Jeanette Rich Steps Down As
Ardmore's Chamber Director

by Dwight Turner

Jeanette Rich, executive director of the Ardmore, AL/TN Chamber of Commerce, has announced that she will be resigning from her post effective February 13, 2006. Rich, who has been involved for many years in both community service and business activities, will be assuming new duties as the Director of Tourism Development for Greater Limestone County.

"I have accepted this new position as Director of Tourism Development in Limestone County and I am thrilled and excited to continue to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing drive to bring tourists into the county" said Rich. "I am also happy because in this position I will be able to continue to serve Ardmore."

Rich began her tenure as Chamber of Commerce director on June 15, 1998 and has now served for seven-and-one-half years. During that time she has witnessed much growth in the Ardmore business community, on both sides of the state line. In addition, Rich has been instrumental in developing and expanding popular annual events in Ardmore, such as the Crape Myrtle Festival and the Renaissance Faire.


Jeanette Rich

"Of course I have mixed emotions about leaving," continued Rich. "I am so appreciative of how this community has supported the Chamber of Commerce and helped us achieve our goals. The Chamber members have been especially supportive and have provided me with the privilege of enjoying a great job here in Ardmore."

Rich went on to say that she was especially appreciative of the level of participation and support by members of the Ardmore, AL/TN Chamber of Commerce. According to Rich, chamber members participate at a level much higher than in other communities of comparable size.

"Our chamber members are the best," said Rich. "Our level of participation outranks anyone and that is a tribute to the community spirit of the local business community. Whenever we have needed to call on chamber members for help, they consistently have given us either time or money. They are by far the greatest and I appreciate them so much."

Rich has also served for the past four years on the Limestone County Tourism Council and is quite familiar with the growth of the tourism industry and the steady influx of new visitors to the area.

"Tourism is now the second largest industry in the county," remarked Rich. "My goal is to do all that I can to attract more and more visitors to the entire county. We have so many great communities in Limestone County and we want to be able to bring out-of-town and out-of-state folks to the whole county."

The proposed Limestone County Bike Trail is an example of projects currently underway that will be a part of Rich's focus as she assumes her new duties.

"A Project like the bike trail is something that will bring visitors to the whole of Limestone County," said Rich. "I hope that in the coming years we can initiate a number of similar projects."

The Ardmore, AL/TN Chamber of Commerce will be hiring a replacement for Rich during the next two weeks and the former director states she will be working closely with the new director to facilitate a smooth transition.