Kanette Keough-Rodgers recently started her new job as President and CEO of the Collierville Chamber of Commerce.
The Collierville native took time to sit down and answer a few questions regarding her experiences leading up to the job and what she hopes to accomplish with the Chamber.
1) What are your top priorities as the new CEO of the Collierville Chamber?
To position The Collierville Chamber of Commerce as a gateway for success in our community.
2) What are some of your immediate and long term goals for the Chamber?
My immediate goal is to get to know all our members. I want to hear which of the Chambers’ many benefits they value most, and learn what we can do to serve each member better.
One of my long term goals is to work with Collierville Schools to establish a partnership aimed at bringing educators, business people and students together to work toward common goals.
Through student recognition programs, we can provide students with encouragement to achieve excellence.
Through mentoring and internship programs, we can help ensure that students are prepared with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace.
3) What are some things that member businesses approach the Chamber for?
The Collierville Chamber is a vibrant organization that offers a wide range of services to our members, including networking and business-to business-opportunities, professional development programs, legislation advocacy, business promotion opportunities, sales leads, meeting space, information about the town and the opportunity to serve the community.
4) How have your experiences as a small business owner prepared you for your position with the Chamber?
I understand the challenges facing small businesses today, like start-up costs, cash flow, budgeting, lease negotiation, recruiting, training and motivating employees, marketing on a limited budget, dealing with government policies, and balancing work and family.
5) How have your experiences with The Orpheum Theatre prepared you for your position with the Chamber?
As the Vice President of Marketing for The Orpheum Theatre, I was responsible for preserving the brand of a historic organization that has served the Mid-South since 1928. I was also responsible for successfully marketing a range of entertainment events, including Broadway musicals, concerts and educational events.
The marketing department of The Orpheum serves as an in-house agency, so I created comprehensive marketing campaigns for each event, purchased all advertising, and oversaw the creation of all print ads, radio and TV spots, outdoor boards, online ads, promotional videos and social media posts.
6) With Collierville Chamber membership at an all-time high (720 members), how will you focus on serving current member businesses while also reaching out to new businesses?
I hope to develop new programs and partnerships that will enhance our members experience with the chamber. With the help of our great board of directors and treasured Ambassadors, I hope to reach out to new businesses face-to-face, whether by calling on them at their place of business, or inviting them to Chamber events.
7) You’ll be running this organization at a time when there seems to be immense positive momentum in the town’s economy. What do you think is fueling this growth?
When choosing a location, a smart business leader will choose an area where talent wants to live. I believe our small town charm, exceptional school system, top-notched parks, favorable tax structure, and low cost of living make Collierville the perfect place to live, work and play.
