In business, things change and not every shoe fits your foot.

Well, we have two “new shoes” here at the CCEDC that I am beyond excited to introduce to you.

Jessica Kohutka is our member relations director and events coordinator.

She has been with us since November, so she’s just a little over six months into it and she is doing a phenomenal job of organizing exciting new events and resurrecting our existing events.

Not to mention bringing in new members and scheduling ribbon cuttings for new businesses as well as grand reopenings for existing businesses, she’s knocking it out of the park.

Our newest member of the team is Brenda Sacco. Brenda is our new economic development director and is taking the office by storm. She is extremely experienced in the role having worked in the industry in Lackawanna County for many years. I have no doubt that with her expertise Carbon County will see a new wave of growth and prosperity.

We have so many events, happy hours and ribbon cuttings coming up, it’s getting hard to keep track of them all.

July’s big event is our inaugural Cornhole Tournament on Thursday, July 25 at Baer Memorial Park in Lehighton. Enjoy an evening of fun competition along with Bright Path Brewery from Jim Thorpe, Donut NV, and The Chef’s Hotbox BBQ. Best of all, first prize is 2 Blackstone 22-inch griddles.

Be sure to register on our website either as a team, or individually and we can get you teamed up with someone. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Andreas Plumbing and Heating of Lehighton and PPL.

Remember, if you or someone you know is thinking of starting a business, contact us at 610-379-5000 to schedule a free consultation with a specialist from Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center.

If your looking for a loan to start a new business, or expand your business and need funding to purchase equipment, real estate, machinery or do construction, we can help.

And be sure to check our website Events tab for more fun events, ribbon cuttings, business celebrations and educational offerings here at your Chamber.

I look forward to seeing you next time.

Kathy Henderson is the executive director of Carbon Chamber and Economic Development.