Reddy among directors of new Colorado Springs economic group

Venkat Reddy

Venkat Reddy, dean of the College of Business at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, recently was selected as one of 15 directors to form the new governing board of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation.

The groups formally announced an agreement Dec. 15 to unify as one organization to be known as the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, effective Feb. 1, 2012.

The respective boards submitted nominations and voted to appoint a slate of 15 directors. Reddy will join Chris Blees of Biggs Kofford, Frank Caris of dpiX, Debbie Chandler of Colorado Springs Health Partners, Toby Gannett  of The Palisades at Broadmoor Park, Steve Helbing  of Wells Fargo, Chris Jenkins  of Nor’wood Development Group, Mike Jorgensen  of Red Noland Cadillac Inc., Dan Malinaric  of Atmel, Tom Neppl of Springs Fabrication Inc., Kevin O’Neil  of The O’Neil Group, Sherri Newell  of Colorado Springs Utilities, Dave Palenchar of El Pomar Foundation, Doug Quimby of La Plata Communities Inc., and Air Force Gen. (retired) “Gene” Renuart Jr.

The new board consists of five members from each of the Chamber and EDC boards and five at-large members. The chair of the new board will be appointed at its first official meeting after Feb. 1. The respective Chamber and EDC boards have directed the newly appointed board to serve prior to Feb. 1 as the transition team planning the merger and bringing about its implementation.

A search committee has been established to conduct a national search for the new organization’s CEO, expected to be in place within the next three to four months. The search committee is co-chaired by Chamber board Chair Bill Hodgkins and EDC board Chair Doug Quimby.

While economic development and job creation will be at the forefront of the new organization, it is anticipated that the membership programs and services of both organizations will remain the same with any modifications or changes done so in concert with the investors and members.