Recently, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce named Tracy Hutchins as their new Executive Director.

As she gets settled in her new home and job, she took some time to answer a few questions so you could get to know her better.

Q:  What attracted you to Hanover?

A: I grew up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont (Derby), and my family would come to Hanover and Lebanon when I was a kid to shop, and also I have had family members over the years who had medical services provided at DHMC. So I have been familiar with the Hanover area and loved the feel of the town and beauty of the region. It really has all that I love about both New Hampshire and Vermont—a vibrant and bustling town plus the recreational and scenic opportunities of the natural environment. When I saw the position with HACC posted, several pieces just clicked for me. It was with a chamber, which is work I love, closer to my family, and in a great area.

Q: What are some of the challenges unique to the Hanover region that you hope to address?

A: Honestly, I’m still learning what those challenges are, but as I have been working with another chamber in the state and am active as a board member of the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I know that this region faces many of the same issues as regions all over New Hampshire and Vermont—a lack of skilled and plentiful workers, an aging population, high energy costs, and a high cost of living that prevents our upcoming generation from staying here. These are all issues facing HACC’s members and other businesses, and they’re issues that are complicated and difficult to solve. The chamber is positioned to be an advocate for our members with our state and local governments, as well as to provide opportunities for workshops, discussions, and ongoing idea exchanges. This is what I hope to accomplish, along with providing more avenues to promote the region and our members to a broader audience.

Q: Have you moved to the area yet?

A: I’m hoping to move on Friday! I have sold my home in Amherst and purchased a home in Orange. Coming with me is my partner John, a corporate pilot, my dog Cooper and cat Winston. My youngest daughter, Eryn, will be with me over the summer. She is a sophomore at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. My eldest daughter, Taylor, is attending Washington University graduate school in St. Louis—she is in an MSW program—and will be visiting at the end of the month.

Q: What would you like readers to know about you?

A:  I’m very excited to get to know the Hanover/Norwich local businesses and organizations. I have been doing community development work for 15 years as director of the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, Milford, and Wilton Main Street programs. I love working with businesses small and large to help them grow and improving the communities we live in.