FREEPORT — Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tiffany King is headed to the troll capital of the world.
King is leaving her post to take the same position in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. She gave her notice last week, and chamber board members were briefed on the decision on Tuesday. Her last day is Feb. 9.
"Freeport is my hometown and I’ll always have a stake in the success of this community," King said. "I’m excited to see the future successes of the chamber and our members. I’m also looking forward to a new opportunity."
Mount Horeb is near Madison and is known for wooden trolls that are scattered throughout the village. It features several cultural festivals each year, according to the village website.
"Mount Horeb is on the cusp of major economic development and growth, and community leaders and economic organizations are working very closely to aid in the successful growth of the village," King said. "It's exciting to be a part of that and I really enjoyed meeting with their board of directors and village representatives."
Chamber board Chairman Mike Schiffman praised King's work over the last 11 years.
“During the past several years, Tiffany has done a remarkable job for our organization,” Schiffman said. “Tiffany has provided strategic leadership that elevated the value proposition we have been able to offer to our members.
"She created many new programs and value-added services, as well as worked with staff to maintain a high level of excellence. We wish her all the best in her new position, and we thank her for her years of service.”
A task force has been assembled to discuss the possibility of merging the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, Freeport Downtown Development Foundation and Northwest Illinois Development Alliance into one entity directed by a single president.
The uncertainty surrounding a possible merger will not prevent the chamber from searching for a new director right away, Schiffman said. He will meet with chamber staff on Wednesday to discuss future plans and said board members intend to hire an interim director who can take over by the time King leaves.
"We want to make sure the current chamber members are continuing to receive the services they’ve signed up for," Schiffman said.
The Chamber of Commerce joins a list of local organizations looking for new leaders. Small Business Collaborative director Brian Borger stepped down earlier this month, and the Freeport Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau board recently fired executive director Connie Sorn. NIDA Executive Director Dave Young will retire at the end of June.
Derrick Mason: 815-232-0133; derrick.mason@journalstandard.com; @derrickhmason