Dryden Chamber losing manager

News — 25 August 2010

The Dryden District Chamber of Commerce will be losing a valuable asset this week. Don Ames, Chamber Manager has tendered his resignation as of Monday, August 23.

Ames has been looking at different opportunities available for the past couple weeks, and has had some interesting responses.

“There were some opportunities that I gave a shot, and they came up extremely quick,” says Ames. “I actually didn’t expect it to go as fast as it did but I was extremely pleased.”

Ames plans on staying in the area, but is not giving too much information on his definite plans for the future as of yet.

The Chamber has started the ball rolling to replace Ames, but will have a temporary staff member in place to run the Chamber in the intern.

“I really enjoyed the work that the Chamber has done, and I think it was a tough job, right from the get go,” reflects Ames. “I think there were some places that we definitely needed to improve, but we eventually got there.”

Ames says the support of the Board of Directors during the change over when he was employed was very helpful to him in the position. Although sad to leave, Ames has to put his own future in perspective as well.

“I’m disappointed to be leaving, but I’ve also got to look at these other options and think more down the road,” says Ames.

Ames feels the Chamber is definitely on the right path with the Board going in the right direction. The newly acquired Board members have grasped the reins on many projects, and ran with them enthusiastically.

With the advancements with the Chamber and Board, Ames feels his successor will be much better equipped to do the job, and will have an easier time getting on track.

The interaction with the businesses is the former Managers top pick for favorite part of the job. He felt that being on the front lines with the local businesses was very gratifying, and hopes to continue the communication in his future plans.

Ames is not disappearing from the Chamber completely though, as he will be staying on the board of Walleye Masters, to help make the transition easier for the new manager, and help in any way he can.

By Ally Dunham

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