The Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, along with Chamber President Jim Carpenter today announced Mr. Carpenter’s approaching retirement. Carpenter has held the position of president since 1993.
Since Carpenter’s tenure began in 1993, the Chamber’s membership base and revenues have grown substantially. Under his leadership, the Chamber has achieved a five star accreditation for its programs and services from the US Chamber of Commerce, a distinction held by only 60 of the nation’s 7,000 chambers.
Major programs developed during this time include Leadership Union. Youth Leadership Union, upgrading and conversion of communications and publications to on-line status and establishment of the Chamber sponsored North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Self Insurer’s Fund. The Union County Chamber has achieved American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) awards for Communications Excellence in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Carpenter and the Chamber have been major proponents of the soon to be constructed Monroe Connector-Bypass, a 20 mile interstate standards connector linking Union County to I-485.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of the team that brought our Chamber to a highly respected player in the Charlotte region and state” Carpenter said. “I am turning 65 and the time is right to make this change”.
Carpenter will work actively through the end of August and then will assist with the transition as needed until the end of the year.
Carpenter has also earned his Certified Chamber Executive certification from ACCE, the highest level of professional achievement in the field.
Chamber Board Chair Pat Kahle stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and members of our Chamber, I’d like to express our appreciation for the many years of services that Jim has given, not only to this Chamber but to the community at large. Jim has been an advocate for the Union County business community through his work in public policy locally, and at the state and national levels.”
A native of Charlotte, Carpenter’s previous employment includes stints as executive vice president of the South Carolina Business and Industry Political Education Committee, vice president of public affairs at the Charlotte Chamber and city manager of York SC.
