Longevity and the ability to strengthen business relationships
in San Juan Bautista were focal points for officials looking for a
new executive director for the Mission City’s Chamber of
Commerce.
San Juan Bautista – Longevity and the ability to strengthen business relationships in San Juan Bautista were focal points for officials looking for a new executive director for the Mission City’s Chamber of Commerce.
Denise Cauthen-Wright, long-time advertising director for the Hollister Free Lance, will take the reins as the head of the chamber next month, a move San Juan’s business leaders hope will improve tourism on a year-round basis, according to Chamber President John Hopper.
Hopper said Cauthen-Wright’s immediate goals will be to get a handle on the chamber’s daily routine, improve relationships with merchants and focus on ways to promote the tourist town all year – not just for street fairs and special events.
“She has experience in advertising and she knows what good values are,” Hopper said. “She’s very energetic and has the skill set necessary to do the job.”
After 17 years selling ads for the Free Lance, Cauthen-Wright decided she had accomplished everything she could at the newspaper and was ready for a change. When San Juan merchant and former director Halina Kleinsmith decided to leave the post last month to focus more intently on her own business, Cauthen-Wright jumped at the opportunity, she said.
Her main goals as director include increasing chamber membership, sponsorships and its volunteer base. However, she recognized the challenges she will face, specifically those involving finances.
“One of the things I want to increase is getting the word out to the locals and nearby communities of the happenings in San Juan Bautista, weekends and weekdays,” she said. “The challenge is that there is little financing available to do the paid advertising route, so finding no-cost or low-cost ways will be explored.”
But the challenges don’t overshadow her enthusiasm for her new job, which she’ll officially begin Nov. 2.
“This is a job dream come true,” Cauthen-Wright said. “It will be fun, exciting and challenging.”
Cauthen-Wright will be the fourth executive director in the position in a couple years, and Hopper hopes to keep her there for as long as possible.
“I hope her needs don’t change,” he said. “We’ve had people leave the position for various reasons. Finding a good person and having them there is a long-term focal point.”
San Juan City Manager Jennifer Coile echoed Hopper’s delight about having Cauthen-Wright at the city’s business helm.
“From my perspective, she has the perfect combination of skills, knowledge, common sense, energy and in-depth understanding of our community,” Coile wrote in an e-mail. “I look forward to working with her on the city and chamber’s economic development program.”
