Burdette Hopes to Write New Chapter at Chamber

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

After a six-day retirement, Carol Burdette returned to work this week with a new assignment at a new community agency.

Burdette, who retired from the United Way of Anderson of Anderson County after 25 years, officially took on a new role as Interim CEO of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has plans to ask the board to usher in changes and vision.

Burdette has put forth three candidates from Anderson to fill the vacant seats on the board and is recommending four ex-officio seats – Anderson County, City of Anderson University and Tri-County Technical College – be part of the decision-making process moving forward with the Chamber

Burdette said her involvement with the chamber goes back to 1990, when she convinced the chamber to support the Anderson County “Keep America Beautiful” program which she led at the time. That led to her being asked to join the sixth class of “Leadership Anderson.” Burdette said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns, then the director of the county’s planning and development, saw to it that her costs of participation in that program were covered

“The rest is history,” said Burdette, who said the experience helped her learn even more about the community.

Burdette later joined the chamber board, serving as chair in 2003-2004. As chair-elect, she helped plan the centennial dinner, celebrating the chamber’s accomplishments.

“From that point on, I’ve always valued the chamber and what the chamber can do,” said Burdette.

Burdette said she is excited for the challenge. She said the while the initial agreement at the chamber is three months, she expects to be in the position from six-nine months.

She praised the work of past leadership, including former CEO Pam Christopher, and the efforts of current Vice President of Operations at Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Brandie Noles Greer, whom Burdette said had done a phenomenal job during the transition.

“We’re turning the page, writing a new chapter,” said Burdette. “The Chamber is such an integral, vital part of our community.”

Burdette said she told the board that she will bring in new ideas and they will not always like some of the ideas. These include more extensive board training, a forensic audit, a listening tour for businesses to ask how the chamber can help, including helping non-profits.

“I hope they will take some of my advice, and the chamber will become a stronger, more vital part of our community.”