Ellwood Chamber of Commerce Director Resigns

Lori Hilliard, the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, submitted her letter of resignation to the Chamber’s board on November 5.

Hilliard cited spending more time with her parents and grandparents and having a job that will have a more flexible work schedule as reasons for her resignation. Her letter also served as her two weeks notice.

“I regret having to leave the Chamber as the Executive Director, but my father suffers from health issues, and I need to be able to offer my parents more support on a regular basis,” Hilliard said.

“In order to do that, I have to be able to make myself more available. Because my current position requires frequent commitments on nights and weekends for events, ribbon cuttings, grand openings and more, I have decided to step down and focus more on my family.”

Hilliard, a resident of Ellwood City for over ten years, will remain in Ellwood City but divide her time between Ellwood and her father’s home in Washington County. She said she was offered a flexible position locally.

Hilliard was appointed director in November 2014. Prior to her appointment, she was involved in both the chamber and the Ellwood City Revitalization Committee. Hillard replaced Terri Stramba, who had served for three years.

During her tenure, the Chamber had several successful programs including the annual Chef, Win & Ale Event, National Manufacturing Day and various festivals throughout the year.

Hilliard also helped organize the Medical Cannabis Roundtable, which featured several keynote speakers including one of the bill’s sponsors, State Senator Mike Folmer.

In addition, the Chamber relocated its headquarters from Fifth Street to the 800 block of Lawrence Ave, placing the office in downtown.

“While I will miss the excitement of working for the Chamber of Commerce, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with an outstanding group of Directors and members,” Hilliard said.

“I hope to be able to continue to support our community and the Chamber in some capacity as I move forward with the next phase in my own and my family’s lives. I’m grateful to everyone for their constant support and assistance while I was the Executive Director.”

The Chamber does not have a replacement lined up.

The article on Hilliard’s appointment as director can be found here.