In late May, the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce announced it had found its next executive director. Kiley Eiland, who had been working with the Perry County Economic Development Authority as well as Heritage Tourism will begin her new role next Monday, June 13. She answered a few questions about the job for the Republic Monitor earlier this month.
“As a Perryville native, it’s of great importance to me to see our community thrive,” she said. “I am very passionate about using my talents and abilities to better my community in an impactful way.”
With the start of her new role newly here, Eiland is optimistic and excited for several reasons.
“I’m excited to build new relationships and grow existing ones,” Eiland said. “I’m excited to work with Renee Lottes, the Chamber Board of Directors and to meet with members and businesses, to learn from them and to collaborate with them. I look forward to planning community events and brainstorming new ideas.”
As Chamber executive director, her goals include: helping businesses prosper and grow, improve the community’s quality of life, produce engaging and memorable annual signature events, recurring events and general membership events, listening to the wants and needs of individuals businesses, members of the community and providing tailored resources and solutions, working closely with the Perry County Economic Development Authority, establish efficient and effective solutions for the community and give visitors, business owners and citizens of the area and sense of confidence through “supportive, communicative leadership.”
Eiland believes in staying connected with the community, and wants to offer new and innovative benefits to be a strong resource for both members and the community as a whole.
“I believe it’s vital for a chamber to work hard behind the scenes to ensure that we are providing the best possible resource for our members,” Eiland said. “This includes organizing network events, education seminars, connecting with local and state officials, promoting and marketing the local economy and fostering relationships with new and existing business resource partners that can offer our members what we may lack.”