New director revitalizes Chamber

WILLIAMSBURG — Months after hiring a director for the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Board President Summer Hilligas says the decision is paying off for the Chamber and for area businesses.

After about 18 months without an employee, the board hired Erin Eichhorn to lead the business organization.

“Erin is a great asset,” said Hilligas. Eichhorn connected with the businesses, gathering information about what businesses needed to grow and flourish.

“She was a really great listening piece.”

Eichhorn started a jobs board and a community calendar on the city’s website.

Under Eichhorn, the Chamber started a summer seminar program — one result of answers from a survey of business owners — which helped businesses with social media strategies, grant writing and budgeting and forecasting.

Third Fridays, in conjunction with the farmers market, has been very successful, said Hilligas. From 4-7 p.m. live music, bounce houses and a rock-climbing wall have entertained families as they check out merchandise from a variety of vendors on the town square.

The Chamber has helped three businesses win Catalyst Grants from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, said Hilligas.

Brickhouse Coffee used a grant to renovate its upstairs loft. Kenzi Westcott Galli received a grant to renovate her lower floor and turn her upper floors into Airbnb rentals.

Grayson Jones purchased the old Masons building this year and will use a grant to turn it into long-term and short-term room rentals. “I’ve seen his drawings,” said Hilligas. Designers have done “a beautiful job.”

That makes three Airbnb projects in the past five years for the Iowa County town, Hilligas said.

The Williamsburg citywide garage sale is scheduled for Sept. 14-16. Originally managed by the Chamber, the sale has been run by volunteers in recent years, said Hilligas, but the Chamber is in the process of taking it over again.

The Chamber also recognizes a Member of the Month, nominated by the Chamber board or by a member of the community. J & S Farm Supply earned the nod for September.