Champaign County chamber board selects new executive director

Lydia Hess has been selected as the new executive director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Board President Tom Coles said.

Hess, a St. Paris resident, has worked with the chamber in various roles since 2014 and will be responsible for promoting businesses throughout the county. She will replace Sandi Arnold, who resigned from the post after serving five years at the chamber.

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“Over the years, Lydia has continued to build lasting relationships with community members, leaders and elected officials while building on the diversity of our community,” the chamber board said in a news release.

Among other accomplishments, Hess was credited with working with Berry Digital Solutions to develop new content for the chamber’s website. Coles also praised Hess for her management style, and organizational and project management skills.

“The board has great confidence for Lydia continuing the positive business trends that have developed for Champaign County over the last five years,” the board’s statement says. “As a community let us continue this confidence.”

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Arnold, the chamber’s previous director, had served since 2012 but resigned earlier this month to move to Mansfield and spend more time with her family.

Board members credited Arnold with developing several programs to connect business leaders in Champaign County, including Champaign County Young Professionals and a Lunch and Learn educational series.

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