Name: Alison van Dam Title: Director of Communications Company: Metro South Chamber of Commerce Location: 60 School St., Brockton, Mass. Birthplace and year: Brockton, Mass. - 1983 College: University of Mass. - Amherst, BFA in Art with a concentration in computer animation and graphic design, and a music degree in clarinet and piano performance First job: Freelance designer out of my basement First job in current field: Current position; incorporating art and web training with strong communication and writing skills to further enhance business development What do you do now and what are you planning for the future: Currently, I promote member businessesº and the City of Brockton through advertisements and sponsorships in both online and printed newsletters and publications, and the Chamber website. I hope to further the scope of communications in the Chamber world by serving as an example of how technology can be incorporated, propelling the organization into the future and bridging generational gaps. Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, art, clarinet and piano, poker, competitive games Favorite books: "Catch-22", "The Stranger", "The Rule of Four" Favorite movies: "Memento", "Shine", "Vanilla Sky", "American History X" Person you admire (outside of family): Einstein, Edison, Descartes, Beethovan Keys to success: Be creative. There is no one answer to any question and there are always ways to handle any situation. If you had to choose another profession, what would it be? Classical musican, food artist, analytical writer, or software engineer