Ten Questions with Glenna Phelps-Aurich, Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO

The Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce has been in operation since 1967, providing network opportunities, training, community-based events, and it advocates on behalf of business interests. In short, the Chamber of Commerce seeks to create an environment which encourages local businesses to thrive.

Glenna Phelps-Aurich has been the President/CEO of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce since 2011. Originally from Peetz, CO., she has also lived in Missouri and worked with the Chamber in Scottsbluff, NE.

1. What do you actually do everyday?

Well, one thing I do is help plan events and activities for our businesses-right now we're working on the Ag Social, Girls' Day Out, the Sophomore Career Conference... I send out weekly emails, a monthly newsletter....

2. What is the purpose of the Chamber?

Our mission is to promote an environment for businesses to grow. We're here to support member businesses by doing events where the community can come together, network, and see what services they have to offer. We do advocacy with members of the State Chamber and U.S. Chamber so that we have a voice both at the state and federal levels. We do training, advertising, have committees where members and employees get involved. And we have a new Chamber app you can download which is awesome!

3. If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Involvement. We have great volunteers and participation but I would love to see more people on some of our committees and events.

4. What is your favorite part of having this job?

Meeting new people. Helping them find what they're looking for.

5. What would you love to do if you do if this wasn't your work?

My second dream job? I would love to do some type of traveling. Travel everywhere. See the world.

6. What do you do in your off-time?

In the summer I love to go camping and jet skiing. I spend a lot of time at the lake. My favorite thing to do is hang out with my grandson Emerson, my kids, and my dogs.

7. Do you have a favorite TV show?

I like that show on HGTV, what is it called? Yard Crashers. And Bathroom Crashers!

8. What high school did you go to?

Peetz High School. But I spent a lot of time in Sidney.

9. You were out of Sidney for awhile. Had the town changed much while you were gone?

Well, I did visit in between. But it was good reconnecting with old friends, seeing what people are doing now. The town had changed in positive ways. These are actually very exciting times.

10. Where would you like to see the Chamber in ten years?

I would love to see more members and more businesses. I think we need to offer more tools to help businesses get to the next level, and help existing businesses grow. I don't want to get too event-heavy-they're good, but we need to get more information out on what's available here and what businesses have to offer. But really, everything is so positive right now. There are so many projects and the possibilities are very bright.