Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce announces new Executive Director

COURTESY PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Amy Grafton has been chosen to lead the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director.

Amy Grafton has been chosen to lead the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director. For the past two years, Ms. Grafton has worked closely with Pamela Lopez-Fettes, the Executive director of Growth Dimensions. The two organizations have partnered closely in the past to bring new businesses to Belvidere and offer services to our current businesses. Her enthusiasm to improve benefits for businesses in the area and her passion for the growth and success of Belvidere were important to the search committee during the selection process.

Before her tenure with Growth dimensions, Amy held several positions with Ragnar Events and the Belvidere Park District. Amy brings a wealth of enthusiasm for offering differential services to members of the Chamber as well as a depth of event planning experience that will help the chamber transform events we offer.

“I am honored to serve as the Executive Director at the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has served businesses in Boone County for over 100 years,” Grafton said. “I am energized to be able to help this dynamic board to build on the strong foundation they established and excited for the future ahead!”

Grafton replaces Tom Lassandro, who retired in July. Ms. Grafton is a long-time Belvidere resident as well as parent to two children enrolled in Belvidere School District 100.

Luis Gonzalez, the President of the Chamber board of directors stated, “Amy’s passion for the success of the Belvidere community is well known. Her creative thinking and ability to build strategic relationships with business leaders in the Belvidere area make her an exciting addition to our organization.”