Long-time Hollister Chamber employee Alice Yeager retires

The February 27 Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was a day filled with “Best Wishes,” as the group bid “Happy Retirement” to long-time Chamber Administrative Assistant Alice Yeager.  

John Haley with Yeager (Photo via Hollister Chamber Facebook)

“This is the best community there is, bar none,” said Yeager, who was greeted with a standing ovation and rousing applause as she walked to the podium for special recognition by Hollister Mayor Jeff Long. At a reception held later that same afternoon, business and community leaders shared special memories, many saying Yeager’s encouragement was instrumental in their own business or professional development; others emphasized her role in helping the Chamber develop into a successful source of community networking and support. 

The Yeagers moved to the Forsyth area in 2013, and Alice worked at Shoji Tabuchi Theatre and CoxHealth before accepting the Chamber position. “It sounded interesting,” she said, “and the rest is history! I have met so many wonderful people and formed friendships I would never have otherwise.” 

Yeager said she intends to remain active in the Chamber as a member and volunteer, along with continuing to work in the children’s ministry at Forsyth First Baptist Church and enjoying her hobbies of gardening, basket weaving and crocheting. “I do not believe in letting myself get bored,” she said. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her sister in West Virginia. 

The February luncheon also featured the last State of the City report by Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss, whose retirement was announced last December and is effective April 1. In thanking other city officials and the Chamber for their support, Ziegenfuss assured luncheon attendees that the city is in good shape, and he expects that to continue as other city employees and officials shift into new positions. Congratulating Yeager, he commented briefly on his own plans for retirement by simply stating, “Fish are no longer safe in the area lakes.” 

We at the Globe have enjoyed and benefited from our relationships with both of these dedicated people, and wish them the best in their new season!