ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor
Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008 2:39 pm

New chamber president Michael Malone is concentrating on meeting people.

New Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce president Michael Malone already seems at ease in his new position.

Malone is spending his first week on the job getting to know local government and business officials and other members of the community.

“That was my goal this week all along to try to meet as many people in the community,” the dark-haired man said from his corner office on his second day on the job.

Malone served as executive director and chief executive officer for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce in Illinois since 2002.

He was hired after meeting with the Chamber search committee and elected officials. Search committee chair Bill Jones said Malone met and exceeded the expectations and qualifications the committee set for the position.

Former president Steve Benefield left the position in November 2007 to take a job in the private sector.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is the third largest chamber in the state of Tennessee with more than 2,200 member businesses. The nonprofit organization works to support local business, recruit new businesses and industry, promote tourism and enhance the quality of life of the community.

Malone said the Chamber’s large membership is a testament to the hard work of its employees and shows the value of the organization.

Malone makes jokes and speaks with ease as he talks about his first course of action as chamber president.

“I am learning where everything is, and also listening to what the community is looking for,” he said.

Malone admits the friendliness of Rutherford County residents was one of the things that attracted him to the position.

“It is a growing community,” he added. “It is an exciting place to be.”

Malone plans to take an active role in economic and community development.

This week Malone is being brought up to speed on ongoing economic development projects. His goal is to recruit businesses that will make more than a monetary investment in Rutherford County and bring higher wages.

Malone has worked in the chamber industry for more than 20 years. Prior to his position at McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Malone served as president and chief executive office for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce in Florida for seven years. His started his chamber career in West Virginia at the Martinsburg/Berkeley Chamber where he served as executive director for eight years.