Shaffield takes reins of Crestview chamber

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce announced its new board chairwoman during an installation dinner Tuesday night.

Anne Shaffield, a current board member, will assume her duties from outgoing Chairwoman Robyn Helt on Monday. Shaffield said as incoming chairwoman she has worked closely with Helt.

“It was quite an honor when I was asked to serve as chair for this wonderful organization,” Shaffield said in an email. “I embrace this opportunity to give back to my community and to an organization that has afforded many opportunities in both my personal and professional life.”

Shaffield has been involved with the chamber for eight years, serving as an ambassador and a committee chairwoman.

Shaffield also has spent eight years working with businesses in Okaloosa and Walton counties through CareerSource Okaloosa Walton’s Workforce Development Board.

“In my role at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, I work with businesses in the community to assist them with employee recruitment and retention,” she said. “This role as chairperson seemed to be a natural fit.”

The chamber's board chair serves only one year, but Shaffield hopes to create harmony during her tenure.

“I will work hand in hand with the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Crestview, Okaloosa County and community businesses to ensure that Crestview is one of the greatest places in the Panhandle to live, work and grow,” she said.

“I plan to do a lot of listening to both our existing membership and potential new chamber members,” Shaffield added. “Next year’s focus is providing added value to business memberships to both grow our chamber and retain membership.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shaffield takes reins of Crestview chamber