North Mason Chamber of Commerce :: Frank Kenny Resigns as President/CEO of North Mason Chamber

Recognized as a leading expert in social networking and social media for chambers of commerce and small business, Frank Kenny has resigned as President/CEO of the North Mason Chamber to pursue his dream of being a public speaker. His last day with the chamber will be August 31.

In September, Kenny will embark on a speaking tour of the 50 states, where he will address chamber of commerce and small business audiences. Kenny has garnered support for the tour from association and industry leaders in the chamber of commerce field, both in Washington state and nationally.

The North Mason Chamber took an early nationwide leadership role in championing social networking, encouraging Kenny to speak to other chambers at the local, state, national and international level. Chairman of the Board Mike Boyle said, "There is a movement by chambers nationally to regionalize. Social networking seemed like a good way to break down the silos that separate us. We believe it is important for our chamber to think regionally. Our members love their customers whether they are from Belfair, Shelton or Bremerton. We are very proud of Frank and the leadership he has shown. It has been fun working with him and we wish him success in this next chapter in his life."

"Recognition for any chamber successes needs to be given to the excellent Boards of Trustees and their leadership of the chamber. It has been an amazing career, learning and collaborating with these top-notch business and community leaders. I want to especially thank former Chairman of the Board Greg Oldham, current Chair Mike Boyle and incoming Chair Cassandra Hoffman," said Kenny. "The various committee chairs also deserve to be recognized for their immense contributions."

Membership of the North Mason Chamber has more than doubled over the past two years as new members joined from throughout the region. Kenny also said that Stephanie Horton, North Mason Chamber Membership Director, deserves special recognition for her tireless invitations to businesses join the chamber, attend the social networking classes, participate on the chamber's social networking sites and avail themselves of all benefits offered by chamber membership.

In each state he visits, Kenny will be providing workshops, classes, webinars, keynotes and offering business coaching; as well as working on producing a video series on social media for small business, especially chamber members, and finding time to write a book.

Renee Sinclair, Executive Director for the Northwest Region of the U.S. Chamber said, "Frank Kenny provides highly innovative and energized presentations that are packed with valuable information for anyone looking to enter or expand their reach within the new media arena. Everyone walks away from one of Frank's presentations with something they can use immediately to build their presence on the web. Frank is well regarded and viewed as an expert when it comes to new media and small business opportunities, I am excited he is expanding his speaking and teaching opportunities and delighted to support his efforts in that regard."

Kenny stated that it was bittersweet to be leaving the chamber at this point in time, with the organization on budget and growing. "But reaching audiences to help them be more successful has always been a dream of mine. It is an amazing opportunity that has come my way. I am very grateful."

Kenny invites everyone to share in his travels by keeping in touch through his blog at FrankKenny.net and through his various social networking sites. He considers North Mason and Washington state to be his home and will always be available to the North Mason Chamber and its members.

Kenny sits on the Executive Committee of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) as the Chair of the Chamber Division. He is on the board of the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE). He is a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Academy program and is a member of ACCE, the American Chamber of Commerce executives. He has a BBA in Finance and his MBA. Frank can be contacted at 360-710-7013 or frank@frankkenny.net.

We wish you continued success Frank. Thanks for all your excellent work for the North Mason Chamber of Commerce!