Konyha Takes Lead at Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana

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Bill Konyha has been named president of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. Konyha previously served as executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and was president of the Economic Development Group of Wabash County. At OCRA, he led efforts to replace the state Historic Tax Credit program with the Historic Renovation Grant program. In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Konyha says he intends to gain "as wide a buy-in as possible" from a diverse group of members and regional stakeholders. He adds his experience, which also includes serving as president of the Indiana Economic Development Association and the Indiana Main Street Advisory Council, will be an asset in his vision for the organization’s future.

Konyha says "I am very excited to join the Regional Chamber and anxious to work with our members to advocate for the continued improvement of the business environment and quality of life in Northeast Indiana. It will be great to help to shape laws, policies and regulations to create opportunities for the businesses and people of our 11-county region."

Konyha takes the lead of the organization, which has been run administratively by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership for most of the year, after former Executive Director Vince Buchanan and Director of Operations Maribeth Callicoat resigned amid what The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne reported as "some apparent improprieties."

Board Chair David Findley, who is chief executive officer of Warsaw-based Lake City Bank, says "since its founding, the Regional Chamber has been uniquely focused on ensuring that the critical partnerships between elected officials, economic development professionals and the entire business community are strong. Bill will bring an experienced passion for economic growth and partnership-building to the Regional Chamber as we work with our constituents throughout Northeast Indiana to strengthen and expand our pro-business environment."