Aces of Trades: Kim Barlag is new to the Pickerington chamber, but knows the area well
PICKERINGTON — New Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kim Barlag is a Cincinnati native who has worked for Ohio University in Athens the past eight years. But that doesn't mean she's not familiar with the local area.
"I'm familiar with Pickerington because about 21 years ago I worked for the American Motorcyclist Association," she said. "So when I was working for them I got involved with the Pickerington Violet Festival and I served on the board for the violet festival. So I had some ties with the community. When I saw the posting for this job I was really excited about it."
Barlag had also worked with some of the businesses in Pickerington back then.
"So it just brought back all the memories of what a great community this is, so I decided to apply for it," she said. "And I'm just very fortunate that the board selected me to be president."
MORE: Aces of Trades: Fairfield Union's Joel Denny took to teaching upon his father's advice
Barlag worked for OU in the communications and marketing department for the college of education while there.
Since she is so new to the job Barlag said she's learning about the 350 chamber members and wants to meet them and learn their needs. She said she and the board also want to involve the community more in chamber events and create new events.
"We'll be looking at the possibility of having something like the violet festival or maybe a few smaller events," Barlag said. "Potentially, like a Taste of Pickerington or a food truck festival. Things like that. We don't want to compete with the (Picktown) Palooza, so we want to find our own niche where we can cooperate with the other organizations and perhaps build another partnership."
She said there are always opportunities to make a community stronger.
Your support helps keep the lights on at the Eagle Gazette. Stay connected with our daily stories, in-depth reporting and more by
clicking Subscribe
Subscribe
"We're always looking at bringing in businesses that will promote the area and help Pickerington grow and continue to be successful," Barlag said.
She has an undergraduate degree in English and creative writing and a master's degree in visual communication management, both from OU.
Away from work, Barlag enjoys golf, her dogs and OU football.
"And I'm a Bengals fan," she said. "Big time."
740-681-4340
Twitter: @JeffDBarron
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Kim Barlag is new to the Pickerington chamber, but knows the area well
