By MELODIE PHELPS News Editor
Monticello — Telling others about the great things this community has to offer should
come naturally to Marilyn Hensley.
The new Administrative Assistant for the Monticello-Wayne County Chamber
of Commerce loves living in Wayne County, and she is eager to share that
love with other people.
Hensley, who retired from Wal-Mart about a year ago, has a story she can
share.
Her love for Wayne County brought her back home about six years ago,
when she took an assistant manager¹s position at the Oneida, Tennessee
Wal-Mart.
Hensley made the commute, so she could live here, near her five
children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
"It¹s a good place," said Hensley, who officially began her new job on
February 8. "I am excited and look forward to this challenging and
rewarding opportunity to promote our community. I intend to aggressively
seek and attract new businesses, appreciate and promote our existing
businesses and organizations, invite individuals and families to relocate to
our city and county and welcome visitors and tourists to explore and share
this beautiful region we proudly call Monticello."
Hensley said she was looking for something to do that would get her
involved in the community, when she found out about the job opening at the
Chamber. It was a perfect fit.
"This job came up and I thought I can do that," she said. "I was excited
and I couldn¹t wait to get here."
She brings numerous skills to the job with her, including public
relations, organizational skills, as well as the understanding of commitment
to community involvement.
Hensley has served as coordinator for fundraising events like cancer
awareness, Children¹s Miracle Network, and the Angel Tree.
Hensley is now manning the Chamber office, located in Monticello City
Hall, four days a week. The office is closed on Wednesday at this point. But
it¹s good to have someone back at the Chamber, which has been closed since
before the holidays.
Hensley noted there is a lot of work to do, more than most people
realize. The Chamber of Commerce serves as a starting point for many people,
as they seek more information about this region. They may be interested in
vacationing here, living here, or starting a business here. The Chamber
provides valuable information and other resources to anyone who is inquiring
about the community.
"I consider the key to achieving any goal is within ourselves, success
is determined by knowledge, hard work and the sense of value we place on
issues that are important to us individually and as a group," said Hensley.
"Many people in this area hold this belief and want the best for themselves,
their families, their community and with everyone working for a brighter
future there is no doubt we can achieve this."
