Broemmeling resigns as chamber director

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The West Plains Chamber of Commerce has a new interim leader today.

Deanna Williams took over the business organization this morning, Wednesday, Oct. 21, after former Executive Director Toby Broemmeling stepped down and the chamber's governing board accepted his resignation.

Neither Williams nor Broemmeling could not be reached for comment by press time.

Chamber board Chairman Erik Puthoff announced Broemmeling's departure in an email to members Tuesday, Oct. 20.

"The board has reluctantly accepted Toby's resignation," Puthoff wrote. "He will be leaving after tomorrow mornings' virtual membership event."

That meeting was scheduled for this morning.

Broemmeling was hired for the leadership post in January 2018.

"Since then, Toby has worked diligently to represent our membership and provide a much needed voice as our region continues to grow and develop," Putnoff wrote. "Due to his talents and efforts, Toby is leaving the chamber in a strong position..."

The board is currently evaluating the organization's needs and has yet to start the search for a permanent director.

In the meantime, Williams will oversee day-to-day chamber operations and manage the "spread kindness, not COVID" marketing underway in concert with Free Press Publishing.

"We are confident that Toby and Deanna will make this transition smooth for our members, partners and supporters," Puthoff wrote. 

The West Plains Chamber of Commerce represents business partners in the cities of Airway Heights, Cheney and Medical Lake, as well as the surrounding rural area.

Roger Harnack can be reached at [email protected].