Margaret Thatcher once said, "If you want something done, ask a woman." There's a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work.

Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022, said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. "As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference and be a part of strengthening our community," she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June of 2022. "I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible," she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county's workforce.

For Ashley Zell, who became executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce in January, the job brings a chance to get to know her community. "The friends and connections made and the interaction with the Chamber members and community at our numerous different events are definitely the biggest rewards of this position," Zell said.

The women also remarked that holding the job offers a chance to see their communities thrive. "It's seeing kids dancing at the farmers market," commented Rebecca Branle, who has been executive director of Venture Lititz since August of 2021. "It's celebrating big wins with merchants. It's watching this town become ever more alive with art, culture and community pride." Her perspective matches that of Kristie Schmid, who has been executive director of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce since March of 2021. "I love seeing our community respond to the revitalization in town, the increase in businesses and the new community events," Schmid said. "It's fulfilling to put your time into something and then see others have pride in it as well."

For some of the Chamber leaders, the role is a full-time job. For others, it's something they do in addition to other employment. As a financial adviser for Edward Jones, Jona Green serves as head of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce on a volunteer basis, but she's just as committed to that role as she is her paid job. "The biggest reward is absolutely the connection to our schools and community," said Green, who has been leading her Chamber since March of 2022. "Our reach is large, but our heart is rooted in service and making more things possible for our members."

Although each of the Chambers faces its own challenges, the directors all project positivity when it comes to their communities. "Right now, we see the biggest challenge for a number of our members to be finding enough employees," said Kerry Meyers, who stepped down as executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce after more than 11 years and is now executive assistant to Zell. "And for our small shops in Mount Joy, it is getting customers in their doors. We need the community to support small local businesses."

Liz Ackerman, who has been executive director of the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce since January of 2019, said her organization faces a challenge of keeping pace with expansion. "We are growing at an exponential rate," she explained, noting that she values maintaining a close connection with all of the Chamber's 430-plus members. "We pride ourselves on knowing every member's name and understanding their needs."

For some of the directors, being a female leader in the world of business has been a challenge they've faced with grace. "I have learned to embrace my leadership style and not shy away from opportunities to lead," said Grove, noting that she attributes her success to surrounding herself with strong female role models. "Confidence in yourself is key. We all belong at the table, so be brave enough to pull up a chair. If you are afraid, do it anyway."

That's a feeling Branle said she understands. "My worst enemy has always been the negative voice in my head, telling me to question my worthiness," she stated. "If you, too, have a voice like that, learn to tell her to be quiet."

As committed as they are to their Chambers, all of the women have managed to find a work-life balance. Meyers has been married for 45 years and loves spending time with her two children and five grandchildren. Zell is raising a family of three with her husband, and they enjoy hiking and attending Faith Bible Fellowship Church. Valudes is the married mother of twin daughters, serves as secretary for the Paradise Township Lions Club and helps with Girl Scouts. Grove and her husband enjoy spending time with their seven children and eight grandchildren, and Grove is active with the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, where she will serve as president beginning in 2025. Ackerman and her husband are raising two children, and she describes herself as a "serial volunteer" with numerous organizations. Branle and her husband have three children, and the family loves to bike, travel and play "very competitive family football games." Green and her husband are raising two children who are active in their high school's marching band, and she joked that her favorite hobby is "networking." Schmid has been married for 22 years, has three girls and loves to read, shop and explore local breweries.

As for advice for other female leaders, each woman referenced striking a balance between being assertive and being kind. "Work with integrity," Zell stated. "Be willing to humble yourself. Be respectful of others in the workplace and the community."

Ackerman advised that women should also be kind to themselves. "Own your talents and always accept a compliment," she remarked. "This is one of the hardest things to learn, but recognizing your strengths, especially when someone points them out to you, provides a confidence that will reach far beyond anything you can read in a book."

And don't underestimate what you can achieve, Schmid said, adding, "Never limit yourself. Find your passion and put your all into developing it so you can bring your best to the table."