Russell Hassenstab, Dr. Elaine Lewis and
Brett Smith are ambassadors for the
Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of
Commerce. Photo by Amanda M. Usher
The ambassadors of Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber
of Commerce don green blazers as a sign of prosperity.
Smith became an ambassador
to connect with and build the com-
munity.
“I try to get out to as many
events as I can to meet other busi-
ness owners and advocate for the
community and the chamber and
what we can do for those business-
es. I enjoy it,” he said.
Russell Hassenstab joined the
team later in the summer.
The Kona Ice owner believes
participation with the chamber
ambassadors grants networking
chances and interaction with new
entrepreneurs.
“This gives me a good oppor-
tunity to put me with these people
that are celebrating the opening of
a new business,” he said. “As a busi-
ness owner myself, I understand
how valuable that is to my commu-
nity on the economic part.”
Cross-marketing promotes at-
traction to new businesses, Hassen-
stab said.
Smith labels the networking a
“win-win for everyone involved.”
The ambassadors come from
all career fields, all business types.
Not every ambassador is a business
owner.
Hassenstab said being ambas-
sadors helps them gain different
perspectives.
The role of the ambassadors is
vital as they help make new cham-
ber members feel welcome, Pope
said.
The group acts as mentors and
advocates for chamber members.
They’re a resource for information.
Russell Hassenstab, Brett Smith and Dr. Elaine Lewis – all ambassadors for the
Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce – work to support chamber members.
Photo by Amanda M. Usher
Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce | Trendsetters
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