MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS

Elbert County Chamber of Commerce

Board President

Megan Gardner

Owner of Mean's Agency

Professional Background / Expertise

Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, Public administration, Customer Service, Community Service & Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Megan Gardner is a Farmers Insurance agent with 20 years of experience serving the community. A graduate of Kiowa High School, she has deep local roots and a strong commitment to service. Megan served as Mayor of Elizabeth from 2018 to 2022 and previously sat on the Board of Trustees. She currently serves on the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation and ECCOG boards. Her team, including an Agent Business Partner with over 40 years at Farmers, is local to Elizabeth and passionate about helping and educating clients. Megan is especially dedicated to supporting small businesses and giving back to the community.

Board vice President

Marjorie Engle

Engle Homes Group

Professional Background / Expertise

Realtor/Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Community Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

As your professional real estate advisor, Marjorie Engle focuses on client satisfaction. Her business is about service and she is not happy until you are happy. Her years in the business has provided her with the experience to assist you with nearly every real estate need. Whether it's finding a home, finding the best loan, or helping you get the most out of selling your home, Marjorie is here to guide you. If there is anything you need, please let her know and she will take care of it.

Board Secretary

Jennifer Maxwell

Owner of A Graceful Journey

Professional Background / Expertise

Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Community Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Jennifer Maxwell is an end-of-life doula and real estate professional serving Elbert County and the surrounding communities. She is passionate about walking alongside individuals and families through life’s meaningful transitions, offering compassion, support, and connection in every season.

A longtime local resident, Jennifer and her family have lived in Elbert County for over a 14 years, where they homeschool their children and stay actively involved in the community. Her deep roots and firsthand experience with rural living allow her to thoughtfully guide families as they search for a place to truly call home.

Jennifer is also committed to serving her community through local initiatives, including senior programs, homeschool co-ops and community events. She is honored to serve as Secretary for the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and helping foster a strong, connected community.

Known for her approachable nature, local knowledge, and genuine care for others, Jennifer is passionate about helping people find their place in Elbert County.

Board treasurer

Laura Widhalm

Widhalm Bookkeeping

Professional Background / Expertise

Bookkeeping, Business Management /Entrepreneurship/Community Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Laura Widhalm is the owner of Widhalm Bookkeeping, a virtual bookkeeping firm based here in Elbert County, serving small businesses locally and across the United States. With more than 25 years of business management experience, Laura founded her firm in 2022 to help business owners gain clarity and confidence in their financials. She specializes in supporting entrepreneurs and growing businesses by creating organized, reliable bookkeeping systems that allow them to focus on running and growing their companies. Laura grew up in an entrepreneurial family and understands the dedication it takes to build a successful business. As Treasurer for the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce Board, she is proud to support the Chamber’s mission and help strengthen the local business community.

Board member

Steve Andreas

Owner of Mountain Man Metal Works

Professional Background / Expertise

Custom Metal Fabrication, Small Business Ownership, Skilled Trades, Project Planning, Safety, and Local Business Development

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Steve Andreas is the owner of Mountain Man Metal Works, an Elbert County-based custom metal fabrication business specializing in gates, railings, signage, decorative metalwork, CNC plasma cutting, and powder coating. His background includes hands-on experience in fabrication, live event rigging, safety training, fall protection, and rope access. That mix of technical work and small business ownership gives him a practical perspective on both business operations and the skilled trades. As a local business owner, Steve understands the challenges and opportunities that come with building a business in a rural community. He is proud to serve on the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce Board and support the Chamber’s mission of strengthening local businesses, building connections, and helping the broader Elbert County community thrive.

Board member

Josh Hicks

Owner of Fox’s Pizza Den (Elizabeth and Falcon locations)

Professional Background / Expertise

Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Customer Service, Community Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Josh Hicks has lived in Elizabeth since 2018 and is deeply connected to the community through his family, local schools, and sports programs. His children are part of the Elizabeth school system, and his business supports Legacy Academy, Elizabeth High School, Wranglers sports programs, Elizabeth Parks & Rec, and other community initiatives. Josh is committed to fostering growth and opportunities that benefit our town and its residents.

He is passionate about leadership, community development, and supporting small business growth. Serving on the Chamber board allows him to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the local economy, enhance educational and youth programs, and foster collaboration among community stakeholders. He is dedicated to bringing energy, practical business insight, and a hands-on approach to help the Chamber achieve its goals while ensuring Elizabeth remains a thriving and welcoming community for families and businesses alike.

Board member

Erica Hulm

Owner of Dancing Jaguar Coffee

Professional Background / Expertise

Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Community Development & Engagement

Connection to the Community / Chamber

Erika Duke Hulm is a fifth-generation coffee producer originally from Honduras, where her family has been dedicated to cultivating high-quality coffee for generations. During her time in Honduras, she was actively involved in the Tourism Chamber of Commerce for five years, supporting local businesses and community development.

In 2005, Erika moved to Vail, Colorado, where she worked in the coffee industry. In 2019, she and her husband, Joe Hulm, relocated to the Elizabeth area and founded Dancing Jaguar Coffee, a family-owned business rooted in tradition, quality, and community. Erika brings a unique farm-to-cup experience, sourcing coffee directly from her family’s farm in Honduras and roasting locally in Colorado. She is proud to serve and support the Elbert County community and is actively involved as a member and volunteer with the local Lions Club. Erika is passionate about small business growth, community connection, and sharing the story behind every cup of coffee.

ELBERT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Where Community Connects & Business Thrives

The Elbert County Chamber of Commerce was created with one clear mission: to support and strengthen our local business community. We believe that when small businesses thrive, our entire community prospers. Our goal is to be more than just a network — we are a partner, an advocate, and a resource hub for entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations across the county and surrounding communities.

We provide members with access to tools, education, and opportunities that help them grow and succeed. From networking events and professional development workshops to community partnerships and promotional support, we are committed to making sure businesses have what they need to not just survive, but to flourish.

TESTIMONIALS

Elbert Locals

"Strong sense of community"

"The Elbert County Chamber, guided by Marjorie, Don, Megan, Steve, and Jennifer, is building a strong foundation for the future—where every business has the opportunity to thrive. Together, their vision and leadership ensure that our business community will remain strong for generations to come"

Raymond Yruegas

The Means Agency