Chamber losing both president and director

Staff Reports

Both the president and the executive director of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce announced they were leaving the organization on Wednesday.

Chamber president and Record-Courier Publisher Janet Geary and Chamber Executive Director Skip Sayre both announced their impending departures on Wednesday morning.

Geary, 58, is moving to Coos Bay, Ore., to take a job as president of Southwest Oregon Publishing Co., a Lee Enterprises group.

"It has been my greatest pleasure to be the publisher of The Record-Courier for the past 31Ú2 years," she said. "I have never worked with a more professional staff and wonderful group of people. They are my family and I will miss them dearly."

Geary's last day at The R-C will be April 20.

"Prior to joining The Record-Courier, Janet previously served as regional classified advertising manager of Sierra Nevada Media Group. In both roles, Janet operated her areas of responsibility with notable achievements. We wish Janet very well in her new position, and her and husband Dennis much happiness in their new move," said John DiMambro, Sierra Nevada Media Group general manager and Nevada Appeal publisher.

DiMambro said a search for Geary's replacement would begin immediately.

Sayre is taking a job as director of marketing for Laguna Development Corp. in Albuquerque, N.M., which operates a casino for the Pueblo of Laguna.

His last day as chamber director will be April 26 after the Business Showcase.

"I'll be heading down there to start work the following week," he said.

Sayre, 54, said he was pleased with the progress the chamber has made over the years he has been director.

"I've been very proud of what the chamber board, staff and members have been able to accomplish here," he said. "I think we've really built this organization and are recognized in the community as representatives for the business community. We've improved the financial health of the organization, the membership is at an all-time high, we've created a lot of new events and activities and grown some existing events and activities."

Sayre, who served as a vice president of marketing in the past, said he is eager for a new challenge.

"I enjoy change and challenge in business," he said. "This particular project in New Mexico is an opportunity to use some of the things I've learned in my career to make them more successful."

Sayre said it has been a pleasure to be part of Carson Valley.

"It's great to see people you know everywhere you go," he said. "We have deep roots in Northern Nevada and we're going to maintain those."

Sayre and his wife Terrie live in the Gardnerville Ranchos. They will continue to operate their company, Traveler's Channel LLC.

According to the chamber by-laws, president-elect Nick Pchelkin will take over as president if approved by the board. Geary's term as president would have ended in July.