Gillis appreciates opportunity to serve community

By LEWIS DELAVAN / News editor

MARK GILLIS Resigns from post He saw progress in the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce during his 12- year tenure, former executive director Mark Gillis said.

"The chamber has come so far in the last couple of years," he said. "Membership is at an all time high and the Chamber is offering more programming to the business community than ever."

Gillis resigned during an executive board meeting. He pledged to be available to the chamber for advice during the transition to a new director.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my chamber career and would like to thank the business community for [its] support of the Chamber, and at the same time challenge every business owner in Benton to commit one extra hour per month to help the Chamber grow," he said.

"Although the staff works very hard, the Chamber is not a staff-driven organization, but rather an organization of men and women working in concert for the betterment of our town. "

Gillis said he initially served part time as the director, and part time directing Main Street Benton.

He'd long been active in the annual Cajun Feast fund-raiser before being hired as executive director.

A press conference had been scheduled for his first day. "I had never even been to a press conference, much less led one,' he said.

"I was always blessed by both boards to be able to take full advantage of all training," he said.

Matt Brumley, chamber president, said he's enjoyed working with Gillis during the past four years.