Madison County Chamber of Commerce introduces Bill Downey as new operational manager
MARS HILL - The Madison County Chamber of Commerce has announced a new operational manager/administrator.
Bill Downey, 32, started with the chamber in July, as the board announced the hiring in its monthly newsletter.
The News-Record spoke via email with Downey, who said responsible planning will be one of his biggest goals for the board.
"I'm most looking forward to growing the impact that the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has on the community," Downey said. "The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified why it's so important that communities have strategic, proactive planning in place so that if things become uncertain in the world there are strong, local resources that can help keep their businesses running."
Downey also serves as the Madison County Tourism Development Authority's social media manager.
Prior to the chamber, Downey worked primarily in real estate management.
"I've been working with boards for over 10 years to build stronger communities," Downey said in the email. "Previously, I was managing a portfolio of buildings in Manhattan where I worked with HOA Boards to implement productive, new policies, oversee large-scale building projects and ensure building code compliance."
Downey lives with his fiancee in Mars Hill and moved to Madison County in 2017.
In his six years living in the county, Downey said he has witnessed a lot of commercial growth but said he feels the county has experienced a lot of loss in his time here as well.
"I have a particularly unique window into this as I work in the tourism department as well," Downey said. "Folks in Madison County like a little bit more space, respecting nature and the cultural heritage of these mountains. On the other hand, tourism is an essential part of Madison County's economy. We're fortunate that the local leaders work hard to protect these values."
Downey referenced the town of Mars Hill's purchase of Bailey Mountain in 2019. The town's purchase preserved the property, protecting it from being developed into housing and instead turned the area into what Downey called "a wonderful public amenity."
Downey also pointed to the U.S. Forest Service's extension of Max Patch's closure order through 2026.
More: Mars Hill renames main trail at Bailey Mountain Preserve in honor of Richard L. Hoffman
More: Max Patch camping ban, usage restrictions extended until 2026 by U.S. Forest Service
Striking a balance between development and preservation of the integrity of the natural resources requires a delicate approach, the new office manager said.
"It's certainly a challenge to find the balance, but the leaders I've worked with in this county over the past six years have made a concentrated effort to promote what makes Madison County special while also implementing measures to protect these spaces as incidents arise," Downey said. "I work closely with the leaders of these organizations and I know that we all work hard to preserve the identity of Madison County while also allowing opportunities for healthy community growth.
"At the end of the day, a rising tide will lift all boats so we better make sure Madison County's boats float."
According to Downey, one of his main goals in the administrator role is to implement new member benefits that will help struggling, small and new businesses.
As the operational manager, Downey said he will help to "keep the wheels greased" for the Board of Directors.
"Working with the Chamber seemed like a productive and logical step as I continue to be more and more involved in the Madison County community," Downey said. "I've found that change and progress start locally. If you want something to happen, you need to get involved."
The Chamber maintains a 19-member Board of Directors and holds monthly meetings the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 8 a.m. at A-B Tech's Madison campus in Marshall in room RAMS 114.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Madison chamber introduces Bill Downey as new operational manager
