Longtime Chamber of Commerce exec resigns

The director will quit Dade City's group.

By Helen Anne Travis, Times Staff Writer
Published March 13, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [Handout] Phyllis Smith will have worked for the chamber for 21 years in April.

DADE CITY - Phyllis Smith, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, announced her plan to resign from the position at Wednesday's board of directors meeting.

Smith joined the chamber in 1987. She worked first as a secretary and quickly climbed her way up the ladder. By 1991, she was the executive director.

Smith told the board that she would stay until April 11, exactly 21 years and a day after she was hired.

She leaves on friendly terms.

"I just think it's about time to move on," she said.

At the chamber, Smith was regarded as a leader and a mentor. "She's always willing to teach," said president Missy Lea. "It's going to be hard to fill her position."

Smith, 70, said she may retire "for a month or so," but would look for work elsewhere in the city.

She said she did not have another position in mind.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or 352 521-6518.

[Last modified March 12, 2008, 21:35:55]