By HOLLY GASKILL
In a press release Tuesday, the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development announced the resignation of Economic Development Executive Director Chad Kline.
Kline’s resignation will be effective April 12. In an email to Chamber members, the Chamber Board of Directors stated the position would not be replaced at this time.
“We will work with the Wells County Commissioners, city of Bluffton and our member towns and governmental entities in an effort to have the economic development services historically provided by the Chamber instead be provided with the leadership of local government,” the email reads.
It continues, “In doing so, it will remain the Chamber’s primary role to be an effective advocate for its private sector members and, if beneficial to all parties, we are willing to explore the possibility of a new economic development organization for all of Wells County that represents the interests of both public and private sectors.”
Kline has held the position since 2015.
“It has truly been an honor to serve as the Economic Development Director for Wells County over the last 8 years,” Kline said in the release. “Through the collaboration of a number of entities and individuals, Wells County has seen significant positive investments and will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
The announcement follows several months of contract negotiations between local municipalities and the Chamber. Tensions boiled over into the commissioners’ March 4 meeting after the Chamber board issued an ultimatum to approve the contract. At the time, several elected officials also discussed the separation of Economic Development from the Chamber and adding a solely government-contracted economic development consultant.
The parties ultimately compromised that the Chamber would be paid through June while negotiations continued. Bluffton Common Council member Scott Mentzer was appointed to handle negotiations with the board, specifically related to key performance indicators, over the next several weeks.
Following the commissioner meeting Monday, Commissioner President Jeff Stringer stated these conversations were ongoing. During the meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Cheryl Morphew of Johnson County for economic development consulting. The Common Council approved the same agreement on March 5; both entities will pay for 10 hours monthly at $150 per hour.
Kline had also been present at Monday’s meeting with a proposal to contract a consulting firm, The Veridus Group of Indianapolis, to perform an economic development study and develop a master plan for economic development for Wells County. The study will cost $87,000, $50,000 of which will be covered by a grant through the Wells County Foundation.
The commissioners unanimously agreed to pay $18,000 of the remaining portion. The city of Bluffton and the towns of Ossian and Uniondale have also financially committed.
According to the release, Kline has assisted in drawing over $400 million in investment to Wells County and over 1,100 new jobs. He also helped secure funding for many other projects, including the Parlor City Plaza and Archbold Wilson Amphitheater in Ossian.
“The accomplishments Chad has completed over the last several years is much appreciated!” said Patty Randall, president the Chamber board.
“These achievements have assisted in making our community the great place it is. While we are sad to see him leave our organization, we wish him nothing but the best in his future venture.”
Kline plans to remain in the community and continue his role on the board for Norwell Community Schools.
The board further advised that the transition would not hinder their service to Chamber members. They wrote, “We remain dedicated to our core mission of being a visionary organization that inspires and impacts engagement, collaboration, and connection among our members for positive community growth,” they wrote.
holly@news-banner.com
