After three years in charge at the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce in Niles, the daily commute may have finally gotten to Tyanna Weller. In a special session of the Advisory Board of the Four Flags Area Chamber on Tuesday, the board unanimously voted to accept Weller's resignation as President & CEO, clearing the way for her to accept a job closer to her family and residence in St. Joseph. Weller's resignation takes effect in two weeks on October 28th. There was no immediate indication as to if she had already garnered a new job, or will seek one closer to home.
Weller took on the lead role at the Niles Chamber three years ago and was instrumental in creating the inaugural Four Flags Craft Brew & Wine Festival which has become an annual event. She also founded the Eye Opener Breakfast networking event, the Faith Based Niles Cares Initiative to liaison local churches in solving local issues, and the Manufacturer's Round Table. Other linchpins in her short career with Four Flags included creation of the Niles Young Leaders Group, the Health & Wellness Expos and an Elder Care Group.
Four Flags Board Chair Deb Johnson says, "It was with great regret that the board members accepted Tyanna's resignation. We all appreciated her service and the enthusiasm she brought to the job." Johnson adds, "She is responsible for many of the successful programs of the current Chamber, many of which will continue into the future. We wish her only the best."
The board of directors is now actively seeking an interim CEO and President until a proper recruitment effort can get underway.
Weller says, "It has been an honor to serve the community of Niles and the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has offered a truly rewarding and gratifying experience that is difficult to leave." Having maintained her home in St. Joseph after she had left her Executive Director's position at St. Joseph Today, she was commuting daily to Niles for her role there. She says, "I will cherish the friendships I have made with the many great people who serve the community of Niles and the Chamber. I'd like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce."
The Four Flags Chamber has undergone a major resurgence and is now 380 members strong. Board Chair Johnson says, "This is a transitional time at our Chamber, and we are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities a new President & CEO will being." She notes, however, "With our new board members, newly hired membership coordinator, a recently formed marketing committee, and planning beginning for membership enhancements and a new member recruitment drive, we look forward to making the Chamber of Commerce more viable and in-tune with the needs of local businesses and the local economy."
The Four Flags Chamber is located at 321 E. Main Street in downtown Niles and can be reached by phone at 269-683-3720 or online at www.NilesMI.com.
