Christine Thomas

Changes have come to the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and the organization has stepped up efforts to become a viable partner in the local business community.

For the first time in over a year, the chamber has a new executive director. Christine Thomas comes with business experience and a positive and progressive attitude.

The office has been moved from Jim Hogg City Park to the Quitman Development Corp. office behind city hall in the former Quitman Police Department.

Thomas is a graduate of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch and studied at Metro State University in Denver from 2000-02.

Most recently, Thomas has been the sales/social media manager of the downtown Quitman business Sophie & Rose since 2019. Thomas worked in human resources and employer services at Resource Edge, LLC. in Rockwall prior to moving to Quitman. She also has experience handling all administrative needs for Calumet in Shreveport, La. 

Thomas came to the Quitman area in 2019 with her husband, Mack Thomas, who works for Southern Railway. “We had a certain range we had to stay in. We looked around to all the towns in the area and we had the house we fell in love with in Quitman and that’s why we are here,” Thomas said.

Thomas wanted to be a part of making things better for the business community in Quitman. “I heard about the job opening, but I wasn’t looking for another job and was very happy at Sophie and Rose and helping them grow. I saw the need that was there and I’m a firm believer in not complaining about a situation unless I have a solution for it. It’s something my Dad instilled in me,” Thomas noted. “I can’t complain about a chamber not doing anything if I’m not willing to be an active member. It was a need that needed to be filled and I felt like I not only had the credentials to do it, but the desire. After much prayer I felt very comfortable in making the decision to apply. I was selected and here we are.” 

One of the things that sparked her interest was the Gilmer Yamboree. “The folks from Gilmer came to town and dropped off their booklets, a sort of directory with business advertisements. I saw that and I thought that was perfect, and that is what we need. You are advertising in our town, why aren’t we advertising in Gilmer,” Thomas commented. “That really motivated me to want to do more for Quitman.”

Thomas has some ideas for chamber growth and activities. “I do have a few ideas. I definitely want to get started back with our monthly mixers. I think that will be a great opportunity not only for us to know what is going on, what to expect and what is needed where,” Thomas added. “We also need a newsletter even if it’s on a quarterly basis to get our information out. We want our members to be active and involved.”

Thomas has a purpose in the new position. “I am a firm believer that God puts us in places for reasons. I love that about small town. Every event I have gone to, including the chamber banquet I went to on behalf of Sophie and Rose, it always begins with prayer. Our chamber meetings also begin with a prayer,” Thomas said. “Together, we can all grow and prosper.”

Thomas plans are to have the new chamber office behind city hall open with all kinds of information about Quitman and the area. To reach Thomas at the chamber office call 903-763-4411.