Leigh Thigpen is event, marketing and communications coordinator for Madison Chamber of Commerce. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Leigh Belew Thigpen embraces her role to promote community and business growth as event, marketing and communications coordinator for Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC).

For years, she has volunteered locally and “was so excited when my dream job became available. I could not be happier to be here at MCC to be able to serve the community and do what I love.” Serving as ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is one example of her volunteer work.

During her career, Thigpen coordinated national accounts and military moves for Armstrong Relocation, working closely with the RSA Transportation Department to manage moves for Redstone Arsenal families.

She also worked as business development manager at Snelling Staffing Service, sales manager for Westgate Resorts, property manager for Smoky Getaways and surgical technologist at Shoals Hospital.

Originally from Florence, Thigpen attended the University of North Alabama and studied business law and marketing.

The communications slot at the chamber interested Thigpen because she holds a “love of the community and people in it” and welcomes “interaction with the community.” She wanted to “utilize planning and marketing talent” that she has nurtured.

For Thigpen, the new job’s goals will be “to promote and grow the Madison business community and MCC, as well as create fun and entertaining events for the area.”

MCC “is an institution of leadership and an advocate for its members and community,” she said. She cited chamber promotions for businesses, including monthly luncheons, Business Expo & Kids Day, Small Business Awards and the annual Connect gala.

“Social media is a powerful tool that we’re now using, in addition to providing our members monthly newsletters by both email and ‘snail mail,'” Thigpen said.

Her husband Joseph ‘Chip’ Douglas Thigpen II works in quality assurance for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).

Madison Chamber of Commerce’s address is 130 Park Square Lane in Hogan Family YMCA. For more information, call Thigpen at 256-325-8317, ext. 320, email to leigh@madisonALchamber.com or visit madisonALchamber.com.