Melissa Bryan is New Dayton Chamber Director

Bryan has been the Chamber's Events Co-ordinator for a year

DAYTON-Melissa Bryan, who has served as assistant director and events Coordinator at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce for the past year, has been hired as the new Chamber director.

Chamber Board President Kathy Berg said that the board has been impressed with Bryan's work during the past year. "She is so bright, and she is a willing learner. We just felt she is the one," Berg said.

The Board has decided to have Bryan retain the primary duties of events coordinator in her new role as the Chamber Director. Berg said, "We felt it would be a good fit. She has had so much experience with events."

Bryan, with assistance from the board, will begin the search for a new Chamber assistant. That person will assist in all aspects of operation of the Chamber office.

Bryan said she has enjoyed her job as the Chamber's Events Coordinator. She said her goal is to strengthen the community, focusing on support of downtown commerce. She plans to network with local businesses, community organizations and volunteers.

"It's an honor to be asked to direct the Dayton Chamber of Commerce," said Bryan. "I will continue to utilize the vast knowledge and wisdom of the board to guide my decisions and direction."

Bryan is a native of Iowa. She and her husband, Seth, moved to Dayton in 2015 to be closer to his family. She previously worked for the Dayton School District as a para-educator and bus driver.

The Dayton Chamber has about 140 members. It is the primary tourism promotion organization in the area, and receives funding from lodging taxes earmarked for tourism promotion through the City of Dayton

The Chamber also manages the Main Street Program through the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and is the lead agency for economic development in downtown Dayton, on contract with the Port of Columbia.