Daniels stepping down as Chamber president

After nearly a decade leading the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Kate Daniels is stepping down — telling the New Old North that she felt the Chamber was postured well for a change in leadership.

“We have paid off debt, tackled community issues, advocated for business, and have engaged the community in countless events and programs. We have brought our community together through some strong times and really challenging times,” she said. “And we did it together, just like it has been done throughout the history of the organization.”

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Kevin Johnson expressed appreciation for the ever-present leadership Kate has shared in the community.

“Kate has stood alongside owners and employees of over 500 ribbon cutting ceremonies, attended over 800 community events, emceed, and rallied for our county on all fronts, and has been instrumental in the committee work of the Chamber and its impact on education, talent development, agriculture, legislative, military, and both small and large businesses,” he said in a news release.

Daniels used her pending resignation to celebrate her partners — both in the community and beyond.

“The greatest joys have come from working along an incredible team and volunteers who are focused on the good. A team of people focused on where the opportunities lie and never where the hurdles are. It’s that forward thinking that makes the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce so successful in the past, present, and in the future,” she said. “There has never been a more critical time for strong partners in communities, and I commend every member for recognizing the value of supporting the Chamber who brings people, ideas, missions, and opportunities together. The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is in an incredible position with the team in place to continue to deliver its mission to the community, and I look forward to continuing to champion for its success from the sidelines. I trust the growing membership will continue to be engaged in the efforts of the Chamber because these efforts change communities. And they change them for the good.”