After 22 years at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, president and CEO Connie Majure-Rhett is retiring, according to an announcement Friday.
 
“As business leaders, we know that the best decisions are sometimes the hardest ones to make. My decision to retire is one of the toughest I have ever made, but it is certainly for the best,” said Majure-Rhett in a news release. “Today, I can retire with confidence, knowing that the chamber has never been in a better position, and that a team of capable, experienced leaders is at the helm.”

Because of family-related reasons that require her immediate attention, Majure-Rhett’s retirement will be effective immediately, the release said. Day-to-day operation of the Wilmington Chamber will be handled by COO Faye Dunaway and chamber staff, with direction by 2016 chamber chairman Mitch Lamm, as an executive search process commences to fill the vacancy.

Majure-Rhett (shown at left) took the helm of the chamber in 1994.

"During her tenure, she became one of the most respected leaders in the business community and a strong voice on public policy issues affecting the region’s business climate," Friday's news release from the chamber said.

One of her greatest successes, according to the release, was building partnerships with a diverse set of community organizations to strengthen support and lobbying power for issues of interest to the business community.
 
Under Majure-Rhett’s leadership, chamber efforts have included advocating for infrastructure improvements and successful bonds, and investments in education and economic development. 

Achievements during her time as president and CEO include the creation of the chamber’s flagship program Cape Fear Future; helping secure the passage of city of Wilmington parks and transportation bonds and two education bonds for the New Hanover County Schools system; and lobbying for the creation and expansion of roadways to support Wilmington’s growth, including the Independence Boulevard Extension, the widening of Kerr Avenue and the completion of Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, the release said.
 
“On behalf of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, we are most grateful for Connie’s leadership and dedication to growing and improving Wilmington’s business community,” Lamm said in the release. “She leaves a legacy of great success and unprecedented growth. We thank her for her years of service, and for leaving our Chamber better and stronger than ever before. I know the business community joins me in wishing her all the best in her retirement.”

Lamm said in an email Friday that the committee that will search for a replacement for Majure-Rhett will be led by Chris Boney, Wilmington office leader of LS3P & Associates. 

"We certainly have big shoes to fill, and we want to build off the legacy that Connie leaves behind. I hope to cast a wide net in the search for the best of the best.  Rest assured that we will not settle for average," Lamm said. "We will be announcing members of our search committee in the near future.  That committee will be chaired by Chris Boney.  Chris is a former chamber chairman with great vision and given his recent experience as chairman, he knows as well as anyone the strengths needed from a candidate to take the helm of the chamber.  I am thankful for him assuming this role and I look forward to working with him on the search."

Lamm also said, "I would like to see candidates with experience in regional economic development and a keen eye for public policy that strengthens our business community."