The Greater Newcastle Chamber of Commerce announced that it has hired Imelda Dulcich as its new part-time executive director, in a statement released today.

The executive director is responsible for implementing the policies of the chamber’s board of directors and administering the approved budget.

Dulcich is also expected to provide more opportunities for Newcastle businesses to market their companies with the addition of a blog to the existing website and a greater presence on the chamber’s social media platforms.

The new executive director will effectively become the face and spokeswoman of the chamber, said Peter Zevenbergen, president of the chamber, in the statement.

“Imelda Dulcich’s background in public relations, social media and networking made her the best candidate for the job,” Zevenbergen said.

Dulcich is a Newcastle resident and the owner of Imelda Dulcich PR and Social Media, LLC.

The hire is a result of the chamber’s effort to increase its presence in the Newcastle business community.

A 2011 survey put out by the chamber asked its members whether it would like to see more networking events, and if so, would they be willing to pay higher dues to foot the bill.

“We got an overwhelming response saying that they wanted more opportunities,” said Angela Wingate, the chamber’s former president, in November

The executive director will allow the chamber to enhance its member services and provide more networking opportunities, Wingate added.

While the executive director will help the chamber provide more services, the cost of the improvement will be seen in an increase in membership dues.

The chamber has adopted a tiered membership system. For example, small businesses will be asked to pay $185 a year. It’s a steep jump from the 2012 price of $50 a year, but Wingate said she hopes the increased networking opportunities will more than make up for the cost.

Learn more about the changes to the Greater Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and what that means for membership dues at www.newcastlecc.com.

Nominations for the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Diamond Awards ceremony are due by Oct. 21.

The event will be Nov. 10 at The Golf Club at Newcastle.

A recipient of a Diamond Award is chosen based on their contribution to the community of Newcastle.

The four award categories include business, youth, community service and education.

A business award winner is an owner or manager of a Newcastle business who donates time, energy or resources for community causes.

A youth winner is someone 18 or younger who demonstrates uncommon initiative and compassion while setting an example for his or her peers.

A community service award winner is an individual whose commitment and contribution to the community motivates others.

An education winner is an individual whose personal interest affects education and development of Newcastle students.

Nominate those in the community who make a difference by going to the chamber website at www.newcastlec.com and clicking the download a nomination form link.