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In a Day's Work
 Director
of the Chamber
For the past 20 years, Carol Foley has been a tireless advocate
for Peters’ business community.
By Tim
McNellie
When the Peters
Township Chamber was organized in 1954, economic development was
very much a front burner issue. Today, the community’s
economic viability is unquestioned, and the community has grown
into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most desirable communities
for residents and businesses. Part of the credit for that
success has to go to the township’s chamber of commerce, which
devotes itself to doing whatever it can to help local businesses
succeed.
For the past 20
years, the chamber has been headed by Carol Foley, executive
director, who can often be spotted around town visiting
businesses and otherwise promoting Peters’ commercial
district. She took a few minutes out of her busy schedule
recently to talk to us about her two decades with the chamber.
What’s the
day-to-day work life like for a chamber director?
I’m responsible for the operation of the office located in
Donaldson’s Crossroads Shopping Center and the programming for
our membership. The chamber takes an active part in the life of
our community, so there are always meetings to attend in a given
month and businesses to call on.
Is it interesting
work?
Yes, and I also have the luxury of a great administrative
assistant, Anna Pikelis, and a very supportive board of
directors.
What do you like
about it?
I enjoy getting out in the community, calling on new businesses
and those not so new. Our commercial corridor is easily
accessible along Route 19 and in a few other designated spots in
our township. The business community has always been supportive
of our school district and municipal programs, and that says a
lot about the spirit of this place. Peters is a great place to
live, work and play!
What do you
dislike about it?
The disappointment when a business fails.There is always a lot
of enthusiasm and vision for their particular product or service
when the entrepreneur opens up shop. And for a variety of
reasons, they may have to close their doors a year or two later.
Any
chamber-related projects or endeavors of which you’re
particularly proud?
The first one that comes to mind is the joint endeavor of the
municipality and chamber, making it possible to place “welcome”
signs at the north and south entrances to our commercial
corridor. Another would be the long-standing co-sponsorship of
Community Day between the chamber and our municipality. Next
year marks our 30th year and it is the biggest event that
happens in Peters, giving our businesses a great opportunity to
showcase their products for the thousands who come through the
park that day.
What’s the
biggest misconception people have about the chamber?
That your business has to be physically located in Peters
Township. We have several members that are located outside our
borders but do business in our community.
It’s a big step
striking out on your own and starting a business. Are there any
common traits you notice among Peters’ business
owners?
In visiting with business owners, I’m always impressed with
their enthusiasm and creativity. They care about the esthetics
of their business and seem genuinely happy to be in this place.
You’ve probably
seen a good number of businesses come and go over the years. Any
particularly strange, unusual, or unique businesses you’ve
seen in the area?
I guess strange would be a tattoo parlor that didn’t last very
long! Some of the more unique businesses are a personal chef,
pet food delivered to your door, and art, math, and cooking
classes for children.
Along the same
lines, have you ever had any particularly unique requests from
businesses?
Not so much from businesses, but we receive a lot of calls from
residents and out-of-town folks needing information – we’re
kind of like the tourism bureau – when you don’t know who
else to call, the chamber office is a good place to get some
answers. And we do try to accommodate those requests. If we don’t
know, we will find out for you. |
