Tracey Harmon resigned as the Haines Chamber of Commerce Executive Director effective Aug. 24 as she pursues her new career as the owner of the fish and chips food truck “The Frog Lady Fish Company.”

In her resignation letter, Harmon said her experience with the chamber gave her valuable skills and experience that enabled her to start her own business.

“It’s given me the confidence to start my own business – where my passion for food and hospitality meets a major economic need for increased dining options,” Harmon wrote.

Harmon worked as the chamber director since summer 2018. She said she intends to remain active in local government and offered her services in a volunteer capacity. During her tenure, she oversaw and helped facilitate events and programs including First Friday and the Shop Local and Save program, a program that incentivized local shopping using CARES Act funds that generated more than $200,000 in local spending over two iterations. She also lobbied for state funding for Lutak Dock reconstruction.

“I am thankful for the shared vision and comradery working for the business leaders of Haines,” Harmon wrote. “I am beyond grateful to have worked for such a respected and professional board of directors. This was such a difficult decision because I will greatly miss being a part of this network in our community.”

Harmon encouraged the board to focus on expanding winter tourism, promote high-paying job industries that provide year-round employment, provide business training for new entrepreneurs and promote business friendly policies at the local level.

Chamber president Wendell Harren commended Harmon for her initiative and communication skills. He said she planned excellent parties and events and that the chamber would rely on those skills in the future.

“We appreciate the years of service she gave to the chamber,” Harren said. “In many ways, she was the chamber as far as making things happen and pushing initiatives forward.”

Harren said the board plans to renew its job description and will soon advertise for the position. The chamber board currently consists of Harren, Rod Hinson, Paige McQuaid, Craig Franke, Sabrina Stickler and George Hoffman. Two seats are empty and Harren encouraged interested residents to apply.

“Anyone who’s interested should come talk to me,” Harren said.