Chamber director bids a final farewell
Long-serving director Chris Plant has bid a fond farewell to the Cannock Chase and Burton & District Chambers of Commerce this week.
After ten years as divisional director, he is joining his third Chamber, this time as deputy chief executive of Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.
Chris originally started his career as an apprentice marketing and events co-ordinator for Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce in 2008, having also previously worked in business support at Lichfield District Council.
After moving to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) as marketing manager, Chris was approached for a senior role as divisional director for both the Cannock and Burton Chambers, a position he has dedicated himself to for the last 10 years.
Moving on to pastures new, Chris will be joining the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce in March as deputy chief executive, a role that will reward and consolidate his history of being 'Chamber through and through '.
In his parting words, Chris said: “I am so honoured to have led the Cannock Chase and Burton & District Chambers for the past ten years and to have worked with such an incredible team who truly have the best interests of the region 's businesses at heart.
“I am and have always been Chamber through and through. The Chamber has invested in me, and I am privileged to have been offered a position I just couldn 't refuse as deputy chief executive at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
“Despite my move, I 'm not going too far and would like to extend my continued support to the Chamber family and to all of our members.
“I also wish my successor the very best of luck and will rest assured that they will inherit a brilliant divisional council to assist them in supporting our fantastic member businesses. ”
Gill Durkin, president of Cannock Chase Chamber, said: “It is with deep regret that we see Chris Plant leave the GBCC having been divisional director of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce for many years.
“I have known Chris since 2008 when he joined Southern Staffordshire Chamber and have seen at close hand how he has passionately led his team- even on crutches following football injuries.
“The board and I wish him every success as deputy CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. It has been a pleasure to be his president despite the challenges of the last two years and we will be sure to stay in touch with him to see what he achieves in his new role. ”
Shaun Gray, European managing director at Ginho Group and President of Burton Chamber, said: "It 's has been a pleasure to work with Chris and his energy, support and passion for our local business, education, town has been fantastic, the entire chamber council and members wish him all the best in his role."