Julie Beck named president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce
Julie R. Beck, interim president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce since January, has been named president of the organization.
The announcement was made today by Jonathan Bond, chairman of the board for the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce.
“When the board began to seek a candidate who met our qualifications and requirements, we kept coming back to Ms. Beck,” Bond said. “Her experience with our Chamber of Commerce, as well as her leadership and networking skills, made her a perfect fit for us. She has served as a member of our board of directors for 12 years and as the chairperson of the North Carolina Pickle Festival for 20 years. She is well-versed in our community and chamber work.
“We are duly impressed with what she has accomplished in the past five months as our interim president, and we know that her diverse background will help us to broaden our impact in the community.”
Ms. Beck assumed the role and responsibilities as president effective June 1.
Beck, a native of Montpelier, OH, received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Mount Olive College. She also earned a Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University.
Previously, Beck worked as an educator and event planner at Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive), North Carolina State University, Wayne Community College and the Wayne County Public School system.
In addition, Beck has been active as a volunteer with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Wayne County, the Mount Olive Jaycees, Friends of the Parks, North Carolina College Personnel Association, North Carolina Association of Festival and Events, and Hostelling International.
Ms. Beck, a world traveler, has visited all 50 states, 77 countries and all 7 continents and serves as a tour leader for People to People International Ambassador Programs. Because of her world travels, many unique ideas have been incorporated into the award-winning North Carolina Pickle Festival. Beck often shares her world adventures with community members through her public speaking presentations and her writings. Previously, Beck wrote a travel column for the Goldsboro News Argus and now, she writes a column for “Teach & Travel” Magazine.
“We are excited about the direction that the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is headed,” Bond said. “Under Julie’s leadership, we look forward to continued growth for the Chamber and partnerships with civic organizations.
“We also look for greater promotion of the community and the role that the Chamber can play in promoting economic development in Mount Olive and its surrounding communities.”
The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, established in 1930, represents the business and civic interests of members in Wayne and Duplin counties. Among other events, it produces the award-winning N.C. Pickle Festival each year in April.
For more information, contact:
Jonathan Bond, Chairman of the Board
Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce
252.327.2008
