Pictured, from left, are Mike Parrott, Kimberly Smagala, Rep. Davey Hiott and Pickens mayor David Owens.

PICKENS — On Monday, a crowd gathered at the Pickens Area Chamber of Commerce to honor and celebrate the contributions of the group’s retiring leader and welcome his replacement.

Mike Parrott, who has served as executive director of the chamber for the past seven years, will be replaced by Kimberly Smagala.

Smagala is an Upstate native with a diverse background in chamber work, marketing and small business development.

“We are grateful to Mike for his dedication and commitment to Pickens and the surrounding community. We wish him the best in his retirement,” chamber board president Liza Holder said. “The board is also excited about the fulfillment of this position with the hiring of Kim Smagala. She will serve Pickens exceptionally well.”

Holder said Parrott will be remembered most for “his passion for business growth and extraordinarily warm smile, which so often has been seen walking down Main Street and visiting with local businesses.

“He has been a tremendous asset in the growth of our area and has brought so much value to the chamber membership,” she said.

According to a news release issued by Holder, the chamber is a cornerstone for business in the area and solely exists to serve, promote and advocate for local business.

Those looking to join or find out more about the Pickens Area Chamber of Commerce may stop by the chamber office at 222 W. Main St. in Pickens, call (864) 878-3258 or visit pickenschamber.net.