Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber, has resigned his position, effective Wednesday. Mr. Allison had been President and CEO, since Dec. 1, 2006.

In a news release, Mr. Allison, an Oklahoma native, said he and his wife, Shelley, will be moving back to Oklahoma.

“There are some serious family matters in Oklahoma that require my immediate attention and, therefore, I am resigning my position as President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber as of this date,” Mr. Allison said in his resignation letter. “I have truly enjoyed my term with the Chamber and living in St. Joseph.

“Reflecting over the last six years, I feel we have accomplished many significant achievements that have greatly benefited the organization, as well as the entire community. Boehringer’s events yesterday were great moments of celebration for all of us. It gives me much comfort in knowing I am leaving on a high note.”

Vern Middleton, Executive Vice President of Midwest Federal and current Chairman of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber Board of Directors expressed his appreciation for Mr. Allison’s service to the Chamber, while also sharing a plan for the immediate future.

“I want to thank Mr. Allison for his work here in St. Joseph,” Mr. Middleton said. “With his departure, the Board of Directors has selected Steve Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, to serve as President during the search process for a successor to Mr. Allison.

“Steve is a seasoned business executive who is well respected in the community and by the Chamber staff. We’re fortunate that Steve is available, along with a very capable staff, to help guide the Chamber at this time.”

Before joining the Chamber staff in 2010, Mr. Hamilton served as Chairman and CEO to the Northwest Region of UMB Banks for six years. He oversaw 14 bank locations in 11 communities. He has more than 40 years of management experience.

The Chamber’s Board and staff are currently participating in a strategic planning process being led by the Excellence in Missouri Foundation. The Board will take the results of this process into account when hiring a new President and CEO.

Allison is the former President  & CEO of the Broken Arrow, OK, Chamber.  That is a position in which he served for 12 years.

Mr. Allison is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Economics.

He also graduated from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

He is a “Certified Economic Developer” by the International Economic Development Council.  His professional activities include being a member of the University of Missouri Business Development Advisory Council, a board member of the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, a board member of the Missouri Western State University Foundation, and is a member of the Craig School of Business Advisory Council at Missouri Western State University.

Mr. Allison is married to Shelly, his wife of 35 years, and he has three daughters and one granddaughter

As President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber, Ted Allison oversaw all of the  Chamber’s activities, including economic development, membership and administration.  In partnership with the business community, the Chamber identifies and facilitates the  accomplishment of goals that lead to a strong, vibrant business environment.