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LISBON -- Angela Benner grew up in small businesses operated by her parents and grandparents and gained her own experience with non-profit groups.
Now she plans to use that knowledge to help the village of Lisbon as the new Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
"I want people to know what Lisbon has in the small business community," she said.
The chamber board initially interviewed four candidates for the position, then narrowed it down to three and selected Benner, who resides at Guilford Lake.
Chamber President Carly Brock said Benner is from the area and her parents have an established business, so she's business-minded. Brock said she was looking for someone on that pace who could run the chamber as a business.
"I think she's doing a fantastic job," Brock said.
Being hired on Aug. 31, just a little over two weeks before the chamber's biggest event, the 55th Johnny Appleseed Festival, Benner has had to jump right in and said she's excited about the festival, acknowledging that it takes the entire village to pull off the popular nod to Johnny Appleseed and the many ways to enjoy apples.
Benner said she'll work as a full-time director, with the office on North Market Street open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The phone number is 330-424-1803.
Benner graduated from United High School in 1997 and she and her husband Nathan have two daughters and a son. Both of her girls participated in the Miss Apple Blossom contest years ago during the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
She worked for her parents, managing their restaurant for many years. At one time, they had a laundromat and her grandparents also had a laundromat. She's been active in the United community as part of the United Scholarship Foundation and Booster Club and helping with prom.
"I enjoy working for the nonprofits, raising money for the good of the community," Benner said.
She already knows a lot of people in the Lisbon community and likes to help small businesses. She wants to bring people to Lisbon.
To learn more about the chamber and chamber activities, visit the organization's website at lisbonchamberofcommerce.com or visit the Facebook page. The chamber will have a tent at the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
mgreier@mojonews.com