In what he said “was one of the toughest moves he has ever made,” Farmington Chamber of Commerce President Cal Cobb stepped down July 31 from the position he has held since 2009.
“I leave reluctantly, but with every confidence in the future of the Chamber as it continues to provide guidance and skilled leadership to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario County,” said Cobb, who cited a desire to devote more time to immediate and extended family out of state as the reason for his departure.
“I felt that I simply could not devote the time and energy required to properly discharge my duties as president of the board and as a fully contributing board member,” said Cobb to board members on July 31.
Farmington Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Sue Stehling applauded Cobb for his work as president over the last three years, and as board member over the last 23 years.
“He’s done an excellent job,” said Stehling. “He’s really good with people and good with the businesses, and he got a lot done. But there comes a time when you have to put family first, and that’s what he did. It was a pleasure to work with Cal, every moment of it. I’m proud to be part of that organization.”
Cobb thanked Chamber Board members for their dedication and hard work. He also thanked the Farmington Town Board and other town officials for their support and cooperation, “working and growing together with the Chamber to create the best possible living and business environment in the county.”
According to Chamber Vice President Rose Kleman, at meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, a new president was selected — John Malvaso, who heads up the Farmington Business Council.
“Cal did very well,” said Kleman, “I hated to see him resign, because I felt he was a good president. He accomplished quite a bit — he got the business association going and got the corner started. We’ve gotten our website up and running. His accomplishments were many and he really and truly cared about the Chamber and keeping it going, and taking care of the businesses. I give him a lot of credit for what he’s done.”
Stehling believes that if change must happen, this is the best time for it.
“The Chamber’s in good shape,” said Stehling. “Cal had a superior support system with the board, and you’ll see that play out with the new leadership.”
In what he said “was one of the toughest moves he has ever made,” Farmington Chamber of Commerce President Cal Cobb stepped down July 31 from the position he has held since 2009.
“I leave reluctantly, but with every confidence in the future of the Chamber as it continues to provide guidance and skilled leadership to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario County,” said Cobb, who cited a desire to devote more time to immediate and extended family out of state as the reason for his departure.
“I felt that I simply could not devote the time and energy required to properly discharge my duties as president of the board and as a fully contributing board member,” said Cobb to board members on July 31.
Farmington Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Sue Stehling applauded Cobb for his work as president over the last three years, and as board member over the last 23 years.
“He’s done an excellent job,” said Stehling. “He’s really good with people and good with the businesses, and he got a lot done. But there comes a time when you have to put family first, and that’s what he did. It was a pleasure to work with Cal, every moment of it. I’m proud to be part of that organization.”
Cobb thanked Chamber Board members for their dedication and hard work. He also thanked the Farmington Town Board and other town officials for their support and cooperation, “working and growing together with the Chamber to create the best possible living and business environment in the county.”
According to Chamber Vice President Rose Kleman, at meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, a new president was selected — John Malvaso, who heads up the Farmington Business Council.
“Cal did very well,” said Kleman, “I hated to see him resign, because I felt he was a good president. He accomplished quite a bit — he got the business association going and got the corner started. We’ve gotten our website up and running. His accomplishments were many and he really and truly cared about the Chamber and keeping it going, and taking care of the businesses. I give him a lot of credit for what he’s done.”
Stehling believes that if change must happen, this is the best time for it.
“The Chamber’s in good shape,” said Stehling. “Cal had a superior support system with the board, and you’ll see that play out with the new leadership.”
Next year the Farmington Chamber will celebrate its 50th year in existence.
“For an all-volunteer organization that’s unheard of, especially in business world,” said Stehling. “People have so many demands in their lives, and for so many to give their time for the common good, that’s a good testimony. You have to look at a Chamber of Commerce as the front line. They are ambassadors — they’re extremely important for the community.”
As for the Gateway Project, a team beautification effort driven by the Farmington Business Council and Chamber of Commerce, Stehling said “John Malvaso is the ‘clerk-of-the-works’ for (that),” and construction should wrap up sometime this fall.
“If we could sell some more bricks, that’s what we need,” said Kleman of the grassroots effort that is funding the Gateway project. “I think it’s going to be very nice once it’s finished.”
Of the Chamber’s former president, Stehling said, “He will be missed. He’s a good guy, and an excellent gentlemen.”
