Hayhurst Brings Chamber's Focus Back to Fun and Relationships

SEELEY LAKE – Lisa Hayhurst is all about having fun and building relationships. As the new executive director of the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce, she looks forward to bringing a lot more fun to chamber events and activities and is excited to serve the community and businesses of Seeley Lake.

Lisa grew up in a large Italian community outside of San Francisco, Calif. She has planned events and parties since she was young, learning from her mother Kathleen.

"[In my culture] You always had food on the table, people were coming in and out and we would have 20-25 people in and out of the house each day," said Lisa. "One birthday would be a 100 people which was no big deal."

Lisa met her husband Eric while he was serving on a Navy aircraft carrier and only had a year left.  They married in 1997 and she moved with him back to Montana so he could finish his education.

"I was the first person who moved away and that was very hard on my family," said Lisa. "I always call Eric my prince charming because I have learned and experienced so much that I never would have if I didn't meet him."

They have moved several times leaving Montana for California, North Dakota and Wyoming. Each time they moved was to help advance Eric's career in hopes that someday they would return to Montana.

"I've always made sure [my son] James and I were involved in the community. It is very important," said Lisa. "Why would you not? That is your family, that is where your kids are growing up, that is an extension of you."

Eric's family owns a place on Placid Lake that they visit every summer. When Eric was offered the job with Citizens Alliance Bank they jumped at the opportunity to get back to Montana.

"I can adapt to everything and I always look for the positive and the good. Things happen for a reason," said Lisa. "It's not my will, it's God's will. When I try to make something my will things don't work out well. When you make it God's will you are happy as a clam."

Lisa said she has always been an outgoing person. She loves to volunteer and enjoys working with ministries and children. She started volunteering with her church Living Water, the Seeley-Swan Community Food Bank and Loving Hearts. 

Lisa and Eric both were involved with the chamber's planning of the Chamber's Fourth of July celebration this summer. When approached by the board, she accepted the executive director position for the Chamber as a volunteer.

"I realized I needed to go out and volunteer in Seeley Lake so that is what I did," said Lisa.

While she has never served as an executive director, Lisa has a diploma in Travel and Tourism from the Santa Barbara Business College. She worked in the hotel business and had a lot of friends in the travel agencies. She also has an associates of art degree in social psychology from Chabot College in California.

Lisa said because of her upbringing she is practical, resourceful, a hard worker and takes a lot of pride in the work she does. She feels her resourcefulness is a great skill and hopes to offer activities at little to no cost so more families and children can participate.

"I'm old school and I love having fun, planning and doing things," said Hayhurst. "Lets make things fun again. I always say I can have fun in a library."

Lisa said she is also a problem solver and has a gift of seeing many different solutions all at the same time. She is quick to take in all the information and make a decision so things can move forward.

Lisa's long-term goal is to see the tourist season all year long, instead of just in the summer.

"I want to advertise Seeley Lake, I want people to come in," said Lisa. "I would also like to keep the visitor center open all year round."

Lisa also looks forward to renewing trust in the chamber and building relationships with the business. She sees the chamber as a catalyst to foster positive relationships between the businesses in the community.

"If we can do that then we can thrive and keep moving in the right direction," said Lisa. "That has been my goal for the First Fridays, I want people to come together and support each other. If we support each other as a team then there is no limit."

In her first few months as the executive director Lisa has cleaned and reorganized the chamber office and garage at the Seeley Lake Visitor Center. She looks forward to offering small items in the gift shop that travelers have asked for.

She has also been talking to local businesses to find out what they want. She said she has heard that the businesses are tired of giving and not seeing any results. They need to see some benefit from the chamber again.

Lisa has accepted that challenge and with the help of the new board including Cheryl Lewis, Rachelle Harman and Eric, she feels they are moving forward in a positive direction.

This winter they plan to launch a new chamber website that will be updated and professional. The website will be linked to a tourist app that will show businesses and specific locations throughout Seeley Lake. They will also produce a map that will be available at the Chamber and local businesses that will be the same thing as the app but will be printed.

"I don't feel like we can be making any mistakes right now," said Lisa. "Anything that we are going to has to be great."

While the chamber took a step back from events, Lisa said they will still plug into events like the July 4th Celebration and they are bringing back Winterfest and the snow sculptures this winter.

"If anyone has ideas or suggestions please contact me," said Lisa. "If something is not working, please let me know so it can be addressed. I'm working for you."

When Lisa is not volunteering, she loves being outdoors, hiking, walking and spending time with her family. She also loves to cook, sing and dance to have fun.

To get in touch with Lisa and the Chamber, call and leave a message at the Chamber office 677-2880 or email slchamber@blackfoot.net.