6 days ago
DeVito takes helm at Marion County Chamber of Commerce
FAIRMONT — It's Dani DeVito's first week as Marion County Chamber of Commerce President and so far she's keeping busy.
'We've got several big things up in the air,' DeVito said. 'We've got Young Leaders, which their application process just closed. Same thing with Leadership Marion. So we'll be announcing the new classes for both of those groups here in the coming month or so. We've got the annual dinner coming up in August and golf tournament in September. We've already started on Frank-n-Stein number two.'
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce announced DeVito as its new president in early May. At the time, outgoing Chamber President Pat Snively said she's been actively involved in the community for a number of years, citing her membership on a number of community boards as well as her contributions to other areas of the community. DeVito said becoming Chamber President opened up an opportunity to make Fairmont's community wellbeing her primary focus, rather than simply tending to it in her spare time.
Prior to becoming Chamber President, DeVito worked for ShalePro Energy Services as director of permitting and marketing, where she handled well site permitting for one of the company's clients, but also handled the company's social media, website and marketing materials. Her background is in broadcast journalism, as she previously worked as an on-air reporter, anchor and fill-in weather person.
Her background in communications informs what her approach will be in carrying out her job as chamber president.
'My biggest thing right now is focusing on two-way communication,' she said. 'Especially making sure our membership can reach out to us and feels comfortable reaching out to us anytime, as well as us reaching out to them.'
DeVito said her background in communication has taught her that keeping clear and open communication is a great way to keep problems from popping up. If members and the Chamber have a good connection with each other, then the Chamber will know its members need support or when members deserve to be celebrated by the Chamber. She said communication is a huge part of success in any community.
Chad Nuzum, chair of the Chamber's board of directors, said in May he was excited to bring her on board.
'From the moment Dani walked into the room, her passion for Marion County and her vision for the Chamber were evident,' he said in a press release. 'She brings the right mix of energy, experience and leadership, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our next President.'
Main Street Fairmont Executive Director Alex Petry has known DeVito for a long time. He congratulated her for reaching the position, and said he was extremely excited to work alongside her. The Chamber of Commerce President holds a seat on the board of Main Street Fairmont, he said.
'She will be involved in just about everything we would do,' he said. 'Over the last year, the Chamber and Main Street's partnership became even stronger with the Frank-n-Stein craft beer and hot dog festival. I'm very excited to work together with her directly on that as we enjoy our second year of the festival.'
Petry said DeVito is a good fit for the Chamber because she is both extremely personable and has high energy. As a born and raised product of Fairmont, she has a lot of passion for the city. Petry said the partnership between the Chamber and Main Street is important because all of these agencies are on the same team and working toward the same goal — making Fairmont a better place to be.
'I think one of the reasons we are seeing a lot of success in our community is because people in those positions have such a love for the community that they're working for,' Petry said. 'And I think she has that, 100%.'
