Brian Gerau named as new director of Jackson Chamber of Commerce

Brian Gerau has been named the new executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made at the American Women's Business Association annual auction Saturday. He will assume the position Nov. 1.

The hiring of Gerau comes five-and-a-half months after former Chamber executive director Marybeth Williams died from pneumonia April 27. Executive assistant Cheryl Merkler has assumed Williams' day-to-day roles since her sudden death.

Gerau is the husband of Southeast Missourian advertising executive Sara Gerau.

"I didn't like the horrible circumstances that allowed this position to open up but it was something that I couldn't pass up," Gerau said. "I wanted to keep her memory alive and can do it in spirit by serving as the executive director."

In his first 45 days on the job Gerau hopes to meet with business leaders to better understand their needs. By doing so Gerau hopes not only to strengthen the current relationships with chamber members but entice those businesses who are not currently members to join the organization, he said. The current membership is 400 members. Gerau believes that number could expand by an additional 200 to 300 new members.

"I'll listen to our business' needs and do everything I can to help them, whether it be with information about schools, employment opportunities or what my role is as executive director," Gerau said. "I want the chamber to be the first thing people call when they have a need arise."

Gerau brings 11 years of sales, marketing and fundraising experience to the job.

A native of Columbia, Mo., Gerau graduated from the University of Missouri in 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in history. While in Columbia Gerau worked at Boone County Bank and as a fundraiser with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Columbia.

For more on this story look for updates on semissourian.com or read Tuesday's Southeast Missourian.