The new director of Yazoo County’s Chamber of Commerce is eager to put her business experience to work to improve her beloved hometown.
Kiristi Mills has been named the Chamber’s new director after a search by the board of directors. Mills was previously serving as the Chamber’s office manager. Chamber President Jason Patterson said that Mills’ performance in that role led to her being considered as a top candidate for the job.
“We were impressed with how efficiently Kiristi was handling the Chamber’s business affairs while we were working to restructure the organization to better serve our community,” Patterson said. “She is extremely organized, and she presented many good ideas about how we can improve the Chamber. As we got to know her, it became clear that she truly loves Yazoo, and I believe she has the right personality and business experience to succeed as our Chamber director.”
Mills has years of business experience, but she says that it is her faith that defines her more than anything.
“I am a Christian woman and a strong believer in God,” Mills said. “I am a member of New Zion M. B. Church in Yazoo City, pastored by Rev. Willie E. Smith, where I currently hold several positions.”
Mills was born in Chicago, and her family moved to Yazoo County when she was seven months old. She graduated from Linwood High School before going to college in Memphis, Tenn. She has two adult sons, four grandchildren, and another grandchild on the way.
Early in her career Mills became the first black female to work at Delta National Bank. During her employment at the bank, she was a teller and also worked as a secretary for former State Senator Joseph Tomas.
She later worked for about seven years for Mississippi Chemical Corporation as a payroll clerk and in the Human Resources Department.
Mills has worked for over 20 years as a human resources assistant and payroll clerk. Seventeen of those years were at Xerox in Flora, which was previously known as Southern Vital Records and DataplexMills and a partner then opened a consignment shop in Bentonia that closed in 2015. In 2016 she was hired by the Yazoo County Economic Development District to manage business for the organization’s business along with the Yazoo County Port Commission and the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce.
Mills believes her career has given her the experience to lead the Chamber and an understanding of the needs of local businesses. She said she is looking forward to meeting with local business owners and developing strategies to improve the community while also working to attract new development.
“I have worked with the public for many years, and this is something I truly enjoy,” Mills said. “I believe my ability to work with people will help me as I meet and greet the public in my new position. While working for Xerox one of my jobs was to organize and set up Health Fairs and other events, which I was able to do successfully. With this experience and more I believe this will help me be a successful Chamber director.”
Mills said that she has been looking at communities with successful chambers of commerce and active economic development for inspiration as she begins her new role.
She sad that some of her immediate priorities and goals include:
* “My first goal is to be visible, visit with the businesses and listen to their needs, and address as many of those needs as possible.”
* “I plan to work hard to restore the trust in the Chamber so that it can again be successful.”
* “ I will contact those businesses that are not yet part of the Chamber and listen to their concerns to see if we can resolve any hesitations they might have so they too can start enjoying the many benefits that the Chamber can offer.”
* “I want to start some annual events sponsored by the Chamber that everyone can look forward to each year.”
* “My door will be open for you to voice your concerns, just let me know if you would like to visit me or if you need me to come to you. Remember we must work together.”
Mills said she encourages and needs input from the community, and she hopes that everyone who wants to improve the community will find a way to get involved.
“I am thankful that the Chamber board has entrusted me to do this job, and I will do it to the best of my ability.,” she said. “Now it’s time to go to work, but make no mistake I cannot do it alone. I am excited about what the Chamber can accomplish, but I will need help from all of you. Let us all work together to get the Chamber up and running again. In the very near future I will be visiting different businesses to see what your needs and views are for boosting the Chamber. Those of you who are not yet chamber members I will be asking you for your support. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns. I am very excited and looking forward to working with each of you.”
The Chamber will host a meet and greet on Thursday June 15 from 5-6 p.m. The public is invited to stop by the office located on Fifteenth Street in the building that also includes the Yazoo County Economic Development and Education Center and where classes conducted by Holmes Community College are held.
