The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is in the market for a new executive director after terminating Amy Alder just prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
‘There was no warning,? she said. ‘I guess you don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes.?
Alder, who was hired by the chamber in February 2007, was relieved of her duties ‘out of the blue? Friday morning following a visit from two chamber board members.
‘I wasn’t aware of anything until just this morning,? Alder said. ‘They told me it wasn’t a good fit. It’s been very surprising for me and everyone else that I’ve spoken to so far.?
‘I think everybody just decided it wasn’t a good fit. I think Amy felt that way as well,? said Christine Stephens, vice president of the chamber.
On May 21, the chamber board voted to fire Alder.
As director, Alder was responsible for everything from the day-to-day operations of the chamber’s office on E. Burdick St. to coordinating special events like the St. Patrick’s Day Stew Stroll and Women’s Expo.
‘I think she did a good job for the time she was there,? Stephens said. ‘We’re grateful to her and we’re looking forward to moving forward.?
Alder, a 1995 Oxford High graduate, said she’s received calls from people who were ‘shocked? by the news of her firing.
‘I told them I had no idea. It was a shock to me, too,? she said. ‘I never saw it coming.?
A press release sent out by the chamber Friday indicated ‘a search committee is in the process of being formed? to find a new executive director.
‘The Chamber Board of Directors . . . is looking forward to finding the right person to fill the position so that our current momentum of promoting and enhancing the economic growth of our business community can continue,? the press release stated.
Despite the abrupt nature of her departure, Alder said working for the chamber was ‘a very positive experience? and ‘a lot of fun.?
Alder plans to stay in Oxford while seeking a new job.
‘I’m just going to put my resume out there and see what happens,? she said.
Alder will continue to do volunteer work with the Downtown Development Authority’s Celebrate Oxford committee.
‘I’ll be around for that,? she said.
Those wishing to contact Alder can do so by e-mailing amyalder@sbcglobal.net.
Applicants for the executive director position can mail their resumes to the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 142, Oxford, MI 48371.
Resumes can also be faxed to (248) 628-0430.