Effective Monday, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce promoted three employees who have consistently delivered influential results for the organization. 

"The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business-friendly policy development, job creation, and economic growth that enhances the quality of life in our region. Our team's vision is to become a pacesetter in the chamber industry. I'm proud to recognize the contributors working towards our goal of industry excellence," said chamber president and CEO Natalie English in a news release.

Haven Barnes has been promoted to director of operations. She is "responsible for delivering organizational processes within the chamber to produce consistent and accurate, high-quality procedures to ensure the organization continues to perform at a level the community deserves," according to the release.

In her most recent position as executive operations manager, Barnes was instrumental in developing the procedures for the Hospitality, Retail & Service grant administered by the chamber in 2021.

In partnership with New Hanover County and the city of Wilmington, the Wilmington Chamber approved 192 Hospitality, Retail & Service grant requests totaling over $4.2 million last year. The investment in these small local businesses helped to offset an estimated $65 million in lost revenue because of COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions on business. 

Emma Ericksen (pictured at right) was promoted to marketing and member engagement manager. In this position, Ericksen "will play a key role in introducing our chamber to new and prospective members and developing positive, long-term relationships with our investors," according to the release.

Ericksen's work as digital marketing and events coordinator "has helped the chamber improve awareness of the organization in our community and engagement from current members. Her work has helped the chamber to build trust and connect our members to valuable information and resources to help them grow their businesses," the release stated.

Megan Mullins (pictured at right) was promoted to chief marketing and engagement officer at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Mullins will lead the marketing, communications and member development divisions for the chamber and collaborate with community partners to raise Wilmington's profile with local, regional and national audiences to meet broad-based community economic development objectives, according to the release.

As vice president of marketing and communications, she was responsible for brand strategy, public relations, social media strategy, data analytics and member development for the chamber. 

English closed by adding, "In 2021, the Wilmington Chamber had a 59% increase in new members and a 36% increase in sponsorship revenue compared to the previous year. Our member retention rate improved to 92%, thanks to these team members' improved processes, procedures, and communications strategies. I'm grateful for their belief in our vision to help position our community for prosperity by cultivating business growth."