The Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce, on its website and Facebook page, states that it helps businesses in the region to grow and succeed.
So we were excited to learn about the organization’s appointment of a person who will spearhead efforts to carry out that mission.
Courtney Smith has worked to support local businesses during her marketing career, and now she’s looking to continue offering that support as the new executive director of the Chardon chamber, The News-Herald’s Bryson Durst reported.
Smith is the owner of Get Interested Marketing and Media, a Chagrin Falls-area “full-service marketing company.” She said in her resume that recent achievements include helping with marketing or social media strategy in 2025 for the Great Geauga County Fair, the Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market and the Lake County Fair.
“My goal is always to help small businesses stay in business, make money, be successful, keep their families happy and safe and (earn) good income, all those good things,” she said in a phone call.
“So, when this opportunity came up, it was only an extension of that and more opportunity to do that and get to help, we have 330 members of the chamber, so it’s like I have 330 new businesses that I get to love and take care of and help in any way that I can,” Smith added. “So, it was a very easy yes.”
Her Geauga County ties include growing up in Burton and attending the Berkshire School District, she said. She previously worked at Sage’s Apples in Chardon Township, and she currently lives in Auburn Township.
Smith added in her resume that she studied applied communications and public relations at Kent State University and did marketing work for the university. Her work through Get Interested began in 2020, and she started a tourism-oriented group called Explore Geauga County in 2024.
Smith said that she helps businesses with marketing, advertising, social media, websites and business consulting. She also likes to help local businesses adjust to the digital age.
As the chamber’s new executive director, Smith said she wants to talk with businesses, understand the problems they are facing and what help they need.
“Looking at our member roster list, there’s restaurants to construction to investment and banks, and I think everybody needs something different, so I really want to keep having those conversations and really understand exactly how we can serve our community in that way,” she said.
The News-Herald believes Smith has the potential to be an excellent executive director for the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce. We wish her well in her new position.