Republic chamber names new director

Photo provided by Republic Area Chamber of Commerce

Tonya Hammons

The Republic Area Chamber of Commerce hired longtime Commerce Bank employee Tonya Hammons as its executive director.

Hammons brings 23 years of experience from Commerce Bank, where she most recently worked as vice president and branch manager, according to a news release. She succeeds Andrea Banwart, the chamber’s director since December 2016.

Board Chairman Dustin Royster said Banwart resigned to spend more time with family. He said she was not asked to resign. 

“We are grateful to Andrea for her leadership and commitment to the chamber during her tenure and wish her the best in her future pursuits,” Royster said in the release.

A Republic resident, Hammons starts in the new role today. She’s listed on the Republic chamber website as a board member and treasurer.

“I feel very fortunate to be inheriting an accomplished, well-run and proven organization,” Hammons said in the release. “It’s my hope and desire to build upon these successes and programs and can’t wait to get started.”

The Republic chamber ranked 11th this year on Springfield Business Journal’s list of the largest chambers of commerce. The organization reported 185 members and a $73,000 annual budget.