Profile
Champion for Pulaski County
Text by Becky Hepler Photos by Shannon Ainsley Ask Peggy White, executive director of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, what her operating principle is for that organization and she answers: “Muddy Boots on the Ground.” Sometimes this is literal, as when she dons boots to visit a chamber member whose business is dairy farming, then back into pumps for the Board of Supervisors meeting later that day. Mostly, though, it’s figurative as she does whatever hard 22
NRV MAGAZINE
work is needed to advance the cause of the chamber and, more importantly, help the members in their businesses. “She is beyond passionate about the entire Pulaski community, and it is evident on a daily basis,” says Kevin Byrd, executive director of the New River Valley Regional Commission. “She is always willing to try new approaches to elevate the awareness of the community and is an ardent supporter of businesses.“
Peggy came to the Chamber 20 years ago as the membership director and rose through the ranks to become executive director in 2008. She was well trained having jointly owned a business in which she handled some design issues, advertising and sales, followed by a stint as membership director at the YMCA. Peggy’s efforts at networking and consistently checking in on members, assessing their needs and offering
S eptemb er/Octob er 2020
