“Just call me Jen,” said Jen Kucinsky as she spelled her last name when she introduced herself as the new director of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce.

Kucinsky recently became the chamber managing director upon the departure of Heather Trammell in early August. Originally from the Chicago area, Jen spent over 10 years in the Plano and Richardson areas before heading this direction to be close to her fiance.

Though she lives a little closer to Mineola, she “does life” in Quitman and wanted to get a job that would help her meet more people and be more involved in the community. 

She knew the chamber director job would be the perfect fit. With years of experience in marketing and event planning, including a recent stint at a popular Tyler wedding venue, Jen knew she could offer the chamber a continuation of the growth and fresh ideas implemented by Trammell.

Jen is jumping into this position just as the busiest time of the year begins for the chamber with their annual golf tournament coming up quickly and their candy walk and Hometown Christmas following. 

Upon beginning the job in August, Jen started visiting chamber members and introducing herself. While she’s met a majority, she’s had to take some time away from that priority to start helping with the golf tournament, which will be held Saturday at noon at The Links at Land’s End. They are taking last minute entries.

They will announce the winner of a golf cart raffle at $20/ticket, donated by chamber member Bear’s Lake Ready Service.

Jen said this is the chamber’s biggest fundraiser all year. “We use the money they raise to host events all year long for their members and for the community.” 

Kucinsky is also excited about the upcoming candy walk. The chamber organizes this event around Halloween.

Businesses hand out candy to area kids, which is highly attended by families with young children.

The chamber will be hosting the big Hometown Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 7 downtown. Jen stated that they will have some of the previous favorites like the skating rink and bounce houses.

Jen also hinted at the possibility of adding a putt-putt golf course, along with more fun games for all ages.

Kucinsky also announced that the chamber is collaborating with member No. 948 Candle Company, LLC to create a special candle in memory of original Hometown Christmas collaborator, the late Ila Haynes Wisdom. The chamber will also have commemorative ornaments for sale made by member Susan Brown. 

While Jen is excited to come into the position and start planning events, she’s also excited about the daily duties of the job and what the chamber has to offer the community.

“I want to make sure I’m involved in the community, because I’ve always been a small business supporter.”

Jen hopes to attract more businesses to join the chamber with all of the upcoming events. She’s excited to help promote businesses and events through the chamber’s reach utilizing social media, monthly newsletters and monthly mixers.

Kucinsky is also prioritizing the recruitment of more community volunteers for upcoming events. Chamber Ambassador Marlene Ovard founded the ambassador volunteer program last year, and Jen hopes to work with her to expand it over the next year. Jen hopes to recruit volunteers from all the business members to help work at events throughout the year. 

The chamber is located at the Gov. Hogg City Park “in the pink building.” Stop by and see Jen and Marlene and other ambassadors Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.