Harold Wilson says it’s time to look at new opportunities.
But the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president isn’t saying what his options are after announcing on Thursday he’s stepping down from his current post.
“There’s nothing definitive at this time. But it just seemed to be the right time,” said Wilson, who returned to his hometown three years ago after helping found the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta, taking over the Chamber role from Mary Long-Irwin.
“We had our annual general meeting last month. It was an excellent meeting and we had a lot of great results to show from the time I’ve been here. Sometimes you’ve got to go out on a high.”
Asked if he intends to fill Steve Demmings soon-to-be-vacated role at the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Corporation, the 51-year-old Wilson was non-committal.
“They’ve got some really good people working there right now. There are challenges working in economic development. It’s a bit of a nebulous role. I’ve done those things before. I think there are some great opportunities here in Thunder Bay, but I really have to take a look at what all those opportunities are out there. And there’s a few thing shaking out there,” he said.
TBCC board of directors chairman Ed Schmidtke said he accepted the resignation with regret.
“Harold has been instrumental in leading the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce in our renewed lobbying efforts and revitalizing our Chamber. We have been fortunate to have had his enthusiasm, expertise and dedication," Schmidtke said in a release.
Wilson said there are several things he’s proud to have accomplished while at the Chamber helm, first and foremost helping lift it back to solid financial ground.
“There were a little bit of highs and lows for a few years, and one of the stresses from the board was to eliminate the accumulated debt we had and we were able to do that this past year. So I know the membership was happy about that.”
Wilson said he leaves with the TBCC at its highest membership and revenues.
“We’re nearing the 1,100 mark and as our chair has noted on several occasions, there are only six chambers in Ontario over 1,000. That really bodes well for our organization.”
As for regrets, Wilson, a co-chairman for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy caucus for the past two years, said he’d like to see more progress made with the Endangered Species Act, noting he’s still got another six-and-a-half weeks to work on it before he officially steps down.
Schmidtke said the search for a replacement would begin soon.
