Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Turnbow.
Hi Vicki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began to get involved with my community when I started dating my now-husband, Kris, in 1991. Kris was the elected police chief and was very involved not only in the community but with the Raytown Chamber of Commerce. I started volunteering early on, joined the Board of Directors, was hired as a staff person, and then eventually became the President in early 2007.
I love my hometown and love giving back not only through my job but through any means, I can. Over the years, I was named Volunteer of the Year for the Raytown Chamber, Raytown’s Outstanding Woman Leader of the Year, Raytown Citizen of the Year as well as going through the Raytown CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training.
I am on the Board of Trustees for the Raytown Educational Foundation and also a member of the Raytown Rotary Club. My husband and I live in Raymore, MO where he is currently serving as Mayor. He loves being Mayor and both positions allow us to be involved in two great communities. We have four children total and 8 grandchildren ranging from ages 4 to 19.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been blessed with a great support system for as long as I can remember. I did not go to college and went straight to work right out of high school in 1980. I worked for an insurance company and learned how to take advantage of the opportunities it provided me.
I was a single mom for a while and without my family, I would not have made it. I was raised to work hard and even today feel my upbringing has helped me get where I am today. I feel I have a good attitude toward life and wake up each day with a smile on my face. At the Chamber, I have a large number of volunteers who are willing to step up and go the extra mile if needed and that makes my job a whole lot easier.
Most recently, the Building Foundation unveiled a Capital Campaign to raise a little over $200,000 for a building remodel and update. It went live just 12 days before COVID hit. Phase 1 is completed and Phase 2 is almost done. We will continue to raise funds and apply for grants as we look forward to Phase 3.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the President of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of two companies, the Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation (a non-profit 501c3) and the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (a non-profit 501c6).
The Building Foundation owns the building and property where the Chamber has its office and the Raytown Chamber is a membership-based organization that provides many benefits to its members throughout the year. Benefits range from advocacy, networking events, community engagement, business resource as well as community resources. I believe one of my strengths is my passion for the job and the community in which I serve. Depending on the situation, I wear many hats. I can provide information to those looking to start a business, plan an event, or even a shoulder to cry on.
There are so many things I do that tie to the Chamber and the Community it is so hard to mention them all or even come close. I feel that they all are important to the growth and success of the community. I pride myself on keeping my door always open to others. As needed, I work as long as it takes to complete all the tasks before me. Of course like with any other job, it takes so many people to make it a success. The Chamber needs to have good working relationships with their City, their School District and their business community, which I believe, we have.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I have read several books on leadership but really liked “The Wisdom of the Flying Pig” by Jack Hayhow. In fact, I keep it on the book shelf in my office.
Contact Info:
- Email: president@raytownchamber.com
- Website: raytownchamber.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/raytownchamber
- Twitter: twitter.com/raytownchamber
Image Credits
Kyle Phillips, Charlie Mizell Raytown Chamber, Truman Heartland, and Community Foundation
