MORTON — Three consecutive days of drenching rain last month washed away 70 percent of the revenue the Morton Chamber of Commerce hoped to rake in from the Morton Pumpkin Festival.
The relentless downpours also pushed chamber Executive Director Mike Badgerow into a decision he'd been contemplating for some time. He resigned about a month ago. His last day on the job is Dec. 31.
Badgerow, 48, isn't leaving the chamber after 12 years with hard feelings. He strongly believes the move is best for him and the chamber.
"I was going to resign after next year's Pumpkin Festival, but I'm ready to explore new areas," he said Thursday.
"The chamber will be in great shape without me," he said. "Looking at my basic skills set, other people can do what I'm doing. And the chamber needs someone in charge who is more adept at economic development."
Badgerow is concerned about how the revenue loss from the Pumpkin Festival - and the foundering economy - will affect the chamber.
"The chamber is going to need to cut costs, and my leaving will offer the most savings," he said.
Chamber board of directors President Linc Hobson praised Badgerow's work and said his departure provides the 15-member board with an important opportunity.
Read full story [pjstar.com]
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