NEW YORK: President and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Lou Santoni announced he will retire in April 2016.
Santoni shared his decision Wednesday with the chamber’s board of directors, staff and members.
“This decision was neither easy nor quick,” Santoni said in a news release. “But I’ve come to a point in my life where I’d like the flexibility to spend more time with my wife and family. While I love the role I’ve played and the many wonderful people with whom I’ve worked, I’m looking forward to this new chapter of my life.”
Santoni began his career with the Chamber of Commerce in 1974. He’s taken on many different roles through his 42 years spent there. Santoni served as interim president on three different occasions before he was named the permanent president and CEO in 2008.
Santoni told Action News he said he thinks now is the right time to leave because the Chamber of Commerce is in such a great place.
“Our programs are healthy, our events are well attended their sold out, our finances are in excellent condition, our membership is good, we’re in a lot better position than most chambers across the country,” Santoni said. “When I leave here I want to make sure everything is in order.”
He is a current member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, which was recently awarded $500 million for the area under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
“Lou Santoni has been an asset to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and to the entire community for many years. However, it was not until he became president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber that the very real benefits of his talents were realized,” said Terry R. Wood, chairman of the Board of Directors.
A search committee will be created to select Santoni’s successor.
