Belleville Chamber director John Lengerman to retire

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Lengerman has announced he will retire from the position.

Lengerman didn’t offer a firm date for his departure. He said he will consult with chamber leadership to choose a time this summer that would offer the smoothest transition possible.

“After eight amazing years in this position, I have determined this is an excellent time in my life to pursue new adventures and indulge experiences uniquely explored in retirement,” Lengerman said Friday. “I feel confident that I will be leaving the chamber not only in a fiscally sound position, but also uniquely positioned to support community relationships and businesses, build partnerships regionally, push economic growth and create good will for the immediate present and the long term.”

Lengerman listed as the chamber’s proudest accomplishments while he held its top position:

▪  Building strong working relationships with the City of Belleville, St. Clair County and regional leaders

▪  Reestablishing an Economic Development Committee

▪  Rebranding the Chili Cook-off into a true family event

▪  Enhancing the Leadership Belleville Program

▪  Establishing the Leadership Belleville Alumni Award and the Citizen of the Year Award

▪  Redesigning the chamber website and uniting the Belleville Main Street Committee with the chamber.

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Belleville Chamber director John Lengerman to retire."