Bishop Announces Retirement as Chamber Executive Director After nearly eight years of serving as Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, Tom Bishop will be retiring at the end of March, 2013.

“It has been a joy to work with Tom for the past three years,” said Phyllis Nester, president of the Chamber, “We both share a love for Patrick County and its people.” During his tenure, Bishop has spurred membership growth and increased the profile of Patrick County, promoting the area as a great place to live and to visit. He is known throughout the county as the go-to person for information on activities, businesses and events in Patrick County. “I am pleased with the accomplishments we’ve achieved during the past eight years,” said Bishop. “The Chamber membership has grown from about 115 members to more than 300, and the organization is in good financial shape.” One way in which Bishop grew Chamber membership was by involving churches, civic clubs and other non-profit organizations as Chamber members. He reinvigorated the Chamber After Hours program which has had record attendance at events in the past few years. Bishop exerted a great deal of effort to promote Patrick County through media exposure on radio, television, the internet and in newspapers and magazines. He has attended business expos, fairs and festivals promoting tourism in Patrick County, and the annual Peach Festival has also thrived under Bishop’s leadership. “Tom Bishop was one of the first to welcome me to the area,” said Julie Walters Steele, director of Reynolds Homestead. “He has a contagious enthusiasm for Patrick County and such a wealth of knowledge, it will be hard to replace him.” In addition to promoting tourism in Patrick County, Bishop also upgraded the Chamber’s website to include Chamber News, a Calendar of Events and Area Attractions. He also has kept more than 40 Patrick County businesses stocked with tourism literature. The Chamber Board of Directors will be conducting a search to fill Bishop’s vacated position. Individuals interested in the position should contact the Chamber of Commerce office for more information.