The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce has named Laurie Clifton its new president, a role she began serving in on Feb. 1, according to a Jan. 31 news release.

“The board is excited to have Laurie Clifton as the new president of the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce,” 2024 board Chair Terre Albert said via email. “We believe she will have a positive impact and improve the business community for the entire Southwest Montgomery County area.”

In a nutshell

Clifton has volunteer experience with Montgomery County organizations, such as Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 10, the Magnolia Education Foundation and the Emergency Chaplain Network, according to the news release. She also has corporate business experience.

She was one of over 20 candidates interviewed, Albert said.

“Laurie stood out over all of them because she had all the qualities the board was looking for,” Albert said. “Laurie’s background, relationship to our community, along with her servant heart is exactly what we need.”

How we got here

Clifton’s appointment comes after the GMPCC board wanted a change in leadership, letting previous President Sandy Barton go in December. Barton first joined the GMPCC in 2017 after the two former chambers in Magnolia—the Greater Magnolia and Magnolia Parkway chambers—merged in January 2017.

Quote of note

“Being selected as the president of the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce is an honor,” Clifton said in an emailed statement. “I am eager to collaborate with and get to know every single member of our chamber. I am appreciative of the board's and the community's faith in me regarding this role. In addition to seeking greater economic growth, I'm eager to forge connections, encourage entrepreneurship, bring in fresh funding and enhance networking among new chamber members. Once more, allow me to convey my appreciation for the chance to be your next president and my enthusiasm for working with you in our community.”

What else?

Albert said he expects the chamber to grow this year.

“With our new leader, we expect to be a strong advocate for small business and be impactful within local decisions,” Albert said. “We also believe we can grow our local events, like Fall Fest and the Christmas Parade. “We want to keep the small-town feel that we all love in Magnolia.”

Albert also said the chamber has plans to introduce new events.

“I’m very excited on what the next chapter has in store for our chamber,” Albert said.

Learn more

Learn more about the GMPCC by visiting www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org.