Chamber president resigns effective December 31

This morning, Beau Phillips notified Historic City News that Kirk Wendland, president of the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce, tendered his resignation to be effective December 31.

Wendland has served as the St Johns County Chamber president since he joined the organization in September of 2010.

“I want to thank the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to serve as the President for the last three plus years,” said Wendland. “The board, the members, the community, and the staff have all been so great to work with.”

Wendland has accepted a position as the director of business development with Stellar, a Jacksonville-based fully-integrated firm focused on design build, engineering, construction and mechanical services worldwide.

“Stellar is an outstanding organization that is poised to capitalize on the growth we anticipate within the region and elsewhere,” said Wendland. “This was simply an opportunity I could not pass up.”

The St. Johns County Chamber, which had 885 members in September of 2010, merged with the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce this past April and has grown to over 1,100 members.

“We are deeply sorry to see him leave, but we know that it is the next logical step in his professional career,” said Victor Raymos, Chairman of the Board. “In his short, but action-packed, three years as the President, he has reorganized, revitalized, improved member value and improved the financial results for the organization and its members. Kirk has left the Chamber in excellent shape.”

On moving forward, Raymos said that he knows that he speaks for the board of directors and the staff in expressing confidence that during the transition period, and beyond, the Chamber will continue to serve the business community by advocating on behalf of business and actively recruiting, growing and relocating businesses to St Johns County.

On Wednesday, October 23, the Board of Directors approved the creation of a search committee to begin looking for a new President. Wendland stated that he provided the board early notice of his decision in hopes to facilitate a smooth transition.

“The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is an excellent organization,” Wendland said. “I’m sure the Board will have no trouble finding a candidate who can lead the Chamber to new heights.”