Hanford Chamber bids farewell to its CEO

The Hanford Chamber of Commerce announced the departure of its CEO Amory Marple last week after four years with the organization.

Marple, 37, joined the organization in the midst of the pandemic, introducing initiatives such as a new business toolkit and helping guide member businesses through Covid-19-related resources such as grants and informational webinars.

“My four years with this organization has brought me many moments of joy and I am very proud of the work the Board and myself have been able to accomplish together,” Marple said in a statement.

“This is not a good-bye, but a ‘good-luck’ as I will be staying local. My passion has always been to serve my community and I will continue to do so,” Marple added.

Marple said in an email she will be working part-time in July while training for her new position — manager for Hanford-based digital printing firm JH Tackett Marketing. She starts Aug. 1.

The Hanford Chamber’s new business hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting July 1.

Marple invited the community to attend one last chamber mixer scheduled for July 31, with more details to come.

Debbie Williams, current Hanford Chamber of Commerce board president, will oversee the transition.

Marpe was born and raised in Hanford, attending high school in Fresno and moving back there after graduating from college in Atlanta, Georgia.  Marple moved back to Hanford in 2014 and is raising her family there, according to her Business Journal Executive Profile from October 2020.