Co-directors bring change to the chamber

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
Martha Bickford’s work for the past three years to bring Madness on Main to town was well known to the Newcastle Area Chamber of Commerce. However, Barbie Turner was an unknown when she and her family moved from Lusk last April. That wasn’t going to stop Turner. She started volunteering to work for the chamber in October and helped the organization through the holiday season. Bickford and Turner met in November and developed a significant association then.
The different talents that Bickford and Turner bring to the table did not go unnoticed when a new chamber director’s position opened up. And seeing how the two got along with each other, it just made sense to the board. So as of Jan 6, the chamber has co-directors. Having two directors is a big change for the business organization, but optimism is high that the co-directors will work well together.
Bickford brings the rancher attitude to what is still a strong ranching community, plus great success getting organizations to work together in community events. Turner has a business background, with a strong focus on developing relations with people and in marketing. Trading in her skirts for jeans, Turner is ready to work. From South Carolina, Turner knows it’s a cultural learning curve for her, but she said that Bickford has the contacts and the town in her heart, and she feels she can learn a lot from her.
Bickford says that Turner brings the business-oriented side of life with her, and her background in marketing is already bringing great ideas to the forefront of their work.
Both women agree that communication will be the real key to bringing the businesses, the chamber, and the community together. They say they look forward to working hard to help create a flourishing environment for the businesses and people of Newcastle.
“It’s a big change of pace,” Bickford said, who comes to the position from driving a bus.  “I’ve never had an office job before. But I plan to get out with the people. I love people, and this has already been great.”
“I’ve always worked with people,” Turner said, “I love it. I worked on some holiday events this last season. I just seemed to fit in well.”
“It’s such a nice small-town feel here,” she said, “The business support is going to be important for the chamber, but it’s important that the chamber gets involved in supporting the businesses as well. I heard there was a strong chamber in the past. But that strength lies in the strength of the businesses, and that’s what we have to build.”
“I’m an activity-oriented person,” Bickford said, “I like to bring businesses together to do big things. We have to make downtown a visible place so that travelers don’t just fly through Newcastle.”
“Yes, we don’t need to be only a gateway community.” Turner said, “We’re going to work on helping businesses on Main Street, as well as the other places, to be seen by travelers. We’ve got some great stores here. And with some of the expansions, there’s no reason for residents to travel for shopping. But people need to be able to see that we have businesses worth the stopping and shopping.”
The chamber will reach out to the community, not just for its own support but for much more. Bickford and Turner say they want to be able to have the businesses come to them with ideas. Bickford said that communication has to open up and thrive again, and they plan to get out there and interact with Newcastle. They want the goals of businesses supported, and they know it will take community support and chamber support to have those goals accomplished.
“It’s a rough time. We know that,” Turner said.
“But we know there’s a way to get through this with our businesses growing,” Bickford agreed.
The chamber wants to hear from the community, and especially the businesses. Everyone is welcome to stop by the chamber office at 1323 Washington Blvd., have a cup of coffee, share ideas or just get to know the new co-directors. Their hours can fluctuate, depending on the weather or if they are visiting a business, so it is best to call first at 746-2379 to set up a time to visit. The chamber is also reachable by email at nacoc@rtconnect.net.