Interim may be chosen within month

 

SOUTH POINT — A search is on to find a new director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce following the retirement of Bob Smith in early December.

“Three or four people have expressed interest,” Dr. Bill Dingus, executive director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corp., said, about the part-time position.

Smith retired after four years as the chamber director. During his tenure he was responsible for expanding the organization’s membership, introducing social events like the Business After Hours receptions and Spotlight dinners, as well as growing the Young Professionals organization.

Since the job is part-time, the chamber is expected to choose a retired executive.

“Someone who really wants to do something nice in the community,” Dingus said. “Who wants to give back since the position is minimal pay. People who have had a very successful career and have retired.”

Before choosing a permanent replacement, the chamber and LEDC plan to put someone in as an interim director.

“Our hope is to get an interim in the next month,” Dingus said.

Interim and permanent directors will be chosen by a committee made up of Dingus, Ted Edwards, chamber president, and Dan Mooney, president of the LEDC.

“We will be working with consultation with both boards,” Dingus said.

Officials want to have a permanent director chosen within the next six months.