The women holding the top spots at two chambers of commerce around Lake Minnetonka announced earlier this month they are stepping down.
Peggy Douglas, the president of the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce, announced she plans to retire at the end of the year, after 17 years at the chamber.
The same day her retirement was announced, Linda Murrell, the executive director of the Excelsior-South Lake Chamber of Commerce, announced she was resigning to pursue other opportunities.
Both women say the decision to step down at the same time was coincidential.
"Peggy has advanced the chamber, promoted business, developed exceptional relationships and has undoubtedly been a prominent influence in the city of Wayzata and surrounding area," said Board Chairperson Ellen Timmerman-Borer.
Douglas served as chamber president from 1992 to 1999, and then returned in 2006.
Timmerman-Borer credited Douglas for expanding membership, increasing staff, introducing technology to chamber operations and making events profitable.
Douglas said she's excited to be able to travel more, including a trip to Italy to celebrate her retirement and her 70th birthday.
She also expects to volunteer around town.
"I'll still be there but I'll be there as a resident of Wayzata," said Douglas.
She said that during her time with the chamber she feels good about the chamber's involvement in helping to get the Bay Center redevelopment approved, as well as the relationship built with the city and city council.
"We're all here for the same reason," said Douglas.
Excelsior
Murrell is expected to stay on with the South Lake -Excelsior Chamber of Commerce through the end of November to help with the transition.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the organization's cheerleader over the past 14 years, and to help guide the growth and development of our business community," said Murrell.
In her announcement, she noted that the business districts are currently doing well.
"We've survived the harsh aftermath of the hardware store fire, loss of key businesses, 9/11, and the Great Recession," she said. "The successes we are enjoying today required collaboration on economic development issues by business owners and groups, civic leaders and residents."
After 14 years with the chamber, Murrell said that she was looking to make a change and the timing, with the major chamber events done for the year, was good.
Merger talks
Last week it was announced that the directors of the South Lake-Excelsior Chamber of Commerce and the Excelsior Downtown Business Group have met to explore merging the two non-profits.
Both organizations expect to ask members for input regarding the possible merger before the boards vote on it.
