FLORIDA: Ramona Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new executive director to replace Robert “Dr. Bob” Argyelan, who has accepted a job in Arizona.Argyelan, a Ramona resident, became the executive director in November 2013. In his new role, he will be the chief executive officer and president of the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, responsible for promotion of tourism in the area, working with local businesses, and focusing on economic development, from light industry to retail, to increase the job market there.
Argyelan’s last day at the Ramona Chamber is Friday, Aug. 28. Although he will start his new job in Williams on Sept. 1, his family will stay in Ramona until their home is sold, he said. Looking forward to the move, Argyelan said, “its beautiful country up there.I’ll have four seasons again.”A chiropractor with a background in fine arts, Argyelan has a lengthy list of accomplishments in professional, community and cultural developments.
Originally from New Jersey, “just a subway ride from Manhattan,” Argyelan was exposed early to the museums and the culture of New York City.He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute and a Master of Arts from New Jersey City University where he taught in the Fine Arts Department for 10 years.
He obtained a grant to create a Department of Cultural Affairs for Jersey City, where he served as deputy director for 15 years.In a special thanks to chamber members, ambassadors, event sponsors and volunteers, Argyelan wrote, “The strength of the chamber is rooted in your involvement, your generosity, and your willingness to offer ideas, solutions, and effort.
