Turner out as chamber president

Board decides to go with Buffalo CVB’s Lacki instead

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 20, 2009

“Generally speaking, this has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he said.

Though he’s worked in regional and bi-national circles, “I’ve always been interested in small town tourism,” Lacki said. “I just thought it was a great challenge.”

Turner, who is in her late 20s, will continue on with the chamber as its marketing director. In this new role, she will assume more responsibility in marketing the chamber, enhancing tourism opportunities and working with each festival.

She said the viability of the chamber outweighs personal notoriety.

“In all of this, it’s not about titles, it’s not about names and businesses, and where you come from. It’s about the success of this chamber,” Turner said. “So, any hard feelings are pushed aside, as long as that’s in the forefront and the focus.”

“I’ve always had my heart and my passion in this,” she added. “It’s not a paycheck for me. I truly am concerned and care about this community.”

Turner knew the board was actively searching for a permanent replacement for Mies.  

“My reaction is that I believe the board came to an agreement,” she said. “I feel that they had done their search, and recommended their candidate, and based their decision upon what they felt they wanted the direction of the chamber to go.

“I’m in agreement with wanting to take this to the next level, and I had given my thoughts and ideas on how to go about that.” 

Osborne said the full chamber board made its decision based on the advice of the executive board, which consists of Osborne, Rick Haight, Kris Trunzo, Gloria Baker and Dan Kilmer. After a three-month search, and at least 15 applicants, five people were invited to interview for the position - including Turner.

Osborne said the vote for Lacki was overwhelming.

“It was clear that he was the strongest candidate,” he said.

Turner, discussing her new role, said, “I’m excited to just move forward with plans and ideas that I’ve presented to the board of directors.”

“I’ll be able to fully utilize my abilities and skills as a marketing director, which, not only do I have a degree in, but a passion and I’m knowledgeable about the area,” she said.

There is no animosity on Turner’s part toward the chamber board - or toward Lacki, for that matter.

“I’m perfectly fine with the decision,” she said. “And completely open and willing to work with the person chosen to be at the helm.

“I view it more as a partnership. I think we can both work well off of each other.”

During her time as interim president, Turner said the chamber’s staff was reduced from four full-time employees to two, and one part-time employee. Despite that, “We successfully maintained and, in some cases exceeded, all of our expectations when it comes to the budgeting of events and the overall operating budget of this operation.

“Six events during the course of that time; three networking events - major success; three major marketing publications; and currently in the process of updating the chamber Web site.”

“It was not easy,” she added, also saying, “I think I deserve a little bit of credit ... I did a job, and I did it well.”

Lacki will assume his new position on July 6.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Richard Soluri, who was part of the meeting during which Lacki was voted in, said he wanted to make sure Turner was kept on board.

Soluri has not met Lacki, but it’s the mayor’s understanding that “he’s got an immense amount of experience.”

Soluri said the fact that Lacki was interested in the position means the chamber is “on the grow and on the map.”

Lacki, whose sister, Sister Gertrude, is set to teach religion this fall at Stella Niagara, said, “I’m very excited to work with my friends up north.”

Mies, who was hired as a consultant upon leaving her position as chamber president, had no comment on this subject. Her contract with the board is set to expire this fall.