Henderson to seek new Chamber of Commerce leader

In nearly 25 years, Henderson Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Alice Martz, 65, has watched the Henderson business community grow stronger and thrive.

"I never saw it as going to work, I saw it as going to have fun," Martz said. "I guess that's why I lasted so long."

Martz announced in April that she would retire from the chamber, leaving a legacy that has gained her many accolades from colleagues, co-workers and the business community.

"She brought the chamber into the 21st century," said Rebecca Fay, foundation administrator for the Henderson Business Resource Center. "For more than 20 years, she has poured her blood, sweat and tears into it. It's her baby."

Martz started working at the chamber when she moved from Italy to Henderson 25 years ago with her husband, who was in the military .

"She has been at the chamber longer than I've been on the (City) Council," said Mayor Andy Hafen, a colleague who serves on the chamber board.

Martz has served through four mayors.

When Gary Johnson, former chamber president, decided to retire 14 years ago, he asked Martz to step into the role.

"He said, 'Alice, you can do this job, so I'm leaving it in your hands,' " Martz said. "I thought I was going to be the interim (president) while we did a search. But the next board meeting rolled around, and I was it. I said to myself, 'You've been presented with the job, so now you better do the job.' I just moved forward and did it."

In her 14 years as president and CEO , Martz has watched the chamber evolve.

"We used to be the place people can go to get everything they needed to know about business," Martz said. "Now you can get that all online (without having to come in)."

Before, the chamber was more of an events chamber that helped at events such as parades.

After a workshop in early 2000, the chamber decided to switch its focus to be more of a business chamber, focusing on networking for organizations, business resources and growth opportunities.

Martz holds no regrets or missed opportunities, just years of highlights.

"We have created a lot of successful programs," Martz said.

One of the programs Martz is proudest of during her years as president is Leadership Henderson, a civic organization that further develops community leaders that was started in 2000.

"I remember five years ago, she took me to lunch," Fay said. "She told me I was going to be the new director of Leadership Henderson before I even made up my mind. She is a hard person to say no to because she is such an iconic person in Henderson. She has been a great mentor, and I owe my last five years of experience to her."

To people's surprise, Martz announced her retirement in April.

"It's time for a new chapter in my life," Martz said.

Even though it is hard for her to leave the chamber, Martz knows now is the time to move on .

"I'll miss it because it has been my baby for almost 25 years," Martz said. "I want to be able to pick and choose what I want to do."

Martz said her staff was shocked when she made the announcement.

"They said, 'Why didn't you tell us, because we would have talked you out of it," Martz said. "That's exactly why I didn't tell anyone."

Hafen said he had a feeling this was coming.

"She had been thinking about it for a while," Hafen said. "I was just surprised by the timing. I hate to see her leave because she was such a valuable asset to the chamber and the business community."

Fay also was surprised.

"Alice had always said, 'I have another two years left,' since I've known her," Fay said. "I always just expected her to stay. I'm surprised, but I'm glad that she is taking the time while she is young enough to enjoy the things in life."

Martz said she plans to be part of some of the chamber's committees and wants to remain active in the business community.

But with time off, Martz hopes to travel, spend time with her family, which includes her elderly mother, and continue a favorite pastime of making jewelry.

"I hardly ever have time for it," Martz said.

The chamber plans to search for a new president and hopes to have someone in the position by August or September.

"We have a highly capable staff," Martz said. "And if I did my job right, the chamber should move forward without missing a beat."

Martz's last day is scheduled for June 30.

As a farewell gift from the city, Hafen presented Martz with a key to the city at the May 19 Leadership Henderson graduation.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.