By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Chamber of Commerce officials looked for a new executive director, they didn’t need to look too far.

If there was someone who already knows the ins and outs of Chamber work, it is Angie Cook.

Having served the past six years as office manager, Cook has been appointed as the new Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce executive director. She succeeds Sue Mercer.

When asked what lured her to the Chamber’s office manager position, Cook told The News, “When I was young, my grandparents owned a business in the town we lived in, and my aunt worked for the Chamber of Commerce. They always stressed the importance of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce so I felt it would be a great fit for me.”

Cook moved from Florida to Bridgton in 2013, where she lives with her husband, Brendon and their children, Kennith and Brooklynn.  

She was hired by the Chamber in 2015 as the Office Manager and has been an integral part of the office ever since.  Along with her managerial duties, Angie learned all about the workings of the Chamber, backed up the previous director, volunteered her time at Chamber fundraisers, and quickly became the premier coordinator for the Chamber’s fall fundraiser, BrewFest.

In her new role, Cook will be the face of the Chamber; coordinating ribbon cuttings and after-hours events as well as working with the board to create a more robust Chamber.  She is looking forward to developing relationships with business owners in the 13 towns that the Chamber serves as well as getting involved with organizations such as Bridgton’s Economic Development Committee and the Maine State Chamber, among others.  Her focus will be on modernizing the Chamber with updated technology, finding new ways to promote local businesses, and supporting the betterment of the communities.