The Weston Chamber of Commerce elected five members to its board and hired Kiley Stromberg as its new marketing coordinator as the organization increases its focus on tourism, promotion and collaboration among local businesses.

Angela Buckle, Jennifer Lowman, William McQueen, Cara Welliver and Angie Vasquez were elected to the board. Buckle was selected as secretary, and Kathi Vandel was nominated to replace longtime treasurer Mel Beverlin.

Stromberg will work with chamber leaders and the organization’s Marketing Committee to promote Weston, support local businesses and help attract visitors to the community. Her hiring comes as chamber members identify consistent marketing and steady visitor traffic as priorities for the coming year.

Buckle, operations manager at Weston Red Barn Farm, is beginning her second two-year term on the board after serving as a director for the past two years. She has acted as secretary since the chamber’s May election.

At Weston Red Barn Farm, Buckle oversees administrative and operational responsibilities, directs school tours and manages two wedding venues and an on-site Airbnb. She also manages the farm’s marketing efforts, including social media.

Buckle has worked at the farm for four years. She previously managed Green Dirt Farm Creamery and worked as an administrative assistant for Creative Carnivals & Events in Overland Park, Kansas.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in studio art from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Buckle said she joined the board because of her connection to the Weston community and her desire to represent businesses located beyond Main Street.

“Our town has so many hidden gems, and I want to use my skill set to help our town stay visible in the ever-changing media world,” Buckle said.

Buckle also chairs the chamber’s Marketing Committee, which meets every other week. She said the committee’s work will be closely connected to Stromberg’s role as marketing coordinator.

As secretary, Buckle prepares and distributes meeting agendas, records minutes and helps connect the board’s administrative work with its marketing efforts.

Buckle said clear agendas and meeting records will help members understand the chamber’s work and measure progress toward its goals.

“I hope to help tie all chamber efforts together in an easily presentable fashion so our members can see the value in what we do,” she said.

Buckle has worked with Stromberg, Vandel and chamber President Erik Olson during the organization’s recent transition in leadership and responsibilities.

Welliver, co-owner of The Celtic Ranch and The Whiskey Snug, is also beginning her second term. She brings 30 years of experience in retail and big-box store management.

Welliver said maintaining foot traffic is one of the most pressing challenges facing local businesses.

“Our ongoing challenge is determining how we keep Weston a unique, fun and inviting destination for visitors,” she said.

She said the chamber should maintain consistent marketing to increase tourism while encouraging businesses to cross-promote and support one another.

“We should also focus on cross-promotion and mutual support to help local businesses thrive while preserving the unique character of Weston,” Welliver said.

Her work during the coming year will include co-hosting the “All Around the World in Weston” event, which is intended to bring visitors to town and showcase local businesses.

Welliver said her chamber service is motivated by the success of the community as a whole.

“I am passionate about our town as a whole, not just the success of my own store,” she said. “To be successful, we must support one another.”