HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, announced to the Chamber Board and Staff Friday morning that he submitted his resignation to accept another leadership position in the chamber industry.

Ball’s departure comes after four years of service to the Chamber.

He’s been named the new President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Jason’s tenure at The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has led to levels of achievement and success that will be realized in Reno County for years to come. Even as we recognize his exceptional leadership and wish only the best for Jason and his family, we look to a bright future for the organization due in large part to the strong foundation created by Jason and the rest of the incredible team in the Chamber office as well as our board of directors,” Rick Staab, 2016 Chamber Board Chair and CEO of Disability Supports of the Great Plains, said.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this organization and this community for the past four years,” Ball said. “The decision to leave was quite difficult. I love our members, our community and the Chamber team. It took an opportunity like the Chamber in Sioux Falls for me to even consider making a change.”

During his tenure the Chamber implemented several changes to membership, grew annual meetings into an event that brought recognizable speakers and record audiences, and financial stability to the organization.

In 2016 the Chamber completed a new, five-year strategic plan that will continue to be implemented in 2017. The Chamber was an out-front advocate for the redevelopment of the Hutchinson Sports Arena and worked to solidify commitments from the NJCAA for both the Men’s Basketball Championship and the Volleyball Championship. “I’m quite proud of the work our team has done over the past four years,” Ball said. “We’ve pushed forward every day to improve our program, our membership experience, and our impact on the economy.”

The Chamber Board of Directors will make it a priority to build on the momentum of the organization by bringing in new leadership soon. The process is expected to begin immediately. “The Chamber’s board leadership will work quickly to identify potential candidates for Jason’s successor,” Staab said.

Ball’s final day with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber will be Tuesday, Jan. 17. He will begin his duties with the Sioux Falls Chamber on Feb. 1, 2017.