Scott Landry named Franklin County Chamber president

In April, Scott Landry counted the votes that resulted in keeping the Chamber going. At right is board member Shannon Smith.

FARMINGTON - The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has a new president today after its former president, Ivan Gould, III, stepped down due to health and business concerns.

Scott Landry of Wilton, was named to the post after serving as the Chamber's vice president this year, said the Chamber's interim director Marc Relford in a statement released today.

"Ivan has been an invaluable asset for the Chamber and plans to be involved with the board, but does not have the time to commit to being on the executive board," Relford said.

The Chamber had a rough start to the year when its executive director of 10 months resigned to take a job with United Way. In March, the majority of the Chamber's board of directors voted to dissolve the organization. Those who voted for the disbandment cited a dramatic decline in its dues-paying membership that was coupled with an increase in operational costs over the last year. Two years ago, there were a total of 265 members, but that number dwindled down to 178 members, with a loss of 64 members in the last year alone.

The Chamber board's majority vote to dissolve the chamber was overwhelmingly reversed when members voted, 54-15 to keep the Chamber going at a meeting held on April 4. By meeting's end, 20 members not currently on the board signed up to help reconstruct the Chamber and plan for its new future.

Landry, owner of Shiretown Insurance Co. in downtown Farmington, accepted the role of president and "will be moving us forward as we undergo some strategic and structural changes," Relford said.

Plans are in the works to finalize this month a strategic plan on a new direction for the Chamber that was created by members.

Today, Landry said he wants to move the Chamber forward and has plans that include continuing to find a new home for the Chamber's office and hosting a series of breakfast meeting candidate forums this fall.

The Chamber's board has been looking to find a new, less expensive option for use as a tourist center in an effort to cut costs. Currently, signs offering the office on Wilton Road for lease are posted.

Options for a new location once they find a sub-letter for the Wilton Road building, include an office at the Mt. Blue Shopping Center or in downtown Farmington at the Front Street Exchange office building.

Landry and Relford welcome new members and invite all members to join in the effort to revitalize the Chamber by stopping by the office at 248 Wilton Road by appointment or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday or by calling at 778-4215.