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AMBASSADOR AWARD
Tom Shelley AMBASSADOR Award
When Tom Shelley decides to take a deep breath and slow down, he will have earned the right to savor some downtime. He is navigating through an active season in his life, focused on building up the local business community. In 2018, he moved to the area from Indianapolis and had a need to develop new personal and professional connections. After settling into a home with his wife Anita, the Edward Jones financial advisor joined Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce, quickly stepping up to serve as an Ambassador. Ambassadors are a select group of Chamber members who are engaged in forwarding its mission. While managing his own full schedule, Shelley made time to support others in the business community. The outreach was especially valued amid the pandemic’s twists and turns, and his contributions led to recognition as the Chamber’s 2021 Ambassador of the Year.
“Tom Shelley consistently sets the standard for what we look for in an Ambassador with his optimistic attitude, frequent attendance to Chamber functions and dedication to helping grow our business community,” says Chamber Program Director Kayla Sanders. Throughout the year, Ambassadors earn points based on their attendance and participation in various Chamber events and activities, including ribbon cuttings, membership luncheons, Chamber events, volunteering, engaging member businesses and referring new member businesses. This year, Shelley joins the Chamber’s board of directors. “I wanted to get involved in the community and knew that the Chamber would provide a great opportunity to do that. When you move to a new city, you can have the ‘new kid in town’ syndrome,” he says. In his view, the job description of an Ambassador comes down to earning trust through “a commitment to do the right thing and treat people the way they want to be treated.” Whether referring clients to member businesses or participating in events that help the community, he embraces the role with enthusiasm. A favorite Chamber event is Taste of the Town, benefiting the Germantown Education Foundation. Last year, Ambassadors sponsored participating restaurants, helping cover their food and labor costs for the evening. “I host clients so that they can see what’s going on and meet the Mayor, Chamber President and Aldermen.” Shelley also enjoys participating in the Night Rider family biking event.
Most of all, he appreciates the camaraderie among members and opportunities to learn from their experiences. “Hoosier hospitality is a real thing, and it’s alive here in Germantown, too. My motivation to be here is to make a difference in the community.”
MY LA GOS MY WAY
