Frankfort Chamber Downsizes Staff, Executive Director

FRANKFORT, IL — Due to downsizing at the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Marianne Melcher and part-time administrative assistant Peggy Slager have left the office staff, Melcher said in a post on the chamber's Facebook page.

"It has been my sincere honor and privilege to be part of the Frankfort Chamber, and I wish nothing but the very best for each and every one of you," Melcher said on Facebook.

Board president Bert Behnke said the chamber made budget cuts from all different areas.

"We lost all of our revenue producing events March - June and possibly looking at other things that may not happen, including Fall Fest," Behnke told Patch. "We are monitoring the situation constantly, the board meets weekly and while we are optimistic, we know it is not necessarily in our control."

Behnke said the focus of the chamber is on its membership and dedicating remaining resources to that.

"The board felt this was the best solution for the financial health and continuity of our organization, although a tough decision to make," Behnke said.