Chamber names interim director

The search for a full-time director for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce continues while an interim leaders is handling the day-to-day duties.

Last week, Andy Kingery was named interim director of the chamber. The retired banker also serves as the group's Membership Chairman.

"They are trying to get an identity for the chamber out here and we have a membership campaign coming up and you just don't need to have a vacant seat in there."

Chamber Chairman Mark Wills said Kingery is a good fit for the interim slot.

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"We've got so much going on in the chamber. We don't want to rush into anybody," he said. "... We need someone in the daily leadership position right now until we can find someone to do that job."

In September, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce filed an incorporation notice - making the move to become a little more autonomous. Late last year, chamber leaders began looking for a full-time director. Now, that search continues.

But don't look for one of their candidates to be Kingery: He said he's not looking to remove "interim" from his title.

"If it lasts for two weeks or two months it is no problem," he said."They don't have to worry about a severance package or hard feelings because I know I am just an interim guy."