Jim LaBelle Nominated as Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry’s Next Executive Director
October 1, 2018
The Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has selected Jim LaBelle as the organization’s next Executive Director.
LaBelle has over 30 years of private-sector marketing and financial management experience. He most recently served as the Vice President of Marketing at Raw Seafoods in Fall River, MA, where his accomplishments included developing a three-year strategic plan for the company and launching a new line of value-added seafood products. After vacationing with his family in the Biddeford and Saco region for the past ten years, LaBelle recently decided to permanently move to Biddeford and seek a more community and service-focused leadership endeavor. LaBelle starts his new position on Monday, October 15, 2018.
"I am very excited to be named the Chamber's next Executive Director,” LaBelle said. “The region and the business community are vibrant and expanding, and I will work to build on the prior successes of the organization to help the members and the entire Biddeford/Saco region continue to grow and prosper."
LaBelle was selected from a pool of six finalists who interviewed for the position. The interview process was conducted by members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“We were pleased to select Mr. Labelle for this position,” said Scott Gillespie, the chair of the Chamber’s search committee. “Beyond Mr. Labelle's proven skills in leadership, management, marketing and sales, I was impressed with his deep love of this area, his contagious energy, and the passion to become a part of and build the communities of Biddeford & Saco."
“I look forward to Jim's goal-oriented, collaborative and enthusiastic approach to leadership and believe that Jim LaBelle has the skills to bring the Chamber to the next level,” added Stephen P. St. Cyr, the chairperson of the Chamber’s Board.
Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant serves as a member of the Board of Directors and assisted in interviewing the candidates for the Executive Director position. “Having interviewed Mr. LaBelle, I believe that he understands our community and is passionate about making a difference in this position,” said Casavant. “The Chamber of Commerce is an important asset to Biddeford, and we look forward to collaborating with Jim as their new Executive Director.”
Robert Biggs, Executive Director of Saco Main Street, was drawn to Labelle’s pleasant demeanor and strong desire to bring positive changes to our communities during the interview process. “Jim Labelle has extensive corporate experience bringing strong marketing and communication skills to the Chamber of Commerce,” Biggs said. “I am excited about the opportunity of Saco Main Street and the Heart of Biddeford working with Jim in his new role with the Chamber, collaborating to continue to build a stronger Saco and Biddeford.”
The Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry, Inc. is a nonprofit 501c6 trade association organized to advance and promote commercial and industrial prosperity as well as the civic, cultural and educational interests of the communities it serves. Its strategies, programs and services are created specifically to foster growth and prosperity to its approximately 400 members, stakeholders and regional partners.
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