Mint Hill Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes New Executive Board

As we embark on a new year, the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new Executive Board for 2021.

This year, the Chamber says farewell to three longtime members.  Dave Martinson from Create a Video served on the board for two three-year terms lasting from January 2015 through December 2020.  Half of Martinson’s six years were served on the executive board as the treasurer.  In his second year, Martinson drafted the first business plan for the Chamber, and when the executive director’s position was vacant, he helped keep the office open until current executive director Paige McKinney was hired.  “It was a wonderful experience, and I learned a lot from my peers and fellow members of the chamber!” says Martinson.

Tara Goodfellow from Athena Consultants also served on the board from January 2015 through December 2020.  Goodfellow was on the executive board as their secretary for many of the years she served and was instrumental in starting the Mint Hill Chamber Scholarship Program.  “What I’ll miss most from a program perspective is having the honor of chairing the scholarship committee since 2015,” says Goodfellow. “We’ve grown the program from two scholarships to four scholarships, awarding Mint Hill high schools’ seniors funds for college.  That program has grown due to Chamber support, golf tournament proceeds, and contributions from local businesses including Pour 64.”  

“I know the board will continue to accomplish great things supporting, serving, and promoting businesses in Mint Hill and the surrounding area,” continues Goodfellow, who intends to continue serving as an ambassador in 2021, just as she did when she first joined the Chamber.  “I intend to continue to be an active chamber member and look forward to when we can gather again in person. The Chamber truly is a supportive and encouraging group.”

“Both Dave and Tara were serving on the board and involved in the candidate search that hired me,” says Paige McKinney.  “I will forever be grateful to those directors that were a part of that team.”

Anna Granger from 1st Choice Properties will also depart the Executive Board this month.  Anna served on the Executive Board from January 2018 through December 2020.  She was the first sponsor of the “Best of Mint Hill” photo contest and helped with the nominating committee and the Business Growth Panel.  “It was a great pleasure and a wonderful learning experience,” says Granger.  “Getting to know and working with the leaders of this town was amazing.  COVID-19 restricted many activities in 2020, but hopefully we can start networking again in the near future. I was thankful to be able to help sponsor many Chamber events and am looking forward to serving the Chamber and town in the future in any capacity that I can.”

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce extends its thanks to the 2020 Executive Board: President Joy Greear, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center; Vice President Kim Rhodarmer, Servant’s Heart of Mint Hill; Treasurer Dave Martinson, Create a Video; and Secretary Sandy Harrison, Photographic Elegance.

“I’m very proud of the 2020 board directors that served the Chamber, who adapted to changes everyday, and who have each used their talents and expertise for the benefit of the chamber and its members,” says McKinney.  “I am eager and excited to ring in a new year with our 2021 executive board. We will continue to work together to support the business community.” 

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes the 2021 Executive Board: President Kim Rhodarmer, Servants Heart of Mint Hill; Vice President Rick Peniston, Peniston Deason Attorneys at Law; Treasurer Jennifer Manchester, Suburban Properties of Charlotte, LLC; Secretary Tetnika Williamson, Independence High School.  Joy Greear will also remain on the Executive Board as the Past President after two years as President of the Chamber.

“We kicked off 2020 with a Board of Directors retreat to plan for an exciting year in the Chamber,” says Greear, reflecting on a year no one could have predicted last January.  “We did an exercise to evaluate our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and began setting goals we would like to see accomplished during the year.  COVID-19 slowed down our networking and in-person opportunities to connect for many of our events, but we were able to hold our annual golf tournament in October and raise $21,000 to support the operations of the Chamber.   I am incredibly grateful for the unique group of directors who has faithfully committed their time and expertise to support all of the initiatives of the Chamber and the best interests of the small business owners.  It has been a difficult year in so many ways, but we adapted as best we could to the ever-changing environment, and we look forward to 2021 with renewed vigor and optimism for the future growth and success of local businesses and the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce.”

Greear passes the baton to Kim Rhodarmer, Founder and Executive Director of Servant’s Heart Mint Hill.  “It takes a village to raise and maintain businesses,” says Rhodarmer. “The Mint Hill Chamber has always been the best avenue in our community to connect with other businesses and forge relationships that often morph into friendships. Through this process, businesses are promoted and outcomes enhanced. We are hopeful that 2021 will open wide our ability to network in ways that are new and broader than past years. As a resident of Mint Hill for two decades and a business owner of a local non-profit, Mint Hill is where I choose to live, work and play. I am honored to continue serving our business community through the Mint Hill Chamber.” 

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce also welcomes three new incoming directors.  Novandria Huggins (Blessed Assurance Adult Daycare) and Phil Angelo (Leisure Travel Experts) are seeking their first term, and Sandy Harrison (Photographic Elegance) is seeking to serve her second term.   Once confirmed by the membership, they will serve a three-year term lasting from 2021 through 2023.

“Our board directors at the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce are elected by the cCamber members and are ranking executives in their organizations, representing many of Mint Hill's          leading firms and organizations, as well as the small business segment,” explains McKinney. “These executives provide leadership to promote and collaborate with businesses              and cultivate a growing, connected community. It is such an honor to serve alongside each of the talented leaders as they further the mission of the Chamber.”

Article Written by: Mary Beth Foster