Chamber selects new president

It would appear that the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce hit a home run with the selection of Terri Kimble to be the organization's new chief executive officer and president.

"It's so thrilling to find someone with the quality and experience she brings," said Katherine Christensen, a longtime chamber member. "I think we have a winner."

Kimble brings 15 years experience in community and economic development, including nine years at the helm of the Elk Rapids chamber in Michigan.

"Things are different," Kimble said on Wednesday after just hours on the job, "but many of the principles are the same."

She added that now, more than ever, the chamber is important because the poor economic environment has created a critical need for help to struggling businesses. And that the community's success is tied with local businesses also thriving.

"We're all in this together," Kimble said.

At a chamber reception Wednesday night many people meeting Kimble for the first time commented on her energy.

"She seems enthusiastic and excited about the opportunities," said Martha Neese, another longtime chamber member.

Kimble was selected from 100 applicants for the full-time position.

She is the fourth executive director the chamber has had since its inception in 1994.

In March, Laura Rivers announced her resignation after 11 months. Before her, Linda Pastori served 14 months after replacing longtime president John McComish, who resigned to focus more time on his position as state representative.

Kimble said she is initially planning to spend a lot of time meeting individuals and evaluating the chamber's services before she recommends any changes.

She is married with four grown children, two still in college in Michigan. She and her husband moved to Arizona recently when he was transferred by his employer.

Michigan's loss appears to be Ahwatukee Foothills gain.

"As incoming president, I'm very happy having someone with so much experience coming in. She's a dynamo," said Renie Scibona, publisher of the Ahwatukee Foothills News.

 ‘Red, White and Boom' coming home

After three years at Rawhide, the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce's annual fireworks display, "Red White and Boom," is coming back to its roots.

The chamber announced that this year the free fireworks display it sponsors will be held at the Ahwatukee Country Club July 3, starting at 9 p.m.

A staple for two decades, the fireworks display has drawn thousands of people to Ahwatukee Foothills.