The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jeanette Rich will join the Chamber of Commerce staff on Feb. 13 as the first Limestone County Tourism Director.

Rich is a resident of Limestone County and has served for the past seven years as Executive Director of the Ardmore AL/TN Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rich has also served three years on the Giles County Tourism Board and the past four years on the Limestone County Tourism Council.

Rich retired from a 28-year career with the US Army at Redstone Arsenal. Her experience includes a variety of planning, resource and organizational management and leadership positions. As the sole employee of the Ardmore AL/TN Chamber of Commerce, she has successfully managed and expanded Chamber of Commerce operations including very effective development and promotion of community and fund-raising activities.

Hugh Ball, Chamber president, said, “Ms. Rich has been a valuable asset in her position on our Tourism Council and we certainly look forward to working with her in promoting the attractions of Athens and all communities of Limestone County.”

Ball said annual spending by visitors in Limestone County currently exceeds $50 million each year; just a 10 percent increase in tourism spending will provide a healthy boost in business revenue and add at least $200,000 annually to city and county tax revenue.

Michael Hembree, chairman of the Chamber board, said, “We are very pleased that Ms. Rich was interested in this position. We are privileged to have someone of her caliber, knowledge of the community, and vision for quality growth and prosperity.”