Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce Director tenders resignation

Brian Perkins

The Executive Director of the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced...he's leaving. Brian Perkins notified the Chamber Board of Director's last week that he will be resigning, effective November 30th. Perkins called the moment "bittersweet." The Andover resident said he has been offered a "new and exciting" position that will keep him in Allegany County. The details, he said, "are still being finalized."
Perkins was hired to lead the Chamber in March 2016 following the departure of Steven Havey. Havey now serves with the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce.
Perkins said his Board of Directors will be officially notified on Thursday, when the group meets.
Perkins says he is proud of the efforts of the Chamber during his tenure. During an interview this morning with Wellsville Regional News, he said business is "looking good." He said his key accomplishments include "building new relationships"...noting the 23 North project on Main Street as a "big boost" for the momentum of the downtown area. He was also very proud of the Evening Under the Stars event, which was handed off to the Chamber from the Wellsville Hot Air Balloon Rally Committee. Currently, the Chamber boasts a membership of about 175, from Main Street in Wellsville to Buffalo. Perkins was also integral in the significant change in the membership structure. He said that "more can be done" and he wishes great success to his replacement.
The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce has struggled a bit in 2018. In March of this year, Mary Libertone, another key employee, retired. That change placed the full weight of the organization on Perkins, who was assisted by some board members and interns.

In 1909, businessmen in the village of Wellsville decided to band together to help promote local business by sharing ideas and forming a common voice when dealing with issues of the day. They called this organization the Wellsville Businessmen’s Association. This organization prospered and it was clear that this association was outgrowing its original mission. More on the history can be found here.

The final official event that Perkins will oversee is the Santa Claus Parade, which is set for November 29th. Perkins mused, "who else can resign...and have a parade too."