Skobla takes the helm at Rome Area Chamber of Commerce

ROME — When Kristen Skobla took over as executive director and CEO at the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, she knew she had some pretty big shoes to fill.

William K. Guglielmo, who passed away on Feb. 23, had served as the chamber’s president from 1996 until his retirement in January of this year after a 50-year career at the chamber.

“Certainly, I’m looking to pick up where he left off,” Skobla says of her new role at the Rome Area Chamber, which she began on April 10. She has found her balance honoring Guglielmo’s legacy while putting her own touch on the chamber.

Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of the chamber’s typical offerings were paused, she says now is a good time to reset. The business world was changed by COVID, and it’s an opportunity for the chamber to look at how it can best serve businesses today.

Skobla is starting that process by getting to know the organization, the community, and the chamber’s members.

She’s been busy meeting with members, having conversations, and eliciting input. “They are the ones with the most insight,” Skobla says.

She wants to hear from all members on what they need from the chamber to best support them, what works, and what could be different. Skobla says she will then take that information back to the office and, in cooperation with the board of directors, analyze it all.

Some areas she is focusing on include dues — are they comparable to other chambers, are they accessible, and are they fair and equitable — along with programs and services such as networking opportunities and professional-development programs.

“What do our members and business community members need for professional development?” she asks.

Another focus includes making sure the Rome Area Chamber is always monitoring policy and service as an advocate for the business community it serves. “We want to make sure we are always advocating for them,” Skobla says.

She is also seeking to collaborate with other area chambers of commerce to share insights and best practices. With chamber leaders in both Utica and Herkimer who are relatively new to their roles, it’s a unique opportunity for the new leadership to work together, says Skobla.

Other areas of focus include having the chamber serve as a connector between businesses and opportunities and resources available to them. Skobla also wants to ensure that both the chamber and its board of directors reflect the diversity of the community and that businesses are connected to the community’s youth as potential future employees.

Skobla, who audibly bubbles over with enthusiasm for her new role, brings 11 years of experience in non-credit workforce development at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) with her to the job. She also concurrently served for four years as the executive director of MVCC’s Center for Leadership Excellence.

In those roles, Skobla worked closely with area businesses in all areas of workforce development. Her new role, she says, is just a natural shift with a similar focus.

She’s excited to take the helm of the chamber at a time when Rome is experiencing tremendous growth and revitalization. “I just want to be part of that upswing and revitalization,” Skobla says. 

From growth in Griffiss Business and Technology Park to housing projects in the arts district, there are so many good things happening, she notes.

“If you haven’t been to Rome in a while, come see me,” Skobla concludes.