Ark Valley News - Local businesses impress new chamber director

Sellens

Local businesses impress new chamber director
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: November 18, 2019

A Wichita native with roots in Tennessee has been named executive director of the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce.

Amy Sellens, who had been interim director and a volunteer with the chamber since September, said she is happy to be involved with the local business community. She replaced Christie Newman.

“There is such an amazing group of local businesses and business owners in Valley Center that collaborate on events and I am very excited to be a part of it," Sellens said.

Brian Jansen, president of the chamber of commerce board of directors, said Sellens brought energy and experience to the role. Sellens helped the chamber organize the latest Fall Festival.

“She was a tremendous asset, with her energy and excitement about the position, and the fact that she's done this type of role in the past," Jansen said. “… She was a really good fit."

Sellens was born and raised in Wichita and attended Goddard and Maize schools before her family moved to Hendersonville, Tenn., where she graduated from high school.

Sellens returned to Kansas to attend Kansas State University.

She most recently worked as a business support analyst at Pixius Communications and was previously a payroll and human resources assistant for Midwest Drywall and at a law office. In her free time, Sellens works for ONEHOPE winery in Napa, Calif., as a “cause entrepreneur," helping coordinate and host local wine-tasting fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.

Sellens said while volunteering with the chamber, she “fell in love with the community and local businesses."

She said the chamber's role is to get involved in community events and advocate for businesses and new business development.

The chamber office is at 200 E. Main. Sellens can be reached at 755-7340.