Tate resigns as Demopolis Chamber director

Jenn Tate has officially resigned as the director of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. Tate will continue working in the position until approximately Friday, Oct. 18.

“I am resigning from the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce,” Tate informed Chamber members Wednesday. “I have accepted a position with a company that will allow me to grow professionally and that will provide my family with some much needed benefits.”

Tate, who was hired in 2010, spent nearly four years at the helm of the city’s chief tourism and commercial arm, a span that saw her oversee numerous projects including Christmas on the River, Sax in the City and Freedom on the River.

“Thank you so much for letting me serve you and our area for almost four years,” Tate told Chamber members. “I have worked alongside some terrific colleagues. I think we as a team made some great improvements to our program of work and the business climate of our area. I will never forget my time at the Chamber or the relationships and friendships that were built and that will remain.”

The news comes at a time when the city is preparing for Christmas on the River, something Chamber board chair Buffy Etheridge noted will affect the way the board approaches handling the vacancy.

“I’m very sad to be losing Jenn, but I am proud for her to be gaining another opportunity to better herself financially and gaining some benefits,” Etheridg said.

“We’re probably going to try to get somebody in temporarily just as soon as we can just to keep everything on track for Christmas on the River.”

There currently is no timetable to hire a replacement for Tate, but board is expected to begin collecting information on candidates in short order.

“We’re going to look at posting her vacancy and I’ve asked Jenn to get with Brenda Tuck to see if she knows of anybody and, as soon as we get some names, we’re going to be looking at doing some interviews,” Etheridge said.

“I am certain the Board will choose a terrific replacement, and I certainly wish them the best,” Tate, who began with the Chamber in February of 2010, said. “Welcome that person as you did me, and continue to help improve our great city.”

As she readies to close out her time with the Chamber, Tate noted that she will remember her time in the office fondly.

“So many people have welcomed me and helped me along the way. I wish there was a way to thank each and every business in this city that was a Chamber member, that has ever helped me and understood that this is a tough position. It is a two-man office and you do everything you can do and you hope you do the best you can do,” Tate said. “I think we came a long way in four years. I think as a team this Chamber has really pulled together when we needed to to pull some events off and to, hopefully, recruit some new businesses.”