> Meet the New Voice of Innovation at the Southaven Chamber of Commerce
Kim Cook is a talent development professional with over 30 years of experience across manufacturing, the military, and retail. After serving as a senior airman and communications specialist in the Air Force, Kim spent years refining efficiencies at General Mills and Office Depot before bringing her “outsider’s perspective” to our local business community. Now, as the Learning Systems and Innovation Manager, she is bridging the gap between big-business strategy and small-business execution.
Beyond the spreadsheets and automation funnels, Kim is a lifelong creative who recharges by painting jewelry and “fluorescent farm animals.” In this episode, we dive into Kim’s vision for 2026, including the launch of a three-year business program designed to help local entrepreneurs start smart, grow fast, and scale for the long term.
Kim is launching “Chamber University” this April with courses on everything from market research to workplace culture. What is the #1 skill your business needs to master this year? Drop a comment below and let’s get you the resources you need!
Chapters
00:00 – Introducing the Chamber’s Newest Innovation Expert
01:56 – 30 Years of Talent: From the Air Force to General Mills
03:15 – The Tech Foundation: Communications in the Military
05:50 – Building the Future: What is a Learning Systems Manager?
07:30 – Boosting Chamber Efficiency with Automation
10:24 – Launching Chamber University: A 3-Year Growth Roadmap
12:35 – Year One Focus: Foundations for New Businesses
15:11 – The Power of Community Connectors
18:14 – An Outsider’s Perspective on Southaven’s Potential
21:10 – Why Southaven? Seven Years in the “Giant Community”
25:11 – The Creative Recharge: Painting and “Trash Pandas”
27:17 – How Kim Cook is Here to Help Your Business
