Tahoe man chamber chief

New executive director of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority Bill Chernock, who starts Nov. 3, has some encouraging words for local businesses struggling with the rough economy.

"Keep an eye on the chamber. We'll be reaching out to you," Chernock said in a telephone interview on Friday. "We'll be looking for input, and we'll be looking for support. We have a better chance of riding this out together than individually."

Chernock said under his leadership the chamber will communicate regularly with its membership.

"Not just dispensing information, but listening back," he said.

Chernock currently works as the business development manager for the City of Mesquite. But he has spent plenty of time in Douglas County and plans on staying long-term.

"I am more than familiar with the community there, specifically with its organization," he said.

Before Mesquite, Chernock worked as the executive director for the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority and as the marketing director for Aramark/Lake Tahoe, operators of the M.S. Dixie and Zephyr Cove Resort.

He served on the boards of directors for the Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce, the South Shore Transportation Management Association, the National Forest Recreation Association and the National Alliance of Gateway Communities.

"We are very excited to fill this role with such an accomplished executive," said chamber President Sam Slack.

Chernock replaces Jenney Sartin, who was fired in August for unknown reasons after serving in the position for a little more than a year.

Chernock said his first order of business will be getting a handle on the chamber's finances and day-to-day operations, working with the chamber board of directors to develop action plans that address specific problems.

"I'll look at areas where the organization is doing well, and where it's doing less than well," he said.

Despite any future challenges, Chernock is excited about coming to Carson Valley.

"Carson Valley is a unique area," he said. "It has a combination of physical attributes, amenities, small businesses doing unique things and larger businesses providing jobs."

Chernock described Carson Valley as "a very good product at its core."

"It helps going into a position like this to know that," he said. "I'm ready."