Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

A new yet, to many, familiar face has been added to the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce team.

Anna Singleton, who most recently worked at the Tullahoma Job Center with the Department of Labor, will be serving as the Chamber’s new Director of Membership Engagement.

“It’s nice because I do know so many people already in the community,” she said. “There’s a lot of new faces of course, but I already know so many people here that it feels like I’m just- almost like I’m coming home, so it’s the coolest thing.”

Though originally from Pittsburgh, Singleton has spent most of her life in Manchester. She currently has a daughter at home and another on the way and says that her love for the Manchester community was a big selling point to the job.

“I’ve always just kind of been around the Chamber with the Department of Labor, and from the moment I was at the first meeting, and I met Katie (Riddle) I was like ‘Oh, this is like my dream job,’” she recalled. “Just being able to be in the community and work with businesses… that’s definitely the best part about it.”

Singleton noted that she enjoys Manchester’s ability to maintain its small-town charm with places like Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park, where she enjoys hiking, while still growing and adding interesting places like Common John Brewing Co.

“It has that small-town feel, but I don’t feel like we are missing out on anything that you would be in other small towns,” she explained. “I feel like we have everything that I could ever want, so I think that’s the best part and the people. The people are so good. The relationships I’ve made in this community are just amazing.”

As far as what she’s most looking forward to, Singleton says she’s very much anticipating getting involved in the Chamber events and learning more about Manchester.

“I’m so excited for Lemonade Day. I think that’s going to be the most fun, and I love working with kids, too,” she said. “I’m just really excited to serve this community and serve the businesses and be a part of it even further.”

Joining Singleton in her excitement, Chamber Executive Director Katy Riddle says she’s “ecstatic” about Singleton joining the team.

“I’m so excited,” said Riddle. “She’s the perfect complement to our Chamber. I’m the big picture, and she’s the detail guy.”