FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008

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The Greater Richmond Chamber Appoints New CEO and President

RICHMOND , VA -- The Greater Richmond Chamber, which provides opportunities for all businesses and individuals who have a stake in the Greater Richmond Region, announced today the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer and President, Kim Scheeler. Scheeler succeeds longtime leader Jim Dunn who will retire June 30.

Scheeler has served as the CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce since 2001. He will start at the Greater Richmond Chamber on August 25.

Scheeler's selection ends a nine-month national search, from a field of more than 100 potential candidates, for the leader of the Greater Richmond Chamber - which serves over 2,000 members in the Greater Richmond region. The Chamber’s President & CEO is responsible for administering the day-to-day operations, working with the board of directors in setting the strategic course of the organization and representing the interests of members with government entities, community groups and the public at large.

As Tampa Chamber CEO, Kim was a strong advocate for regional cooperation. He also focused on strong financial performance of the Chamber and championed an expansion of resources for small businesses in the community, emphasizing their importance to the local economy.

“I am excited to accept the opportunity to become the President of the Greater Richmond Chamber,” says Scheeler. “I see Richmond as a thriving community with tremendous potential and a quality of life that is truly enviable.”

“The Greater Richmond Chamber is one of the most respected chambers in the country and Jim Dunn is truly a legend in the business,” adds Scheeler. “It is an honor to have an opportunity to follow him and build on what he’s done in the community for the past 18 years.”  

Prior to joining the Tampa Chamber, Scheeler served as president and chief professional officer for the United Way of Hillsborough County, FL.  During his six-year tenure there, he built the organization into a nationally recognized leader. Before that, he held positions with United Way in Indiana, Texas and Maryland.

In addition to his Chamber leadership, Scheeler serves on the University of Tampa Board of Trustees, Tampa Bay and Company, Junior Achievement Board of Directors, Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, Florida Chamber of Commerce Federation Advisory Council, Tampa Bay Partnership Board of Directors, US Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, US Chamber of Commerce Emerging Technologies Committee, FACP Board of Directors and Executive Committee and University of South Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.

Katherine Busser, Executive Vice President with Capital One, chaired the Search Committee that was composed of business leaders and former Chamber Board Chairs from across the region.

“This position required a combination of vision, collaborative leadership style and management expertise,” said Katherine Busser, the Chair-Elect for the Greater Richmond Chamber Board of Directors. “Kim has just this combination. His wealth of experience, track record of management success and commitment to community will be valued assets in our ongoing efforts to make Richmond a great place to live.”

The search was conducted by the search firm Korn/Ferry International. Members of the Search Committee were: Robert Grey, Partner with Hunton & Williams, Brian Jackson, Vice President and General Counsel for Ukrop’s, Gail Johnson, President - Rainbow Station, Bill Axselle, Partner with Williams Mullen, Bruce Kay, Vice President with Markel Corporation, Katherine Whitney, Director with Warren, Whitney & Sherwood, Tom Silvestri, President and Publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Gary Rhodes, President - J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and Charles Agee, Director - Corporate Contributions with Altria Client Services.

About the Chamber:

Since 1867, the Greater Richmond Chamber (www.GRCC.com) has taken the lead to enhance and institute change in the Richmond Region, making the region an ideal location for businesses to prosper. The Chamber, a not-for-profit business membership association with more than 1,900 members and a professional staff of 40, is a catalyst for business development and the voice of business in Greater Richmond.

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