Michele Moore is the current Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Board President. Her story is a tale woven with hometown roots and a love for Marshall County.
In 2018, Moore embarked on an exciting new journey when she purchased the former Geckos Grill from Leo Chavez. With a fresh vision and unwavering passion, she reimagined the space, creating Geckos at Lake Texoma, officially known as Geckos Mexican Grill & Cantina.
What started as a bold endeavor has grown into a beloved local staple, a reflection of Moore’s resilience, creativity and deep love for her community. Although the restaurant business has presented its fair share of challenges, Moore described it as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, Moore is deeply embedded in the fabric of Marshall County. In 2019, she joined the board of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce and quickly rose to become its President. Under her leadership, the Chamber has sharpened its focus on empowering local businesses, especially the small enterprises that form the backbone of the county’s economy.
Moore’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She also serves on the Kingston Placemaking Committee, where she works alongside other passionate residents to enhance the community's aesthetic appeal and economic vitality. Her dedication is fueled by a genuine passion for all of Marshall County, with a particularly special place in her heart for Kingston.
When Moore isn’t working on growing the local economy or running her restaurant, she said she cherishes spending time with her family. She and her husband, Lance Moore, moved to Kingston in January 2013, bringing with them a spirit of community involvement and love for small-town life.
Together, they have four children, two daughters-in-law and three wonderful grandchildren. In her free time, Moore enjoys playing pickleball, running and has recently discovered a new passion - learning how to sail, an adventure she has embraced with enthusiasm.
As Chamber President, Moore said her priorities are aimed at strengthening the local economy and enriching the lives of its residents. The Chamber is dedicated to providing small businesses with essential resources such as funding opportunities, training programs and mentorship.
Moore said she firmly believes that by equipping entrepreneurs with the right tools, the community can ensure long-term success and sustainability. Through frequent networking events, the Chamber fosters collaboration among local business owners, encouraging knowledge- sharing, partnership building and mutual support that benefit the entire region.
The Chamber actively advocates for policies at the local, state and national levels that support small businesses. Moore ensures that the voices of local business owners are heard in critical decision-making processes, helping shape a favorable business environment.
Through initiatives like website promotions, social media campaigns and community events, the Chamber works tirelessly to elevate the visibility of local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. Moore emphasized that collaboration with city and county officials is essential for driving economic development.
The Chamber partners closely with government leaders to align goals and initiatives, such as infrastructure projects and community revitalization programs. They also act as a vital link between businesses and policymakers, keeping members informed about new opportunities and regulations.
Additionally, they work on comprehensive economic planning efforts that focus on sustainable growth and attracting new businesses, helping to secure a vibrant future for Marshall County. Moore said she and the Chamber believe that community engagement is key to achieving collective success. They offer several ways for residents and business owners to get involved.
Members gain access to exclusive resources, events and training opportunities. Volunteers can join groups focused on tourism, economic development or community service.
Residents can volunteer at Chamber events that support and celebrate local businesses. Community members are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives to help shape Chamber initiatives.