Helaine Jesse Morres to retire as Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce executive director
After four years at the helm of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, I have decided to "hang up my spurs" and retire as the Chamber's Executive Director. I started at the Chamber in March 2019 after John Cassinelli saw me riding my ATV around the Dayton Ranchos and asked me if I wanted a part-time job. Ha! Cassinelli was probably thinking we better get her something to do or there could be trouble!
I first met John through the Builders Association of Western Nevada, when BAWN helped Western Nevada College build the Jack C. Davis Observatory on the Carson Campus. I served for 18 years at WNC and retired there as the Vice President of Development & External Affairs.
I applied and got the job at the Chamber and it's been a helluva ride! As a 5th generation Nevadan with deep roots in Dayton, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know even more about this great community and the people who live here. Back in the late 80's & early 90s I was the 4-H Program Coordinator for Carson, Storey County, and Dayton and got to know great community icons like Laura Tennant, Nancy Dallas, Grace Ricci, Del Minor, Dorothy Todd and more.
That is why I have decided to serve on the Chamber Board and be a volunteer instead. I hope to represent the Chamber with the Pony Express Territory Group and Travel Nevada working to expand rural tourism in the area. I also want to ensure that Dayton doesn't lose the rodeo grounds, acquired with a Recreation & Public Purpose lease with BLM and that we continue to expand Off-Highway Vehicle opportunities and awareness in the Pine Nut mountains. I also want to ensure we have an entry in the Nevada Day Parade in October!
I plan to be in the office through May and then it's off to the races! I am extremely grateful to the Board of Directors at the Chamber, who are dedicated servants to the mission of the Chamber and its goals and you, our members!
Meanwhile, you can still reach me at daytonnvchamber@gmail.com or (775) 246-7909!