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Following a 22-year career in the chamber of commerce industry, the President of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Hopkins, has announced her plans to retire from the organization effective June 14, 2024. Hopkins was hired to lead the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce as president in June 2012, after serving as Executive Vice President of the Anderson Area Chamber for 10 years. Prior to her work in the chamber industry, Hopkins began her work in the non-profit sector with Foothills United Way in Anderson, after serving 12 years in the banking industry. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce and to be associated with the incredible people and businesses that make the Easley and Powdersville areas so unique", Hopkins said. “During my chamber career, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with the businesses and leaders on the local, state, and federal levels, as well as fellow chamber executives across many states. And that work has resulted in fond memories and friendships that will last my lifetime. While it is difficult to leave my position with the chamber, I look forward to having more time to spend with my family and to pursue other goals.” After almost 12 years with the Easley Chamber, Hopkins is proud of the work the organization has accomplished during her tenure, particularly developing an organizational strategic plan to guide their mission, adapting programs during the COVID pandemic to support business sustainability and economic recovery, relocating the chamber’s office to downtown, initiating a successful young professionals program, launching a Women’s Alliance initiative, and strengthening the chamber’s financial stability with increased reserve funds and revenue sources. Hopkins added, “My decision to retire was made much easier knowing our chamber is on solid financial footing and is supported by a talented staff, engaged board of directors, dedicated members, and many collaborative partnerships.” With her retirement, Hopkins will assist the chamber’s Executive Committee in ensuring a smooth and effective transition of duties to a new chamber president. Jeff Kittle, Chairman of the Greater Easley Chamber Board of Directors, shared, “I have been a part of many chambers of commerce in the Upstate and none have operated as fiscally and organizationally smooth as the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce. This is all due to Cindy Hopkins’ dedication and leadership for the past almost 12 years. She is one of the most energetic, positive people I know and has dedicated countless hours to the businesses in our Easley area. Many do not know all the things she has spearheaded and planned that fall way outside of a chamber president’s normal duty. It’s an understatement to say that Cindy will be extremely missed in Easley, but her legacy will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for those who follow in her footsteps. Hopefully, she can now enjoy some well-deserved relaxation with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter, knowing that her efforts have made a lasting impact on our chamber and our community.” Mr. Kittle added, “Our Board of Directors began the important process to hire our next chamber president in early January and we will soon make that exciting announcement to our community. While our new president will have big shoes to fill, we are also confident in the continued success of our chamber with a new leader at the helm. Our chamber has always embraced change and used it as an opportunity for positive growth, so we certainly look forward to the exciting change and growth that lies ahead for us.” Established in 1935, the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 350 business investors with a mission to serve as an advocate for business growth and sustainability in the greater Easley-Powdersville area. For more information, visit www.easleychamber.org.