A Day in the Life of Stacy Wade

The Olney Chamber of Commerce has been the information and planning center for various community events and happenings in the decades since its birth. The role of director of this organization isn’t an easy job, but someone has to do it. Life-long Olney resident Stacy Wade has been the director for seven years.

The opportunity that came with the position seemed perfect for Wade, who said she has years of experience in working with the people of the community.

“I love to visit with people and to be involved with different community clubs,” she said. “That was the reason I applied – to be part of our community and to try to make things better for our community.”

A typical workday for Wade is busy. Between answering phone calls from the public, planning, organizing and hosting Chamber events and visiting with local businesses and students, she said her job might be a bit crazy at times, but is always fun and enjoyable.

No matter how busy Wade gets, she said the public is always welcome at the Chamber’s office on Main Street.

“My door is always open, so anyone can come in and visit,” she said. “If there are problems in town, or if a business is having some issues, I like to listen and try to help them work things out.”

She said the daily interaction with the community of Olney is probably the most favorite aspect of her job.

“I love our people, our town and our businesses,” she said. “It is important to be able to communicate with people, be a vital part of our town and community and help it grow by doing whatever is needed.”

When not working with the businesses and adults in the community, Wade works with OISD students.

The Chamber of Commerce partners with the 11th-grade students each year on a project called “The American Flag Route.” Students work with the Chamber to set up American flags in the front yards of Olney homes and businesses. In exchange for the work of setting flags in over 200 holes along six routes over the course of seven holidays throughout the year, the junior class earns money to assist in funding prom.

The Chamber of Commerce also sponsors a volunteer program for high school students. Students who accumulate 40 hours or more of volunteer work with the Chamber by their senior year of high school earn the David H. Penn Memorial Scholarship.

“I usually have around 20 to 25 volunteers each year, with students ranging from freshman to senior,” Wade said. “One year, 12 of those students earned the scholarship. They really help me year-round with events and extra projects.”

Love for your community is important with any job, but especially for her position, Wade said.

“It all comes down to caring for your community, the students and your town, and having the drive to want to make your community a better place,” she said. “Working with everyone, trying to keep coordinated and keep people updated on everything is what helps our community. It means a lot to me that people trust me because this job is what I like to do.”