The Stuart Chamber of Commerce has had a new face join them recently.

Coordinator Clare Shankle says that she and her family moved to the area during the summer of 2023 from Tennessee, but that they’re originally from Mississippi. She mentions that she had been a teacher for 14 years, but took the last year off since they moved, and that she’s enjoyed the time to just be a mom.

Shankle explains that the small town vibes, location, available housing and economic growth of Stuart are what drew them to the town, and shares with Raccoon Valley Radio that a Chamber member thought that she would be a great fit for the open Coordinator position.

“She also knew that I’m a business owner myself, in Mississippi, and that I might bring some new light, new ideas to Stuart. And I think she also saw that I was interested in just being here and getting to know people and getting involved in the community.”

Shankle says that she’s excited to be working with community members and businesses, and is looking forward to continuing to do so. She adds that she’s also looking forward to upcoming events for the Chamber, including Good Egg Days and some new events that’re in the works.