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North Bay Chamber seeking president

Without Patti’s knowledge and continuity, we would never have come this far
carr, patti 2 turl 2016
Patti Car. Photo by Jeff Turl.

In a surprise move, the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce announced it is searching for a new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Patti Carr has been with the Chamber for 17 years as its Executive Director, but turned down an offer to lead the business lobby group.

“I have been very pleased with all the changes and even though I was offered the new position of President and CEO, I felt my strengths would be better served in the Policy and Communications position; something I truly enjoy and I have the skills to achieve better results in this position," stated Carr in a news release this morning.

"I would now have the time to do the advocacy piece to 100%.  I truly believe the Chamber and its members would be better served into the future with new blood and new vision and I’m truly looking forward to even more changes to benefit the membership as a whole. I have always looked out for the best interests of the Chamber and the membership, and this change I am confident is a step forward for the organization and of benefit to the business community.”

Over the past two years, numerous changes have occurred at the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. 

Since relocating to its new location in downtown North Bay has reduced the number of board members from 25 to 13 and restructured its governance model.

Board Chair Brad Gavan noted “the next steps in solidifying the focus of the Chamber is to seek a new President and CEO for the organization as well as implementing a new Strategic Plan for the next five years.”

Gavan “congratulated the board in its new direction and applauded the long-term efforts by Ms. Patti Carr who has headed the Chamber for over 17 years as Executive Director and having been employed with the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce for 29 years. Without Patti’s knowledge and continuity, we would never have come this far and we have been very fortunate in her assistance to move the Chamber in this direction to a new governance model. The board recognized that a staff shift under this new model was also required, as Patti has been doing much of the role as the head of the Chamber along with the advocacy piece.”

Carr has chosen the new position of VP of Policy and Communications.

The Chamber will be posting the employment opportunity on Wednesday. Vice Chair, Charles Elliott of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce has been the lead for this new position and will coordinate a selection committee for the interviews.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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