Welcome!

I am James Smith, the executive director of the Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. I accepted this position in January 2025, and I am excited to be a part of such a great organization.

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I was born and raised here in Cynthiana. I graduated from Harrison County High School in 1987. I attended the University of Kentucky from which I earned a BA in Political Science and the University of South Carolina from which I earned a MA in Teaching. I've owned and ran a small business in Cynthiana for almost 20 years, served 10 years as Mayor of Cynthiana, and have been doing training and consultant for almost 30 years.

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​My goal as director is to encourage business and prosperity here in our community and bring back ownership to our community members, where #shoplocal takes on a whole new meaning. Our chamber and our community only succeeds and grows when our businesses who are our members are successful. One of my guiding philosophies in life is summed up by a Zig Ziglar quote, "To get everything you want in life help enough other people get what they want." I want our members to always know my door is open and I will help them grow their business any way I can.

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I look forward to forming great relationships with all you, current and future members of our Chamber. Thank you for your continued support of our program. Please stop in our Chamber and Visitor’s Center to say hello. Here’s  to a great year!

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James Smith