Entrepreneur takes top position at Carson City Chamber of Commerce

New Carson City Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Ronni Hannaman is looking at two large economic engines to power into her term.

"The V&T is in the news almost daily, so it seems like the right thing to back our mayor and get on the V&T engine and help get that further on track," she said Friday about the tourist rail now under construction.

She also supports the construction of a new convention center, which will enhance the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau. The 61-year-old owner of a videography and graphic arts business has lived in Carson City for six and a half years. She also is the secretary/treasurer for the convention and visitors bureau and associate editor for Sierra Sage.

Hannaman and three other officers were installed Friday night at the chamber's annual dinner in the Carson Nugget Convention Center. Officers include:

• First Vice Chairman Robert Crowell, of Crowell, Susich, Owen & Tackes, Ltd.

• Second Vice Chairman Joe Lushina, of Edward Jones

• Secretary/Treasurer Betty Brogan, of State Agent & Transfer Syndicate Inc.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Larry Osborne said Hannaman will bring a fresh perspective to the board for the coming year.

"Her background is involvement with tourism and events; it'll be a fresh perspective," he said.

Betty Brogan, the new secretary/treasurer, has been on the chamber for several years, but this is her first executive position. She is the co-owner of one of the larger corporate organizing/resident agent services in the state.

"I'll be serving on the executive committee with people who I admire very much," she said.

New or returning board of directors members:

• John DiMambro, of the Nevada Appeal

• Steve Forester, of Casino Fandango

• Robin Grayshield, of FastSigns

• Sarah Hill, of Wells Fargo Business Banking

• Stephen Lincoln, of CarsonCityHomes.com

• Bill Miles, of Miles Brothers Construction

• Mary Pierczynski, of the Carson City School District

• Phillip Harrison, of Taiyo America Inc.

• Christina Slade, of Nevada's Job Connect Employment Security Division

• Kevin Stansbury, of Carson-Tahoe Hospital

Grayshield, owner of Economy Tree Service, will start his first time on the board of directors after three and a half years with the chamber. He works part-time with FastSigns.

"I believe strongly that small business is a dying breed, but there are still a lot of people out there who depend on it," he said.

Grayshield would like his term on the board to be devoted to helping small business owners network.

Hill has been a chamber member since 1997.

"Wells Fargo is proud to support the chamber and it contributes so much to the business community, so that's why I wanted to be part of it," she said.

The dinner was followed by a concert by Lacy J. Dalton.

- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

Award Winners

Contribution to Commerce Award winners:

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, for its new 100,000-square-foot building.

Northern Nevada Bank, for its new branch at 3120 Highway 50 East.

Sierra Surgery & Imaging, for its new surgical specialty hospital on the new campus of the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.

Steele & Associates, for its new 22,545-square-foot professional office.

Vitamin Research Products Inc., for its new 55,000-square-foot factory, warehouse and office.

Greater Nevada Credit Union, for its new branch at 4131 N. Carson St.