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FEBRUARY 2023 WWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG
O NL INE NE W SL E T T ER
D EN N Y SAU N IE R TO R E TIR E The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that President & CEO Denny Saunier has informed the board that he plans to retire no later than the end of 2023, after a remarkable 42year career with the Chamber. Saunier has held the position of president & CEO since January 2001.
CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT & CEO DENNY SAUNIER TO RETIRE
IN THIS ISSUE
“Denny’s leadership, advocacy and tireless commitment to serving our community and businesses will truly be missed,” Canton Regional Chamber Board Chair Ralph Lee said. “He has guided our Chamber to solid organizational and financial footing, with an exceptionally strong staff and membership base. His successor will be well positioned to build on this strong foundation.” The Canton Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee to fill the position of President & CEO. Saunier will continue his role through the end of 2023 or until his successor is named. He is in the final year of a multi-year contract which coincides with the conclusion of the Chamber’s current strategic plan.
“Throughout my time at the Chamber, I have had the honor and privilege to serve in three major capacities and manage dozens of outstanding individuals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the community in their own capacity,” said Saunier. “The Chamber has not only been blessed with great staff over the years, but tremendous volunteers and diverse business leaders who have served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and as Chairpersons of the organization, moving the Chamber toward incredible growth, making it one of Ohio’s eight largest metropolitan Chambers of Commerce.” Saunier began his career at the Chamber by serving as the first president of the Canton/ Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, now Visit Canton. Throughout fourteen years in this position, he instituted marketing efforts for sports tourism, meetings and leisure travel, branded the region as “Ohio’s Golf Capital,” and attracted OHSAA Football State Championships to Canton. The benefits of these efforts and more are still felt today. (continued on page three)
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