By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—If you’re a member of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce or have been to a chamber event, chances are you’ve met Verona Petite. After more than seven years of dedicated service to the chamber, Petite retired from her position as executive assistant to the director on March 17.

Petite came to the Hoover Chamber in November 2008 after 12 years with the office of the Homewood mayor. She quickly found a kind a welcoming community among the Hoover businesses.

“My experience with the chamber has been nothing but good,” Petite said. “I have met wonderful people in the community. Great businesses (and) great people, they’ve all been so supportive…I found out that even though it’s bigger, (Hoover) still feels like a small town.”

In her seven years with the Hoover Chamber, Petite has done everything from planning galas to coordinating job fairs to recruiting members. In fact, Chamber Executive Director Bill Powell estimated Petite has recruited more than 800 members to the chamber.

Although demanding, Petite’s job never took her away from the chamber members. Members described her as kind and always willing to help, even when juggling a busy schedule.

“Positive is the word that comes to mind, she’s always willing to help,” Moore Coal Co., Inc. Marketing and Public Relations Manager and chamber member Trisston Burrows said. “She’s been such a positive influence.”

Petite reaches out to new members and helps businesses connect and work together.

“She’s been a lifeline for me…helping me grow the (Bessemer) Airport as far as contacts,” Bessemer Airport Authority Board Chairman Nikki Jordan said. “She’s phenomenal, she’s made so many people respect her and love her.”

Petite has been a friendly face and important part of the Hoover Chamber for the past seven years, but she gives credit for the chamber’s success to its members.

“The members are what make this chamber,” Petite said. “This is the strongest chamber in the state.”

She might be stepping away from the daily workings of the chamber, but Petite said she is definitely not going away. In addition to renovating her home and spending time with her family, Petite plans to continue attending Hoover Chamber luncheons.

“I’ll actually get to put my card in the (door prize) fishbowl!” Petite said.