Burks named new Monett Area Chamber executive director

New programs, activities planned in coming months

The Monett Area Chamber of Commerce has named Jasmine Burks as its new executive director, effective May 14. Burks, who started as membership and relationships manager for the Chamber on Oct. 15, 2024, stepped in after the Chamber board split the duties of executive director into two separate positions. She has been the only official running the Chamber office for the past three months.
In her new role, Burks will oversee daily operations, implement strategic initiatives, and continue fostering relationships that support the economic vitality of the Monett area.
“I’m super excited by this appointment,” Burks said. “It’s been a fulfilling position. Knowing the Chamber from membership management to doing it by myself, I’m gratified the board has confidence in me, especially since it didn’t want an executive director. I’ve tried to take into account not always what I want, but what’s better for all.”
Working behind the scenes at the Chamber provided Burks with insights into what the Chamber actually does for Monett and surrounding communities that make up the organization’s area focus, contributions that she said are not obvious looking from the outside. That includes maintaining relationships with other chambers and with the city.
“The biggest strength of the Chamber is its community involvement and economic drive,” she said. “Since starting, I’ve noticed a want and desire to see Monett grow, especially from companies. We are very community-event driven, compared to other chambers, giving us that quality of life we have here.”
Burks said her first goal would be to build the membership base, which diminished in recent years, and try to build on events, taking constructive criticism to improve those activities and “build on our foundation.”
Her immediate plans entail preparations for the Chamber’s annual golf tournament on June 6 at the Windmill Ridge course. That event is being divided into two tournaments: one for local businesses in the morning, and a separate tournament in the afternoon to support the Chamber’s foundation. Plans are underway for this summer’s Movie in the Park, the first one planned for May 31 at the Monett Speedway, and the July 4 celebration.
In addition, Burks said the Chamber has plans for a multicultural event, collaborating with several entities in town, and bringing back the Leadership Monett program.
“Without the license office, we’ve had to revisit what we do as a Chamber,” Burks said. “We’ve been able to add two new light displays for the Festival of Lights. The Chamber has been stagnant for a little bit. Now it’s all coming together and we’re moving forward to a common goal to do what’s best for the community, and have that as our initiative. I’m trying my best to do what I can.”