Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Kim Cook
VIDEO
DESCRIPTION
What happens when a US Air Force veteran and retail leader takes over innovation for a city’s Chamber of Commerce? Meet Kim Cook, the force behind the new “Chamber University” coming to Southaven.
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.
CHAPTERS
- Introducing the Chamber’s Newest Innovation Expert (00:00 – 01:56)
- 30 Years of Talent: From the Air Force to General Mills (01:56 – 03:15)
- The Tech Foundation: Communications in the Military (03:15 – 05:50)
- Building the Future: What is a Learning Systems Manager? (05:50 – 07:30)
- Boosting Chamber Efficiency with Automation (07:30 – 10:24)
- Launching Chamber University: A 3-Year Growth Roadmap (10:24 – 12:35)
- Year One Focus: Foundations for New Businesses (12:35 – 15:11)
- The Power of Community Connectors (15:11 – 18:14)
- An Outsider’s Perspective on Southaven’s Potential (18:14 – 21:10)
- Why Southaven? Seven Years in the “Giant Community” (21:10 – 25:11)
- The Creative Recharge: Painting and “Trash Pandas” (25:11 – 27:17)
- How Kim Cook is Here to Help Your Business (27:17 – 27:28)
SPONSORS:
This episode is sponsored by:
Wisdom Integrators
Your strategic technology partner for workflow automation and digital transformation. Visit: WisdomIntegrators.com to schedule your consultation today
Pure Focus Media
The creative powerhouse making high-quality video and content creation accessible for local businesses. Visit: PureFocus.media to schedule your strategy call.
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!
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Southaven Business Beat as we highlight the leaders making an impact in our community.
Website: https://southavenchamber.com Email: [email protected]
YOUTUBE URL
