February 9, 2011

Reynolds to lead Whitehall chamber

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E lizabeth Reynolds, a highly successful real estate agent who said she was drawn to Whitehall because of its “quaint charm and natural beauty,” has been elected president of the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce.

Reynolds works with Keller Williams Realty and was the firm’s “rookie of the year” in 2008. She also claimed top salesperson honors in the last two years. She had worked as a property manager, started real estate investing in 2002 and earned her real estate license in 2007.

Prior to becoming a real estate agent, Reynolds was an employment recruiter, a human resources manager and did voiceover work for radio and television. She is a mother of five who loves to bicycle, cross-country ski, cook, read, and travel. She is also involved with theater and has been a volunteer locally with the Bridge Theater.

She is a member of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce and American Women in Radio and Television, Volunteer Bridge Theater.

She said that as a real estate investor, she is attracted by Whitehall’s proximity to Lake Champlain, Lake George and Vermont. “I find this area a perfect location to conduct business, while still enjoying the great quality of life that a small town affords,” she said.” I am a Whitehall booster. There is great potential for growth here.”

When asked what the chamber had in store for the coming year, Reynolds said as a realtor, one of the things she saw as important was the plan to beautify the entrances to the village.

“I cannot overstate the value of ‘Curb Appeal.’ If we wish to attract new investment and new residents to our community, I believe a resurgence of visible community pride would be beneficial,” she said.

“We will also be working to increase chamber membership, foster local economic growth, while working cooperatively with other like minded organizations. That’s just for starters.”

As far as business and commercial issues in Whitehall are concerned, she said the town needs to look to the future.

“We need to look beyond what ‘used to be’ to what perhaps ‘might be’ now. With our limited tax base, there is a heavy tax burden on individuals and businesses. I believe our area could capitalize much more on tourism if we had a thriving downtown and more tourist based services on Route 4 and 22,” she said.

“Creating an environment that supports the local economy is key. We need to create a welcoming environment to entrepreneurs,” she added.

“Supporting local businesses regenerates your dollars into the community, since many small businesses will recycle their profits back into the local economy.”