Benson Leading Chamber Of Commerce

The McDonald County Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director who is excited about her role in the community.

Billie Benson moved to Pineville about four years ago from Rogers, Ark. She grew up in a small town in Michigan, and so she likes Pineville's small-town atmosphere.

"I like the way everybody knows everybody here," she said.

Benson became involved with the Chamber of Commerce when former director Esther Harris died suddenly in August, she said. Chamber members were in the process of planning Oktoberfest at the time, and Benson soon found herself busy answering the phones and sending out the newsletter.

"I got excited about meeting everyone at the Oktoberfest, so I turned in a resume, and I got hired," she said.

Benson's professional history includes running a paralegal business in Norman, Okla., several years ago before she moved to Rogers. In Rogers she was in management at Marriott. Then she took a year off because she had lung cancer.

"Thanks to my church family and their prayers and my sister who's a nurse, I'm well again," she said.

In addition to her work at the chamber, Benson does a lot of volunteer work at her church, Pineville United Methodist. She is a trustee and volunteers for a program that fills backpacks with food for children for the weekends. She also helps with food drops for shut-ins.

"Our church has put on a block party that I organized, and every year I organize a Christmas card drive for the troops. That's been very successful."

When she is not working or volunteering, Benson also enjoys fishing on Elk River, hiking, camping and canoeing.

Benson said of her new job, "I enjoy meeting people. That's why I wanted to work at the chamber. I get a variety of people that pop in, and I go out and visit the different businesses in the afternoon."

Right now she is preparing for the annual banquet in early 2016 as well as the business and house expo in April, she said. Other events she looks forward to are Smoke on the Water, a barbecue cook off in July; and the Jesse James Day festival in August. She said she has some ideas for new activities, but for now she hopes to focus on expanding the chamber's existing events and activities.