New director taking over at Havre Chamber

A new director has taken over at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce.

As of Sept. 1, Julea Robbins of Havre became Chamber Executive Director.

Robbins said she was born in Powell, Wyoming, but grew up in Havre.

She has been working at the Chamber of Commerce for almost two years - her hiring anniversary is in December - as the office manager.

She said she applied for that job because her husband told her that it would be a job she would enjoy and that the community aspect of working at the Chamber is what interested her.

As an office manager, she said, she handles the accounting for the Chamber and helps anyone who comes to the Chamber, whether it be tourists, business owners and more. She added that she also helps organize events and keeps track of the committees, particularly on the accounting side of things, and sends out emails and memos too.

"I didn't know what really it was all about and it was a lot more than I thought it was, but I just love Havre and this was the job that would get me immersed more," Robbins said. 

She added that knowing the ins and outs of everything at the Chamber and having a good relationships with the business owners, the Chamber board and its executive board will be the biggest thing helping her go into the job.

"Both jobs are very connected and it's a two-person job." she said

She won't fully begin as executive director until the job of office manager is filled, and till then outgoing Executive Director Jody Olson is still filling in on that job.

Robbins said she loves the things Olson did, including her vision of the Chamber. 

She added that Olson had changed the parade route, got the ice fishing derby going again, worked on the women's expo and those are some things she would like to keep going.

"(Olson is) very positive, she keeps things moving forward, making sure Havre is growing and thriving, not just sitting here," Robbins said.

Robbins said she is not sure what changes she would like to make yet, but would like to continue working with the tourism side of things more. She said she plans on reaching out to other communities to see what is working there and may come up with a five-year plan to get the tourism up as it is a big part of the community of Havre.

"I am excited about to be kind of on top of everything, to be apart of everything," she said.