New Belleville Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Raycroft and outgoing CEO Bill Saunders share a laugh at the annual gala on Friday night. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
‘Out with Bill, In with Jill.’
That’s the bittersweet phrase that has been trending at the Belleville Chamber of Commerce recently as new CEO Jill Raycroft officially takes the reins from Bill Saunders.
At the annual president’s gala Friday night, the chamber celebrated Saunders’ retirement and officially introduced Raycroft as the new CEO to a packed room of 225 members and dignitaries.
Raycroft began her duties on February 6 and said she feels like she has finally found her place.
Saunders who held his post for six years said he is confident the chamber is in good hands.
When it comes to the recent forward momentum of Belleville’s business community Saunders laughed saying he would love to take all of the credit.
Looking back Saunders thanked his great staff, board and members for their tireless work in making the chamber so successful.
Saunders’ last day is March 3.
Also, Derek Morgan was sworn in as the new 2017 board president. He took the reins from Tim Farrell.
The new 2017 chamber board was also sworn in. The new members include: 1st Vice President Rene Veillette, 2nd Vice Preident and Treasurer Jon Tuer, 3rd Vice President Greg Sudds, Jim Whiteway, Sandie Sidsworth, Sarah Hannah, Kevin McCaughen, Ashton Calnan, Kelly Henderson, Karen Post, Peter Kempenaar, Suzanne Hunt and past president Tim Farrell.
Murray Angus and Richard Courneyea were presented with Board Service Awards. Murray Angus also received the President’s Award.
