Ellen Palmer New Perry Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce officially has a new president following the resignation of former president Darlene McLendon.

Ellen Palmer was dubbed the new president/CEO of the organization earlier this month and officially started Monday. So far, she’s enjoyed the experience and says both the chamber and community welcomed her.

“My first week has been great,” Palmer said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and patient with me during this transition. I could not ask for a better staff with Bonnie, Clay, Elaine and Pamela, they are the soul behind the chamber and have provided great insight. Everyone already knows how great the people of Perry are and it’s been so wonderful receiving the welcome for the community. We also have a great executive and general board. They have great leadership, very involved and hands on. We are very fortunate to have them leading the community and the chamber.”

Palmer was born and raised in Laurens, South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University and is a graduate of the Perry Leadership Institute and Middle Regional Commission Leadership Champions. She is married to her husband, Dey and together, they have a four-year-old son, Wallace. The Palmers have resided in Perry for three and a half years.

Prior to working with the chamber, Palmer was the communications manager for the City of Perry. During that time, she launched widely successful initiatives, including the “Your Perry” mobile app and the Your City Program. Asked why she sought the president/CEO position, she said it felt like the right time and opportunity for her.

“My whole career, before I started working at the City of Perry, was in the business world,” Palmer said. “I worked for newspapers in advertising sales, family businesses in account management, as well as larger corporations in account management and working with banks. With that, I have 12 years total of experience in working the business world. During my time with the city, I got a chance to see a different side of that world, and I felt like I have learned Perry very well. I’ve learned so much and that’s been invaluable for me and in a way, I feel that my city job set me up for this position. With my new position, I get the best of both worlds.”

Palmer’s priority as president will be to focus on the members of the chamber. She said she wants to learn about their businesses, understand their needs and wants to hear their suggestions for the chamber.

“We want to see how we can help our members grow and succeed more,” Palmer said. “I also look forward to continue building strong relationships with the city, convention and visitor’s bureau and community. We are only as good as we all are and we already have strong partnerships. We all have the same goal, and that is to make Perry the best it can be to attract more people to come and live here, work and start a business.”