Clayton Chamber seeks new director

CLAYTON — The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new leader to replace its longtime executive director, who will step down at the end of the year.

Karen M. Goetz, who has led the chamber for 13 years, said she will retire Dec. 3 to spend more time with her children in Livingston, Texas.

"I would've liked to stay to see the Frink site developed. But when it's time, it's time," Mrs. Goetz said, adding that she and her husband, David, who retired last December, are not leaving the north country for good but will be moving back and forth between Texas and Clayton.

Working in tourism was a drastic career change for Mrs. Goetz , who was hired as the successor to Kelly M. Kehoe, the chamber's former executive director, in March 1997. She grew up in Clayton and worked at state parks in the past, but spent most of her adult career in land development and real estate tax service.

The chamber's board of directors hopes to have the position filled by mid-October so the new executive director can have four to six weeks to train with Mrs. Goetz.

The job is full-time and has a salary in the $30,000s.

"The work here can be stressful sometimes, but the community, business owners and our board of directors, they all work well together. I think it's an enjoyable position," Mrs. Goetz said.

The chamber board is looking for candidates who are familiar with the Clayton and Thousand Islands region and have backgrounds in marketing, fundraising, event planning, tourism or management. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks and the Internet also is required.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 8, and interviews will take place mid-September.

Resumes and cover letters should be sent to the Executive Director Search Committee, 517 Riverside Drive, Clayton N.Y. 13624 or via e-mail at director@1000islands-clayton.com.

For more information on the position, call the chamber at 686-3771 or go to www.1000islands-clayton.com/job.