Wilmington Chamber of Commerce officials have chosen a former Detroit Regional Chamber leader to fill the post of interim CEO as they search for a replacement for Connie Majure-Rhett, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Majure-Rhett announced her retirement in May from her post as president and CEO after 22 years with the Wilmington chamber. Effective June 28, Richard “Dick” Blouse will become interim CEO, a news release said.

Blouse brings more than 35 years of experience in chamber of commerce leadership and economic development to the role, having served most recently as president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber in Michigan for 15 years and before that as president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce in Greenville, South Carolina, for four years.
 
“This is a great news for the Wilmington business community,” said Mitch Lamm, Wilmington Chamber board chairman, in the release. “Mr. Blouse’s unique skillset and proven leadership ability are just what the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce needs to build upon our legacy of success, and lead us with innovation into an even greater future.”
 
Under Blouse's leadership, the Detroit Regional Chamber became the largest metropolitan chamber of commerce in the United States, according to the release. During his tenure in Greenville, Blouse and his chamber were very involved and played a key role in successfully bringing BMW and its supplier companies to South Carolina, the release said. Today, in semi-retirement, he leads his own consulting firm, Global Perspectives LLC, specializing in strategy, economic and organizational development.
 
“Coming to this community to work with such a great team was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Wilmington is a wonderful place that offers an unbeatable quality of life,” said Blouse in the release. “But it’s really much more than that. Strong businesses doing exciting work, a talented workforce, and so much opportunity for growth. I look forward to partnering with this business community as we help Wilmington reach its fullest potential.”
 
The release said Blouse has extensive experience in implementing successful economic development initiatives in both the private and public sectors, forging strong partnerships and attracting business investments in both the private and public sectors, domestically and internationally.

"He will play a pivotal role in the search process for the Wilmington Chamber’s next full-time president and CEO over the next several months," the release said.

Majure-Rhett and her husband, Haskell Rhett III, are moving to Montgomery, Alabama, she told the audience assembled at the Greater Wilmington Business Journal's Power Breakfast on Tuesday morning, where she was honored for her years of service and received a standing ovation from the event's more than 600 attendees. 

"There’s so many people here that I've learned so much from, and I really do appreciate the lessons you have taught me," Majure-Rhett said to the crowd.

She said she believes she's leaving the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in good hands.

"I feel very comfortable about walking away and letting someone else enjoy the experience," Majure-Rhett said.