Rettig, Paden, Leave Canton Chamber

In two brief emails, the chairman of the Canton Chamber of Commerce board announced two personnel changes.

"Chamber President Tracey Rettig has submitted her resignation, effective November 11," Heator's first email read. "She is now working closely with members of the Chamber’s board of directors to develop a plan for the transition. The board is grateful for her support in this process. Please join me and the rest of the board in thanking Tracey for her service to the Chamber, and in wishing her well in her future endeavors."

Rettig confimed the news in a phone interview and saying her family dynamics had changed, explaining that her husband is traveling more now than he was a year ago and she needs the time to care for their 4-year-old son.

"I'm pleased that, while I was here for about a year, I increased accountability and transparency of financial matters," she said. "I also took part in a strategic-planning process that's going to ultimately make the chamber more sustainable."

Rettig said she has also been accepted into Lawrence Technological Institute's MBA program "so that should open some doors."

"I met some really great people and am leaving with some good friendships," she said.

The Canton Observer reported last month that Rettig faced criticism from some chamber members for not turning around declinging membership or fixing financial issues that predated her hiring.

In a second note, Heator wrote, "Thomas Paden has resigned from his position as the Chamber's member relations representative to take a position with a statewide association. All of us associated with the Chamber thank Thomas for his contributions and wish him the best in his new job."

Heator indicated Thomas accepted a new job, as business development director for the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. He also invited chamber members to a farewell party at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Kickers All Star Grill, 46555 W. Michigan Ave.