Holly Springs Chamber

DEBRA KUFFNER HOPES TO GIVE STABILITY, ACCESS TO MEMBERS

By KAREN KHOURY

Debra Kuffner arrived in North Carolina, by way of Arizona, to be closer to her family and lend her 20-plus years of experience in civic leadership, government operations, economic development, and community outreach to the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce. The local business group’s new Executive Director, Kuffner sincerely knows she has the skills to reinforce knowledge and stability by making realistic commitments and following through on action items to rebuild trust and value.

“As a civic leader, I will provide leadership, connection, education and access to information and resources,” said Kuffner, who has an Urban Planning degree, coupled with Government Relations – plus a master’s degree in Tourism Development. “I will serve to represent the diversity of businesses and create opportunities for economic growth.”

DEBRA KUFFNER

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Executive Director, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce

Holly Springs

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Urban Planning degree, coupled with Government Relations, plus a master’s degree in Tourism Development

Miami, FL; Queen Creek, AZ

Titan (12-year-old Chihuahua)

Building and architecture; exploring parks; eating international food

Kuffner, who moved to North Carolina after living in Arizona and Miami, FL, plans to assist the local business community in a variety of ways.

“A key benefit to being the Executive Director of a Chamber of Commerce is that it’s my job to build relationships with our local community, civic and faith-based organizations,” she explained. “Thus, I have the opportunity to be involved with numerous organizations and help share their stories.”

Kuffner describes herself as both goal-oriented and compassionate, which is evident in her plans for the Holly Springs Chamber and herself as a resident of Holly Springs.

“In 2022, (the Chamber) will increase our workforce development efforts and cultural diversity outreach,” she stressed. “These two areas are key to attracting talent and creating an inclusive and productive workforce. I intend, to engage residents and businesses alike.”

And, personally, she considers her greatest reward in life is helping kids to overcome barriers. She also enjoys taking scenic rides, exploring parks, buildings and architecture, international dining and floral photography.

All that and caring fo her 12-yearold Chihuahua, Titan — a pup that Holly Springs residents just might meet at a future Chamber function.

Karen Khoury is a regular contributor to 919 Magazine.

As a civic leader, I will provide leadership, connection, education and access to information

and resources.

DEBRA KUFFNER Executive Director

OFFICIAL RELEASE Holly Springs Hires A New Chamber Director

Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Debra Kuffner as its new Executive Director. Debra recently relocated from Arizona, where she spent the past eight years as the Marketng Specialist for the Town of Queen Creek, a fast-growing suburb in the Phoenix metro area.

Previously, Debra served as the Chief Operating Officer of the ScoMsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Director of Tourism for the Phoenix LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. Debra brings 20-plus years of civic leadership experience and extensive knowledge of economic development, government operations and community outreach to Holly Springs. "After a nationwide search to fill the Executive Director position, the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce is enthusiastic to have Debra's leadership and experience to elevate the Chamber to better provide for the growing Holly Springs business community,” said Board Chairwoman Tonya Palumbo.

“I am honored to lead the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce at a time when business and industry is facing unprecedented challenges,” Kuffner said. “I welcome this opportunity to serve the community and look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to share ideas, amplify our business success stories and drive economic growth.”

A native of Miami, Florida, Debra received her B.A in urban planning/geography from Clark University in Massachusetts and her M.S. in destination marketing and community development from Arizona State University. Key highlights from her professional career included serving as board chair for the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix, founding the Growing Emerging Talent workforce development program, serving as a board member of the Pride and Joy Foundation, and leading the Queen Creek Citizen Leadership Institute.

This is the official release from the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce, related to the hiring of the new Executive Director. Offices of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce are located at 344 Raleigh St., Ste 100, in Holly Springs. For more information, call 919-567-1796 or visit hollyspringschamber.org.

HOLLY SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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344 Raleigh St. #100, Holly Springs, NC 919-567-1796

info@hollyspringschamber.org hollyspringschamber.org To provide visionary leadership and grow our business community through advocacy, engagement and innovation.

Holly Springs Events & Activities

2/11 Tentative date for Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Night at 12 Oaks Country Club. To confirm, call 919-567-1796.

2/18 Celebrating the Power

of the Spiritual – a musical journey celebrating African American Music from its inception. through gospel, jazz, R&B, funk and hip-hop, 7:30 pm., Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $18, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919-567-4000, hsculturalcenter@hollyspringsnc.gov.

2/25-27 Purdue vs Prince-

ton college baseball, 4 games (various times); Ting Stadium, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs. Tickets, times: app.arts-people.com/index. php?actions=10&p=18.

3/4 Twain: The Devil and

the Deep Blue Sea, 7:30 pm, Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $18, adults (discount for seniors, youths); tickets, $18, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919567-4000, hsculturalcenter@ hollyspringsnc.gov.

3/5, 5/21 Route 55 Jazz

Orchestra, 7:30 pm, Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $10, adults (discount for seniors, youths); tickets, $18, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919567-4000, hsculturalcenter@ hollyspringsnc.gov. 3/17 Tentative date for Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, hosted by Holly Springs Rotary Club. To confirm, call 919-567-1796.

4/9 Holly Springs

Community Band, 7:30 pm, Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $14, adults (discount for seniors, youths); tickets, $5, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919567-4000, hsculturalcenter@ hollyspringsnc.gov. 4/30 SpringsFest 2022, downtown Holly Springs. Information: info@hollyspringschamber.org. 5/12-14 Nunsense, 7:30 pm, Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $14, adults (discount for seniors, youths); tickets, $5, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919-567-4000, hsculturalcenter@hollyspringsnc.gov

5/20 Comedian JJ

Barrows, 7:30 pm, Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine, Holly Springs; tickets, $15, adults (discount for seniors, youths); tickets, $5, adults (discount for seniors, youths). Info: 919567-4000, hsculturalcenter@ hollyspringsnc.gov.

Ongoing Wednesdays

Holly Springs Kiwanis, 6:30-8 pm; Hickory Tavern, 401 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs. Info: hollyspringskiwanis.org.

Saturdays

Holly Springs Farmers

Market, 9 am-12 pm, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs. Info: 919-567-4000, hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market.

Wednesdays

Holly Springs Rotary Club, 7:30-8:30 am; The Block on Main (2nd Floor); 300 S Main St., Holly Springs. Info: hollyspringsrotary.org.