Allen Smith selected as Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s next President and CEO

Chamber Chair: New leader represents fresh ideas, creativity and track record of success

SPARTANBURG, SC – A nationally recognized chamber executive with an established track record of stimulating significant gains in membership, revenues and community involvement has been named the next president and CEO of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Allen Smith, current President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, will begin his new role in Spartanburg on June 16. Smith, a native of Greenville, N.C., moved to Greer in 2010, and has since helped position its area chamber as a best practices leader in a number of areas, including the use of social media.

Smith’s demonstrated leadership and enthusiasm for new ideas will offer an exciting and refreshing complement to both the Chamber’s growing presence and Spartanburg County’s continued strength in attracting new economic investment, said Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

“Allen will bring creativity, a strong work ethic and an ability to collaborate with others,” Keith said. “This is a young leader who has the experience to help Spartanburg County soar.”

Keith specifically cited Smith’s success in developing a strong social media presence for the Greer chamber, efforts for which the organization was recognized, from among a pool of more than 7,100 chambers of commerce, as one of the nation’s “Top 100” social media-friendly chambers.

During Smith’s tenure, the Greer chamber was also recognized as the “2012 Carolinas Chamber of the Year.”

“Allen is a leader who has new ideas and can communicate well,” Keith said.

Smith said there is “no better time than now to be in and serve the Spartanburg community.”

“There is a tremendous amount of momentum and opportunity,” Smith said. “In order to continue this momentum and seize every opportunity we have available to us, it is imperative that we continue to fully support the efforts of the Economic Futures Group, strengthen the Chamber by bringing measurable value to organizations of all sizes and promote Spartanburg County as the premier destination for business, leisure, recreation and tourism. I look forward to building a meaningful relationship with volunteer leaders, the staff and the community at large as we move Spartanburg forward.”

The search committee, Keith said, reviewed 78 total applications for the position, with hopefuls from all across the United States, and even foreign countries, seeking the opportunity.

“Without fail, all the applicants who did their homework had this to say: We want to be a part of this community,” she said.

Keith expressed her thanks to the search committee, which was comprised of representatives from the financial, legal, philanthropic and young professional communities.

“This was a search committee of highly busy people and they came together and discussed and seriously considered a number of resumes,” Keith said. “They approached this with the kind of professionalism and zeal that I’ve not seen in a long time.”

About the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce

The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit organization supported through membership investment and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to enhance the economic vitality and lifestyle environment of Spartanburg County. The Chamber accomplishes its mission through: public policy initiatives and political involvement; economic  development strategies and implementation; leadership development programs; advancing college completion initiatives; building business networks; growing the visitor economy; collaborative activities throughout the community; excellent communication vehicles; business skills enhancement; air service improvements; and CEO networks. For more information, visit www.spartanburgchamber.com