Guest Commentary: Wishing all the best to Chamber friend and advocate

Judy Diogo has been a driving force at the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce since 2005
Judy Diogo has been a driving force at the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce since 2005
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Dr. Dina Carol Vendetti is the president of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.

As many well know, Judy Diogo has been a driving force at the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce since her first day in 2005. Her boundless energy and creative ideas have worked to shape and guide the direction of this organization. Because of her drive, the chamber has become an amazing, effective organization, which truly serves as the essential resource for the development of businesses in central Delaware.

In her time as president, the chamber flourished, experiencing a 40% membership growth. Because of her leadership, it has been able to significantly expand its impact as the voice of the central Delaware business community.

Over the years, Judy spent countless hours organizing community events, advocating on behalf of small and large businesses in Kent County, supporting the men and women at Dover Air Force Base, encouraging job growth and economic development, partnering with area organizations and leading an effective team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Judy spent her energy tenaciously rallying for businesses who were struggling and served as a point person on the development and execution of the Kent County Small Business Grant Program, which brought over $2 million in relief to those companies.

In December 2021, Judy retired as president of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce but was not allowed to totally “retire” from the organization because she was almost immediately hired back as a consultant. Since that time, Judy has spent time and energy training the new president and overseeing the legislative work of the chamber. She has spent two to three days per week at the chamber office and has helped to create a smooth and easy transition of leadership. She has provided insightful guidance and advice, while encouraging growth and change and progress. She has continued to be a valuable resource, an amazing idea generator, an effective cheerleader and a dear, dear friend.

Judy will be officially leaving her post at the chamber at the end of the month — June 30 will be her last day in the office. She is looking forward to spending time with her family and completing a variety of projects that have been on her list for a long, long time. She is hoping to do some traveling, catch up on her favorite activities and maybe pick up a few new ones!

We wish to take a moment to thank Judy for her many years of tireless service to the chamber and to central Delaware. She has left her fingerprints all over this region in a legacy that will continue to grow. We are so grateful for her work and impact. We are excited that Judy plans to become an individual member of the chamber and promises to continue to volunteer on the Legislative Affairs Committee and in other capacities, as needed.

While it is always difficult to say goodbye to someone who has had such an influence, we are excited to hear about her new adventures, and we truly wish her all the very best.

Thanks for leading the way!

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