Your Chamber Team
Candy Hente
Executive Director/CEO
573-756-3615
Candy Hente has been part of the Farmington community since 2007. Even before joining the Farmington Regional Chamber team, she was an active part of the Chamber community.
She has worked for, volunteered and networked with many of the local non-profit agencies, including the Public Relations Director for the Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center, worked with Young Faith in Christ, St. Francois County Mental Health Board, Hope 4 Autis,m and St. Francois County Community Partnership, and was a member of the St Francois County Rotary Club. In 2015, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Candy’s contributions with the KFMO/B104 Super Service Award.
Prior to becoming the Farmington Regional Chamber Executive Director, Candy was a Certified Work Incentive Counselor at LIFE Center for Independent Living, where she analyzed the impact of work income for individuals receiving disability benefits.
Candy was also a leader for 14 years on the regional and national level for Protestant Women of the Chapel, an Armed Forces chaplain-sponsored ministry to military wives. She is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center and King’s Way Missionary Institute. Candy and her husband, Stephen, live in Farmington and in her spare time enjoys hiking, reading, and attending art-related events.
Julie Estes
Membership Coordinator/Small Business Specialist
573-756-3615
Julie Estes, a devoted lifelong resident of St. Francois and Washington Counties, brings a wealth of community engagement and professional expertise to her role as the Membership Coordinator/Small Business Specialist at the Farmington Regional Chamber.
Julie holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Mineral Area College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration and Business Management from Central Methodist University. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through certificates in Digital Marketing, Project Management Risk, Cross-Channel Content for Digital Marketing, and Workplace Culture, earned from Oregon State University College of Business.
 With a diverse professional background, Julie spent 12 years in the Real Estate Title Industry and where she was recognized as an expert in title research. Prior to working in the title industry, she was employed at Mineral Area College in Student Services and Financial Aid. She utilized her multifaceted skill set to create media guides and other programs for the Athletic Department, showcasing her dynamic approach to tasks.
 Julie’s professional experience, education, and community involvement are tremendous assets in serving the business community. Her present role at the SBDC allows her to channel her rich experience into supporting and empowering local small businesses in St. Francois County, Washington, Iron, Madison, and Ste. Genevieve counties.
 Outside of her professional pursuits, Julie is an active member of Parkland Chapel and has coached girls’ volleyball for 12 years. Her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her husband, Gary, and their two children, Lily and Wyatt. As a family, they cherish exploring hiking trails and uncovering the historical richness of St. Francois and the surrounding counties.
Jessica Dixon
Event Coordinator
573-756-3615
Lindsay Levertt
Operations Assistant
573-756-3615
Lindsay Leverett serves as the Operations Assistant for the Farmington Regional Chamber, where she is dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering a thriving community. She enjoys working behind the scenes to ensure events, communications, and member services run smoothly while helping businesses connect, collaborate, and grow. Lindsay is passionate about building relationships and creating positive experiences that strengthen the Farmington community.
In 2024, Lindsay and her family relocated to Farmington from Texas after falling in love with the area's welcoming community and the natural beauty of Missouri. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of three beautiful children and enjoys spending quality time with her family. Outside of work, Lindsay can often be found exploring the outdoors, cooking, painting, and making memories with her family and their three beloved dogs. She is grateful to call Farmington home and is excited to serve and support the community that welcomed her so warmly.