The longtime leader of LaGrange/Troup County Chamber of Commerce was hailed Thursday as a community champion and effective advocate for local economic development. Her impending retirement after almost 30 years as chamber president has many people saying, “I can’t imagine the chamber without Jane.”
Surely, her successor, whoever it is, will have big shoes to fill.
Jane Fryer hasn’t just represented the chamber, she’s been the chamber, in many ways. Most of what is recognized as standard came about on her watch. She built a strong staff and earned the support and respect of a broad cross section of community leaders. She was a quick study and a leader who never acted like she knew it all. She kept learning.
She led the chamber through the complex, often arduous process of achieving national accreditation. Her expertise in economic development is recognized far and wide.
She understood her role, and had a gracious way of making others look good. She mastered the art of juggling heavy responsibilities and countless thankless tasks with a smile and a positive attitude.
Fryer’s work ethic is legendary. Co-worker Dianne Levesque, the chamber’s tourism director, put it this way: “She taught me how to say ‘Yes, we can do that,’ no matter what and do it with pride… She made me proud to be a part of the staff at the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Working with Jane at the Chamber has certainly polished my work ethic!”
Even in challenging times - or maybe especially in challenging times - Fryer managed to maintain her composure and her sense of humor. Sheila Rowe, the chamber’s executive assistant, calls her “a good sport” and fun-loving, along withs “diligent, faithful and hard working.” No one enjoys a good laugh more.
Fryer’s achievements have been chronicled in articles Thursday and Friday, but as she prepares to step down from the chamber role, it’s important to recognize the “secret” of her success.
Jane Fryer has a great passion for her hometown. She loves Troup County. A lot of people can say that, but in Fryer’s case, the commitment is total. She has been positioned uniquely to move her community forward, and she has done so, selflessly. Nothing has given her more pleasure than working on behalf of the community she adores. It’s been more than a job to her. It’s been a calling.
And that commitment has allowed her to do things right - and for all the right reasons.
And so, for that reason, and dozens more, we join in saluting Jane Fryer, chamber leader extraordinaire, and in wishing her a long and fulfilling retirement.
She’s earned a rest, but like many, we just can’t imagine the chamber without Jane.
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