Carbon Chamber and Economic Development has built a team of professionals to support the county's small and large businesses, promote economic development and develop initiations that will attract and sustain local business in Carbon County.

Team members are Kathy Henderson, who is serving as the economic development director of the organization; CCEDC Executive Director Marlyn Kissner, who will support the organization's overall operations and grass-roots efforts to ensure the businesses and communities are being serviced; and CCEDC staff, including member relations director Kasara McLaughlin and administrative assistant Linda Rex.McLaughlin works closely with businesses to educate members on valuable benefits that will support and sustain business growth. Rex works closely with the team to support initiatives, projects and office operations.Bringing experienceHenderson brings a wealth of experience and passion to serve the county."I will be focusing on helping businesses survive and thrive in Carbon County, including manufacturing, retail and agricultural," Henderson said. "Our services range from grant and loan programs to educational and networking opportunities for existing businesses as well as the new entrepreneur. As a native of Carbon County, I am passionate about helping our county grow and be competitive in the marketplace."Henderson is the CCEDC team's most recent addition. She provides professional assistance in the creation of economic development strategies and research and implementation efforts to attract, retain and grow business and industry in Carbon County. This includes her role of being the liaison for regional and local organizations and associations and preparing applications for economic development projects.Henderson also oversees the marketing and advertising of programs and works with the county commissioners marketing initiatives for the local business community and the countywide image. She collects data and maintains available land sites and property databases, and she is being certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administrate Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loans.Previously, Henderson was the executive officer for the Carbon County Association of Realtors.While serving in that capacity, she applied for and received a $15,000 Smart Growth grant from the National Association of Realtors to fund a study of Lehighton by the Main Street Center in Washington, D.C.The study, completed in October 2013, is ready for implementation.A licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania and Florida, Henderson was appointed to serve on the board of directors for the Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance.She is also a charter member of Carbon County Women in Business; has served as the outdoor coordinator for Boy Scout Troop 82 and Cub Master for Pack 82; a member of the board of directors for Jack and Jill Preschool; a volunteer EMT for Mahoning Valley Ambulance and both East Penn and Andreas Fire Companies; served on the Public Policy and Political Advocacy committee for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors in Harrisburg; a member of the PAR board of directors; and a member of Phi Beta Lambda.A lifelong resident of Carbon County, Henderson and her husband, Jim, live in East Penn Township and have a son, Jake. They also own All American Kettle Corn.Workingwith volunteersKissner's mission is to work closely with volunteer leaders and members to support and strengthen local communities and the local economy by implementing programs and networking opportunities for CCEDC businesses."Our strong partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber fosters the strength of the organization by supporting all local efforts and initiatives," Kissner said.Kissner's efforts ensure local chamber empowerment, member retention and growth, leadership development and succession planning.Through grass-roots efforts, Kissner works closely with volunteer leaders to support and strengthen communities and the local economy by implementing programs and networking opportunities for chamber businesses.With a strong knowledge of business development and recruitment, Kissner has worked with the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board on grant programs as a project manager. She instructs various chamber businesses and local colleges on professional business etiquette training.In 2012, Kissner facilitated the opening of the organization's fifth office location in Nazareth. She supports the initiatives of the Nazareth Business Council and main street revitalization efforts.Kissner holds a master of science degree in management from Rosemont College and a bachelor of science degree in education from Kutztown University. She is a volunteer for the Carbon County Special Olympics, serves on the Lehigh Carbon Community College Career Development Advisory Committee, is a member of the Palmerton Women's Concourse Club and is a volunteer for the Franklin Township Fire Company.She lives in Franklin Township with her husband, William Kissner."As a local resident of Carbon County, it truly is my pleasure to serve our business community," said Kissner. "I've seen the power of partnerships strengthen so many communities and look forward to fostering partnerships to help strengthen our county."Workingwith membersMcLaughlin is the director of member relations and regional chamber initiatives for the CCEDC. She provides marketing, networking, social media and assistance to the businesses in Carbon County.This includes planning the Women In Business mixers, after-hours mixers, social media campaigns, countywide events and more. McLaughlin also oversees the membership program and any member maintenance with new member orientations and by visiting individual businesses.Previously, McLaughlin was the manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.Her time in Bethlehem was spent doing many of the same tasks, including planning large events and street festivals for the city, including Bethlehem VegFest, Bethlehem Harvest Festival and smaller events such as Tunes at Twilight and Doggie Day.McLaughlin graduated from Lehighton High School in 2008 and attended Moravian College to earn an English degree. She is excited to work with and for the businesses she has been visiting her entire life and looks forward to exploring the hundreds of other businesses she has never had the pleasure of entering before.Her goals for membership in Carbon County are about spreading the general message that membership is more than just marketing benefits or networking opportunities.While the CCEDC can help with nearly every aspect of a business, McLaughlin believes it is also important to remember that being a CCEDC member is about being a community partner and a community player."Your dues help revitalize, rehabilitate and renew the towns and boroughs you live in," she said.The new CCEDC team is at 137 South St. in Lehighton and available immediately to answer questions and support businesses.