Welcome, Becky Nutt

This column is dedicated to acknowledge examples of positives that express the community spirit of Columbus – our town.

Columbus is fortunate to have Lions Club, Rotary, Christian Women’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, Wellness Council, and various organizations representing local churches. I’ll bet you’re a member of at least one of those. I’m hoping that you are also a member of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

Our Chamber of Commerce has a healthy number of 412 members. Peggy Harrison has been installed as the new chamber president. Peggy is excited to serve as she feels that this is a time in her life when she can enjoy her leadership position.

It is Columbus’ good fortune that the new executive director for the Chamber of Commerce is a lady whose heart is tied to a love of rural life... that would be Becky Nutt. Becky grew up and lived a great deal of her life in Arizona. She was one of six children. In fact, she was the youngest of the six and of course she was considered “spoiled”. Being the youngest of six hardly gives time for ‘Spoiling”.

She was allowed to visit her grandparents frequently and loved that association. Knowing her now makes it hard for one to believe that she had no use for school. In fact, she left school and then graduated with a GED at age 17.

The great part of the story is that she went on to earn her master’s degree in business and political science and even continued beyond that to earn the equivalent of a second master’s degree in economic development. Her resume does not end with achievement in education. She later served in the Arizona legislature; her emphasis there was legislation tied to rural needs.

All Becky’s life, she has had dreams that have led her to high achievements in her profession. She will share her present daydreams that include a leadership program for Columbus. She believes that we can strengthen the workforce in our town and hopes to establish an ambassador program (cheerleaders for the City).

The list is longer than I have given you. She keeps a journal that reminds her of visions and dreams. I’m sure we can expect some of those ideas to address tourism, housing, and expansion of the airport.

Becky’s office is at the Stafford Opera House. Her talented staff consists of Janet Hollmann and Shelley Janiek.

If you have ideas to share about the future of Columbus, do stop by to visit Ms. Nutt. Our best to a lady who chose to come to Columbus with a heart full of ideas and dreams.

Once again, join me in a standing ovation for our volleyball girls and our varsity football boys. Please join me in thanking the booster club, the faculty, and the administration of Columbus High School.