The UPS Store.
Sandi Mulconry of Group M Communications and Elaine Slater-Kogler have been re-elected to the board of directors, each for a second three-year term.
Thomas Grant returns to the Chamber board of directors as vice president after a three-year leave of absence, during which time his job as director of marketing operations with Welch Allyn took him to Geneva, Switzerland. He previously served for one year on the board.
“I feel great about coming back home, and am very excited to see that the village of Skaneateles is still the same as when we left basically — some things are good when they don’t change,” Grant said. “I have only one meeting under my belt so far, so I’ll be in learning mode for the first few months, of course. Since I left, the board has accomplished a lot.”
Grant, who has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing, will co-chair the board’s marketing committee, which he said he hopes to leverage to help the Chamber continue to market itself and its member businesses effectively.
“The board has a great group of individuals that are passionate about Skaneateles and are always looking to constantly improve. It’s a good situation,” he said.
Rita Trenti, marketing director of Inn at the Finger Lakes in Auburn, will be representing the lodging industry as well as Auburn businesses. She will co-chair the board’s Membership Council.
This is Trenti’s first time on the Skaneateles chamber of commerce board. She also serves on the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Council and the Cayuga County Tourism Board.
“I’m very happy to be on the Skaneateles Chamber board; it’s a great opportunity,” Trenti said. “One of my goals is to make sure our members are fully served, and for new businesses to know the value of the Chamber and its services, and to help them promote their events and be successful.”
Sue Dove, chamber of commerce executive director, said the board is excited to have Grant and Trenti on its team.
“Tom’s extensive marketing experience is a tremendous asset to the chamber. His easygoing personality and willingness to take a leadership role in the chamber as vice president is greatly appreciated. Welcome back Tom!” Dove said.
“Rita Trenti is a brand new board member for the Skaneateles Chamber, but is very familiar with Chamber activities as she worked for the Chamber in 2009. Rita will be a great help in making sure we are representing our Auburn area businesses effectively. We are so pleased to have Rita back as an integral part of the Chamber team,” Dove said.
The next monthly meeting of the Chamber membership, and anyone interested in becoming a Chamber member, is at noon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Stella Maris Retreat Center. Call the Chamber to RSVP: 685-0552.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
