Chamber, FEDA form joint task force to help in transition

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfield Economic Development Association have formed a joint transition task force as the two organizations plan to each have their own executive director.

The two organizations are committed to growing Fairfield by building and maintaining a healthy business environment together as strategic partners. The important partnership will provide synergetic energy that will allow a platform for future growth of Fairfield?s economic base and allow each organization to fulfill their mission to the community and their members.

?A joint transition task force has been formed to expeditiously move our strategic partnership forward,? said Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Ginny Hughes.

Named to the task force are: Chamber President-Elect Terry Baker, chamber board member Seth Miller, FEDA President Lori Schaefer-Weaton, FEDA board member Tim Kuiken and executive director Tracy Vance.

The task force recognizes that both organizations have a long history of working together for the betterment of Fairfield and their members with a strong program of works and strategic plans.

?Maintaining the key partnership between FEDA and the chamber is a priority of both organizations,? said Schaefer-Weaton. ?The joint task force is designed to make sure the transition is successful and positions both organizations for continued success for the benefit of their members and the entire community. The goal is to have dedicated leadership in place focused on continuing the positive momentum and successfully executing on our strategic plan.?

At the initial meeting of the task force May 17, it was concluded that Vance will assume FEDA responsibilities fulltime June 1. Furthermore, the chamber has formed a search committee to start the process to hire an executive director.

The joint task force will continue to meet on a weekly basis in order to ensure a fluid transition.