The application deadline looms for those hopeful of leading the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce into the new year.

Chamber director Ray Saliba noted that the board hoped to have all resumes in hand by Dec. 1 and put the interview and hiring process in full swing after the Christmas on the River festivities subside.

Interest in the position is high.

“I’ve probably gotten 20 to 25 resumes and about twice that many phone calls and inquiries,” Saliba said. “We’re just gathering information and resumes right now.

“We’ll look through them all and move forward with the interviews in the next few weeks.”

The vacancy came about after Chamber president Kelley Smith announced her resignation as she and her husband, Brandon, prepare for the couple’s second child this spring.

Smith will continue to lead the Chamber through COTR.

“We’re not in a big hurry,” Saliba said of seeking a new president. “Obviously, we want to fill the position as soon as possible but we’re looking for a great fit, someone who best suits our needs. Kelley’s going to say on through Christmas on the River, which is a huge help to us, and that gives us some time to progress at our own pace.”

Among the president’s duties and responsibilities are:

Direct overall management of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Identify community needs and work to address accordingly.

Develop chamber membership through new membership and work to retain existing members.

Develop and maintain a staff of Chamber volunteers

Work with legislative agendas on the local, state and national level.

Work with local businesses and government to facilitate growth and expansion.

Represent the Chamber at trade shows and other events.

Promote the Chamber and its membership.

Minimum job requirements are:

Four-year college degree with a background in business, marketing or economics preferred.

One year of business management, ownership or sales experience.

Ability to work unsupervised, a self starter

Basic computer skills.

Must be well organized and able to effectively organize and motivate others.

The president’s salary will be based on a “generous base salary with commissions and an annual bonus package,” Saliba noted.

Interested parties should mail a resume in care of The Demopolis Times, P.O. Box 860, Demopolis, AL 36732. Resumes may also be e-mailed to:

jason.cannon

@demopolistimes.com.