The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that its new president and CEO is former city Mayor Nat Robertson.
Robertson, who served as mayor from 2013 to 2017, said in an interview that his priority for the chamber going forward is relying on what chambers are fundamentally meant to do, in his view.
“We need to just get back to basics,” Robertson said.
The basics are advocacy, education and networking, he said.
“This is a time to rebuild,” Robertson said. “Doing the types of things that the members are expecting, meeting the expectations of the members. And that’s what I’m here to do.”
Robertson succeeds Shari Fiveash, who resigned in May. Toni Cooper had served as interim president and CEO for six months.
“We would also like to give a huge thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Toni Cooper,” Chamber Chairman Gary Rogers said in a news release. “She recognizes that our organization’s foundation is to help local businesses, and she remains dedicated to the success of our members.”
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Advocacy, education and networking
“Advocating for pro-business public policy,” Robertson said, elaborating on emphasis on advocacy. “To be able to lobby and monitor ordinances and legislation that affects the business community.”
Robertson clarified that he doesn’t mean promoting a specific policy agenda but protecting the interests of the chamber’s member businesses.
“I’m not sure that it’s our job to propose legislation or ordinances or to lead that charge,” Robertson said. “It’s more to protect our members against non-pro-business policy.”
In terms of education and networking, Robertson said, he wants to inform businesses about programs they could take advantage of, including help with taxes, advertising and social networking.
“Part of the resources that chamber should offer are programs that assist businesses,” Robertson said. “And we’ve got so many opportunities to do that.”
Move to Murchison Road
Robertson will also facilitate the move of the chamber’s office from downtown to the Murchison Road corridor, an area where the city and Fayetteville State University are investing resources to promote economic development.
“I think Fayetteville State is trying their hardest to redevelop that section of Murchison Road between the university and downtown,” Robertson said. “I think us being there will certainly be a catalyst for that.”
Robertson also said that it’s time for the chamber to have a new space.
“The space that we’re in, we’ve outgrown,” Robertson said. “We need more than what we currently have, and we’re excited about the Fayetteville State partnership.”
Ben Sessoms covers Fayetteville and education for CityView. He can be reached at bsessoms@cityviewnc.com.