The West Bend News enjoyed working with Erika, promoting community events, while at the Paulding Chamber.
Paulding Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erika Willitzer has decided to step down as director of the Paulding Chamber. However, she will stay on until after the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival and her last official day will be Thursday, Sept. 25th.
Willitzer is leaving on good terms with the board and plans to seek new business opportunities and spend more time with her family. As director for three years, Willitzer has had an undeniable passion for Paulding County and under the Chamber Board’s direction, a great deal has been accomplished. Some of the highlights of the past three years have been as follows: membership has nearly tripled, over 30 ribbon cuttings for new or expanding businesses were held, the Chamber successfully took over the administration of the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival, John Paulding Days in 2014 attendance doubled with nearly 4,000 people in attendance, and one of the biggest accomplishments was the planning and building of the Herb Monroe Community Park in Downtown Paulding.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve Paulding County. I’ve made so many friends in the past few years and I’ll never forget my experience as the Paulding Chamber Executive Director. I think if I were to leave everyone with one statement it would be as follows: You have a voice, but when you use that voice…you must follow it up with action. When you serve the community…serve with all of your heart and allow God to be your guiding light because when you do…you will see the most beautiful things occur. I saw a community beaten down find new life again when the idea of naming a park after Herb Monroe came to reality. It was truly amazing seeing the community come together to fundraise for a new park that would honor one of Paulding’s pioneers. That’s what happens when you put action behind voices and I’m so excited I was able to be part of something that was so much bigger than myself. Thank you Paulding,” said Willitzer.
Chamber President Marsha Yeutter says the goal of the board now is to hire someone quickly, so that Willitzer can help train the new director and keep the current momentum going for the community. The Paulding Chamber Board is strong and consists of the following board of directors, Brenda Wieland (Paulding Co. Hospital), Dianne Jones (State Bank), Harvey Hyman (Hyman & Hyman Attorneys At Law), Cassie Jo Arend (Cooper Farms), Anne Reinhart (Returned To You, Ltd), Reta Ptak (RiP It Fit Club Fitness), Kim Tracy (Salvation Army of Paulding County), Mayor Greg White (Village of Paulding, and Jim Brown (Paulding Putnam Electric Coop).
Chamber President, Marsha Yeutter says that the Chamber Board will miss Erika’s drive and passion for Paulding County. “Erika has served the board and the community with respect, dedication and leadership. We know her family time has been juggled since taking the director position. It was with much regret that we accepted her resignation but we wish her success and fulfillment with her future endeavors,” stated Yeutter.
In the coming days, a recruitment committee will be formed and the search will be on for the next Paulding Chamber Executive Director.
