Pederson resigns as West Plains Chamber director

By RYAN LANCASTER

Staff Reporter

Matthew Pederson stepped down as executive director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce at the end of April after two and a half years in the position.

Pederson, who also sits on the Airway Heights City Council, said in an e-mail statement that he wished to “consider some opportunities that have been presented in order to meet the needs of my young family,” but declined to give specific plans. Pederson did say he will continue serving as a chamber volunteer and community advocate, as he did before stepping into the executive director role.

Chamber president Ed Neunherz said the board of directors has already fielded some informal interest in the vacancy and will actively solicit applicants soon. The executive director position oversees the chamber's day-to-day operations under the guidance of the board of directors.

Pederson said he has worked with some of the unnamed potential candidates, all of whom have “superb” qualifications. “I can not speak to where (the board is at) in the process but I do know that they have had some discussions with some great individuals who have a lot to offer the organization and the region.”

The chamber is currently relying on board members to fill the gap left by Pederson, but Neunherz said he expects a seamless conversion to a new executive director. “We are indebted to Matt for his extra effort during his final weeks in office to ensure we would be able to continue in full operation during this period of transition,” he said.

Neunherz also said the chamber will remain in temporary offices, located in the Bank of Whitman Building near Airway Heights, until sale of the organization's former headquarters in Cheney takes place. The chamber offices were moved to the “newer, more central location” in July of 2009 and Neunherz said the board is now waiting to hear back on one of two offers made on the Cheney building, located at 201 First St. which has been on the market for the past three months.

Ryan Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].