Call it a series of fortunate events; Terri made her way from Maricopa, Arizona back to our Valley in a matter of months. After a fall break vacation in early October of 2010, Terri and her husband Michael entertained the idea of moving back to southern California. “I was born in South Florida, and lived all over the United States. I spent a majority of my adult life in Southern California, the place that always felt like ‘home’.” What may have seemed like a “five year plan” to eventually move back to California quickly changed as opportunity came knocking.
“It was a Sunday afternoon, October 24 to be exact. We were sitting in the backyard looking through websites for things to do in Maricopa, and so forth. While Michael was doing yard work, I came across a job application for the SCV Chamber of Commerce,” states Terri.
And the rest is history. “I came out here for the first interview. I did the best I could do and presented my achievements, and what do you know, they called me back for a second interview, and then the official offer came in.”
It was only a matter of weeks that Terry, her 11-year-old son Colton, and Michael began making the move. “We were emotionally prepared to move, and my son was definitely on board,” states Terri. “Everything just fit perfectly into place. I feel like we were sent down this path and the doors kept opening. We found a home out here, found renters for our home in Arizona, and my husband was able to maintain his business via satellite office.”
Terri headed the Chamber of Commerce of Maricopa, Arizona prior to taking seat as President of the SCV Chamber of Commerce. “I was with the Chamber of Commerce of Maricopa since 2004 and it was a great experience,” states Terri. With a population just under 50,000 residents in Maricopa City, Maricopa’s chamber grew from 75 to 330 members under Terri’s leadership. “Most of the growth happened within the first two and a half years. The city was booming and while the chamber had been an organization since 1990, it never did much. Being president, I gave a face to the organization and I think people respected that.”
Under Terri’s tenure, the membership increased and her efforts to reach out to the community were acknowledged. In 2007, Terri received the Woman of the Year Award for her efforts with the Maricopa City chamber. Terri also received an award for volunteering in 2009. “I was honored, excited and very humbled. The more accolades I receive, the more humbling it is,” states Terri. “At the end of the day, we wash our face and hair the same way. I’m just me, doing what I love.”
What are Terri’s goals for the SCV Chamber of Commerce?
“For the moment, there are a lot of processes that need to be streamlined, even enhancing and improving the chamber’s website” states Terri. “I want to maintain consistency and provide a leadership role, and I look forward to getting involved with the community. I am happy to be back in Santa Clarita and am humbled to work with the SCV Chamber of Commerce.”
For more information about the SCV Chamber of Commerce, visit www.scvchamber.com.
|
|
