Print
More News

Chamber Chooses Former Detroit Leader As Interim CEO

By Cece Nunn, posted Jun 28, 2016
(Richard Blouse)
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.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Burrus rob headshot 300x300

Spreading Wings for Flight: 2nd Annual Trade Show Highlights the Ingenuity of UNCW Business Students

Robert Burrus - Cameron School of Business - UNC-Wilmington
Untitleddesign5

The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

John Monahan - Vistage
Dave sweyer 300 x 300

Insights into the 2023 Leasing Market in Wilmington, NC: What You Need to Know

Dave Sweyer - Sweyer Property Management

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Park Progress

The planning for Pender Commerce Park began in the early 2000s when the county wanted to create an economic driver on its largely rural west...


Topsail-area Realtors Share Updates

Pender County Realtors recently shared updates about the coastal market at an event hosted by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Associa...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments