Chamber assistant promoted to executive director

Tyler Schmick, fourth from right, president of McCook Area Chamber of Commerce announces that Tacie Fawver, seated left, would become the next Executive Director of the Chamber. Pictured are, sitting from left, Fawver, Linda Thieben, Chamber Administrative Assistant. Standing from left, Jamie Mockry, Jeff Hancock, Jeff Tidyman, Jessie Stevens, Michelle Gill, Mary Kircher, Darryl Volquardsen, Schmick, Alan Gunther, Karmon Coleman, and Gloria Mefford. (McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A familiar face will be taking the reins as Executive Director of McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. Tacie Fawver, Assistant Director since last July and Interim Director for the past three months, has been appointed to the leadership position by the chamber Board.

"I so much appreciate the Board for everything they have done to help Linda (Thieben) and I during this interim period. They all have businesses to run, but they have all been willing to help us when we needed it," said Fawver. "I thank them for trusting me with the next step. To some extent, I will be learning as I go, so I am always open for suggestions, input, or feedback."

Tacie is a Lead, South Dakota, native, and has lived in McCook for 14 years. She is married to Pat Fawver, who works for the City of McCook Water Department. They have one son, Morgan, 11, and two daughters, Narissa, 9, and Bailee, 5.

Prior to working for the Chamber, Tacie worked for Midwest Mailing Solutions and AmFirst Bank. Last July, she accepted the position with the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce.

"I have met a lot of people since coming to the chamber," said Tacie, "and I have learned a lot about the community."

Tacie said her main focus will be to increase chamber membership and provide services that members want from their Chamber of Commerce. Upcoming events that Chamber staff will be collaborating on include Crazy Days in July and Heritage Days in September.

"I would love to see more people throughout the community become involved with chamber committees and activities," said Tacie, "It is so important to maintain that sense of unity throughout the community."

Chamber President Tyler Schmick commented, "After interviewing and thoroughly discussing several qualified candidates, my fellow selection committee members and I came to a unanimous decision that Tacie would be the best person for the job. I'm excited about Tacie's enthusiasm for the chamber, her proven work ethic and the ideas we all share for improving the chamber's presence and impact in the community.

"Congratulations Tacie! We look forward to working with you as the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director."

Alan Gunther, who will take over as president of the chamber board in July, echoed Schmick's enthusiasm for Tacie's appointment. "We have put her in the director's shoes for the past three months," said Gunther, "now we need to let her wear the hat and see where she can take us."

Gunther said the Board is committed to providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities for Tacie to help her grow in her skills and gather ideas from other area chambers of commerce.