The chamber of commerce is seeking a new small business leader following the resignation of Lisa Powell as director of membership services on Feb. 24.

Powell said she enjoyed her eight years at the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce but felt that it was time to move on. Chamber President Hunter Hall said he appreciated Powell’s service and wished her luck in her transition.

Applications are available at the chamber, 2101 Clark St., in Covington, or you can request an application via e-mail at info@newtonchamber.com. The deadline to submit an application and resume is March 15.

Hall said the membership services director is primarily responsible for member recruitment and retention.

"We want this person to be the voice and face of small business members. We want this person to be very specialized and someone who can understand and help solve the problems of our members," Hall said. Experience in advertising or marketing is preferred.

The membership director will call and visit each chamber member each year, help with the business license procedure, start a new membership drive this year and oversee the small business committee and special events such as the annual golf tournament and the upcoming Taste of Newton celebration.

"I hear that we’re very personal, and we want to continue to grow that personal touch," Hall said. "We want to be in your office and in the field constantly, asking, ‘What can we do to help?’ ‘Where are you getting hung up with your business?’" Hall said. "We want to help business grow and succeed."

This hire and the recent hire of economic development leader Roger Harrison will help the chamber truly influence the business community in Newton County, Hall said.