Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce President Dave Kerr said Tuesday he intends to step down from his role around the end of the year in accordance with the plan developed five years ago when he agreed to take the position. Kerr indicated he will remain involved with the community’s economic development efforts to the extent the new president desires.

Chamber Board Chairman Rick Mitchell stated that he is forming a search committee for the purpose of locating and hiring a new president. “We believe this position will be very attractive for persons with proven skills in economic development and with the potential to run a vibrant and growing Chamber of Commerce,” said Mitchell. “This community has a very positive reputation as an aggressive partner for new and expanding businesses. We have a pipeline of projects and plans which will keep a new president busy from the first day.”

During his tenure, the Chamber has been credited with helping to facilitate an impressive list of job and wealth creating projects. Those include the Siemens Wind Nacelle facility, the consolidation and growth of Collins Bus Corporation, the expansion of Kroger Accounting Services, Daymon Worldwide, Draka Cableteq, the location of Prairieland Partners Headquarters and several others. The Chamber has also led successful efforts to win highway improvement projects for Reno County.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of helping our community figure out strategies to encourage growth of infrastructure and jobs. It is a fine community with great internal cooperation. We have projects in the works which, if they reach fruition, will further enhance the opportunities and quality of life in the area. It’s an exciting time and a good time for me to step aside. I’ll assist where I can in the future to maintain continuity and momentum.”

“We would like to have a new president on board no later than the end of November”, said Rick Mitchell. It would be nice to have a little overlap before Dave leaves.”

Kerr, a former president of the Kansas Senate, became Chamber President in January of 2007.