Chamber chooses new executive director

Tina Lorson, who many people know as Tina Johns, the lively newscaster on The River 98.9, was chosen as the new Executive Director of the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. James Moate Photo

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chose one of its own to fill the organization's open executive director position.

On Jan. 29, the Board of Directors hired Tina Lorson to fill the part-time position. Lorson, who had been serving on the Chamber Board for the past two years, said she looks forward to getting started.

"I see it as a very fun and unique challenge," said Lorson, who also works in sales for local radio station WLEM and The River 98.9. "I thrive on a challenge and I see this as an opportunity to do something rewarding for myself and for the community."

The executive director position is an approximately 30-hour per week job with an annual salary of nearly $16,000. The job requirements include planning and organizing community events that spark interest and traffic in the downtown and also marketing the county to visitors from outside the area.

Lorson, who has been working for the WLEM radio station as a reporter/newscaster and sales representative since moving to Emporium three years ago, said that she believes that experience will serve her well in the new position.

"Part of the job is 'selling' Emporium and Cameron County," she said. "And really see a lot of potential here, especially with all that's going on with the Pa. Wilds and other state-led tourism intiatives."

Lorson graduated from Point Park University- then Point Park College- with bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She worked as an administrative assistant at Lycoming College for 11 yearsbefore moving to Emporium.

Lorson said she believe being relatively new to the area, gives her an advantage coming into the new job.

"I feel like I'm going to bring a unique perspective because I'm still learning Cameron County," she said. "But also, I bring a fresh set of eyes because I don't have the previous notions that many of the lifelong residents do; I can't be hung up on the past."

Lorson started in her new position the first week of February, working 9am to 3pm. She will continue to work at the radio station, but in a lesser role.