Following the announcement of the departure of Al Case as executive director of the
Sault Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, the organization's board of directors went on a hunt for the right applicant to fill the position.
After extensive interviews and multiple candidates, the chamber recently announced it has choses the highly-qualified James Parr to fill the role, which he began just last week.
"Many qualified candidates were interviewed for the executive director position and the hiring committee chose to offer James Parr the opportunity to lead the chamber," says Bill Goldenbogen, president of the chamber board. "We look forward to his leadership and work in developing and adding value to membership services."
Parr brings experience in small business ownership, as well as management and sales, and has already had previous relationships with businesses in the area. He worked with Sault Ste. Marie-based Antler's Restaurant on marketing strategies, trends and brand advancement.
He's also familiar with the area, having played college hockey for the Lake Superior State University Lakers.
Parr earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Grand Valley State University and is a graduate of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Leadership and Leadership Little Traverse programs.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce
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