Jessica Holder named new president of Pinckneville chamber

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jessica Holder has been selected as the Chamber's new president. Last Thursday the Chamber's board of directors voted to approve Holder for the position. Holder succeeds Nathan Meagher's two and a half year term.

Holder was appointed to the board of directors earlier this year and has volunteered her time with the organization previous to her appointment. She is a third-generation of chamber leadership, as her father severed as the president in the 1960's and her grandfather was also involved in the 1950's. Holder was the editor of the Pinckneyville Press and manager at Red Hawk Golf Club. She is currently the general manager at Courtside Grill & Bar.

Holder's goals begin with growing and strengthening the Chamber's active membership. "Being engaged in the community in which you provide services in an important piece of your business's success," explained Holder regarding Chamber memberships. She also stated that schools, hospitals and government are an important player in the community. Although, she also noted that reaching outside of town for the benefit of Pinckneyville may be necessary for Pinckneyville to thrive with new business and residents.

"I am honored and excited to give back to my community," said Holder.The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce's premier event of the region is the Mardi Gras festival every October. All aspects of the events including the queen pageant, parade, street fair and car show are run on volunteerism. The mission of the Chamber is: "To serve, represent, and to be the leading advocate for the business interests of its members in ways that enhance the quality of life, and well being of our unique community, its residents and its visitors."

Serving with Jessica Holder on the executive board are Matt Wright, First Vice President; Peggy Sims, Second Vice President; Sarah Folden, Treasurer; Jennifer Wright, Secretary. The board of directors includes Dan Breslin, Dan Cheek, Tom McDaniel, Kevin Pyatt, Nathan Meagher, Chris Kuberski, Dustin Foutch and Toni Engelhardt. Monika Bajan Holder is the executive director.