Creativity the passion of new chamber chairwoman

Ronni Hannaman's business aspirations encompass personal and regional goals.

As the new chairwoman of the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce, she supports the city's commitment to reconstruct the historic Virginia & Truckee Railway, a tourist rail line that will run between Virginia City and Carson City when completed near 2009.

The 61-year-old businesswoman also wants to help the community tackle the growing problem of methamphetamine use. She sits on the meth task force board, formed jointly by the Carson City Sheriff's Office and city government.

But personally, Hannaman wants to expand her videography business, Best Foot Forward.

"I love videography, editing video, travel and photography," she said recently inside the offices of the chamber of commerce. Hannaman was appointed to her position in June.

She has recorded many local events and musical talents, including the Comstock Cowboys and the Carson City Symphony. Hannaman enjoys videography so much that she said it's equally business and hobby.

This love started while she was in front of the camera as co-host of the public TV show "Variety Artists Tonight."

"I just felt I liked being behind the camera more than in front. I could do as good as a job as the guys behind it."

Hannaman recently purchased a motor home with her husband of 25 years, John Hoy, and they are touring the Northwest together.

"I used to be in the tourism industry, and I traveled all over the world. Now I'm traveling the U.S.A. with all four wheels on the ground."

Before moving to Carson City about seven years ago, Hannaman was president of the Pennsylvania Travel Council in Harrisburg for 10 years. Afterward, she was director of visitor marketing for the San Diego Convention & Visitors' Bureau. Hannaman also owned her own travel agency in San Diego from 1992 to 1998.

The couple moved to Carson City because of its lower cost of living.

Before opening Best Foot Forward, Hannaman owned a fashion boutique in Telegraph Square. The business only lasted about two years in that tough market. But while there, Hannaman became interested in graphic design, which is one component of her current business.

Hannaman is also the associate editor for Sierra Sage, a conservative monthly newspaper. She has one daughter and two grandsons.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.