08/14/2026
It’s always a pleasure to attend the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, but this one was extra special as we celebrated Cecilia (and Don) Murray’s 22 years of service as Executive Director (and professional volunteer).
I also got to stick around afterward for the retirement celebration hosted by the Chamber at Hoppers Pub, which made the day even more special.
Some of you may not know that I spent about six months at the Chamber before starting Freelance Design. In that short time, I got to see a side of Cecilia that I think some people may not know about: she’s really a kid at heart.
I remember when McDonald’s came out with the Lil McDonald’s collection of tiny restaurant toys. There was a tray with fries, the restaurant, a Happy Meal, the drive-thru and all kinds of little pieces you could collect. Cecilia just HAD to have them. She was determined to collect them all.
That somehow became our own little thing. If I saw something that reminded me of Cecilia, I’d pick it up for her. And she was always doing the same for me, bringing me little gifts or leaving something at my desk because it made her think of me.
My second-ish week at the Chamber happened to be Administrative Professionals Day, although I had absolutely no idea. Cecilia came into the office with an aloe plant and a card for me.
Those little things have stuck with me. Cecilia pays attention. She notices the little things and makes people feel appreciated.
I learned a ridiculous amount during my time at the Chamber that I still use in my business today: bookkeeping, organization, working with local business owners and even a little coding. Though I really hope I never have to use Dreamweaver again. 😂
I’ll always have fond memories of ribbon cuttings, luncheons and our shenanigans, including “Thank an Ambassador Day.”
Congratulations, Cecilia and Don, on 22 years. Thank you for all the ways you’ve invested in our community and the people in it. I’m grateful I got to be a small part of your Chamber story.
