Mark Owens receives the Grand Award, for the GreerMade campaign, in the category of Campaigns by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for chambers with budgets under $1 million.
Owens, 32, topped the list of more than 230 potential candidates who were considered for the Winston-Salem post. He has been at the Greer chamber since 2014.
“It has been an honor to serve this community over the last nine years,” Owens said in making his announcement Tuesday. “Since day one, this community has embraced me as one of its own. Greer is a special place with special people.”
Owens and his wife, Melody, have a two-month old son, Luke.
Owens has steered Greer Chamber to its largest membership enrollment and a robust economy that has led to downtown Greer have its highest occupancy rate, 90 percent, in recent memory. The chamber’s staff is arguably one of the most responsive and respected in the region.
“Working with the board of directors, members, city and community leaders, and of course our great staff at the Chamber has been the most fulfilling aspect of my professional career,” Owens said. “ I will always be proud to have been involved in a chapter in this community’s history.”
Owens started at the chamber in November of 2008. Since then, he has served as the Director of Programs and Events, Director of Business Development, Vice President and President & CEO.
The launch of a GreerMade, a national award winning workforce initiative, brought attention to the workforce skills gap while highlighting local companies that make their products.
“Mark has been a valuable asset to the Chamber and the greater Greer community,” Mikelle Porter, chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.
“Though we are sad to learn this news, we are very supportive of Mark and excited about this opportunity for him and his family. The Greer Chamber is stronger than ever because of his leadership, and I am confident we will continue our forward momentum to support our businesses and community.”
Owens succeeded Alan Smith who was hired to lead the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce.
Owens is replacing Gayle Anderson, 67, who is retiring after 21 years as head of the Winston-Salem chamber.
Owens said his family is "especially struck by (Winston-Salem's) vibrancy, creativity and rich history of growing and developing homegrown businesses into national brands,” he said in a statement.
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce will conduct a national search to fulfill the vacancy.