Chamber of commerce president resigns

Olds & District Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Dodwell has resigned, after being in the post for about a year.

In an email to chamber board officials, Dodwell, who has been the manager of the Pomeroy Inn & Suites in Olds for three-and-a-half years, said he was resigning because he has been promoted to hotel manager at the Lodge by Delta at Kananaskis.

He said because that promotion is "almost as of immediate effect," he had to resign immediately.

Dodwell succeeded Doug Rieberger.

Dodwell officially leaves the Pomeroy Feb. 13 after guiding his successor, Doug Parcells, for a few days.

"I am fully aware of the possible disruption that this will cause, not helped by the short notice, but sometimes one is not totally in charge of one's own destiny it seems," Dodwell wrote.

"I am even more upset as I think we are on the brink of some major advances, new relationships, an enhanced role in the community to name a few and a new future for the chamber, not the least inspired by our new ED, Robbin (Corsiatto)," he added.

Dodwell said for the time being, his home will remain in Olds and he will commute to his new job.

"Thank you for all you have done to support me and the business; I only hope that I have been of service to you all," he concluded.

Chamber executive director Robbin Corsiatto said the chamber's board will have to decide on how to fill Dodwell's vacancy in the wake of his departure.

She noted the organization's bylaws say if there's a vacancy on the board, board members "may appoint a member in good standing to fill that vacancy for the remainder of the term."

"The bylaws do not have a clause that speaks directly to what happens when the president resigns," Corsiatto told the Albertan. "My opinion is the vice-president (Ben Stone) -- if willing -- would step in to fill the void until the term is up, and a new president is elected at the AGM (annual general meeting)."

She noted that AGM takes place March 8.

Stone told the Albertan he'd be willing to serve as interim president if the board so chooses.

"Should the board decide that having myself fill the position is the appropriate course of action, I will be comfortable in doing so," he wrote in an email.

"There is an incredible amount of talent on the board, so in my opinion that makes the position quite desirable. Regardless of what we decide as a board, I will continue to serve the chamber and business community with enthusiasm and dedication."

Stone said Dodwell's announcement came as a "shock" to him.

"I am very happy for him, but I have to admit that I am disappointed to see him go," Stone wrote.

"He has been a tremendous resource for me, both as a chamber member and as a young professional. His leadership was exemplary, and I know that his absence will certainly be felt in the town of Olds.

"I was truly looking forward to having the exposure to someone with such an admirable approach to work and leadership," he added.

"While it was only for a short period of time, I am glad to have had the opportunity to work beside Stephen, and I sincerely wish him nothing but the best in his new endeavour."