News From Terre Haute, Indiana

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  • Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Ready to grow: New Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ken Brengle discusses how he looks forward to the opportunities in his new position during a press conference at the chamber Tuesday.

    MET 050212 CHAMBER BRENGLE.jpg

  • Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Transition team: Bob Quatroche, interim president, shakes the hand of the new Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ken Brengle after Brengle's introductory press conference Tuesday at the chamber office.

    MET 050212 CHAMBER 2BRENGL.jpg

  • Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Welcome aboard: Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Norm Lowery shakes hands with the chamber's new President and CEO, Ken Brengle, after Lowery introduced him at a press conference at the chamber Tuesday.

    MET 050212 CHAMBER LOWERY.jpg

  • Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza A successful search: Bob Quatroche, interim Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce president, talks about the chamber's new president and CEO, Ken Brangle, second from right, as search committee chairman, Scott Yeager, listens Tuesday at the chamber's offices.

    MET 050212 CHAMBER QUATRO.jpg

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May 3, 2012

Chamber introduces new leader

Sue Loughlin The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Terre Haute’s renaissance, its potential and its family atmosphere are three major reasons why Ken Brengle says he wanted to move here and serve as the new president and chief executive officer of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.  

He made his comments during a news conference Wednesday as chamber officials announced his appointment to the position. Brengle was selected from among 65 applicants in a search process that began last summer and employed an outside search firm.

“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” said Brengle, 57, who has spent much of his career in Colorado.

He will begin his new duties May 15.

Norm Lowery, Terre Haute Chamber board chairman, introduced Brengle as “an accomplished chamber and economic development executive with more than 30 years of experience. He is one of only 200 active, certified chamber executives in the U.S.”

Brengle previously served as CEO for the West Chamber of Commerce in Jefferson County, Colo., a market of 250,000.

He and his volunteer leaders “played a significant role in reshaping the workers’ compensation system in Colorado. He also served on coalitions that won passage of a mass transit referendum in the Denver metro area as well as funding for the Denver Broncos new stadium,” according to a chamber news release.

One of Brengle’s priorities will be to oversee a strategic planning process to look at the future direction of the Terre Haute chamber. Another goal would be to grow chamber membership.

He has met with economic development leaders at the Terre Haute Economic Development Corp. and believes the chamber’s role in job creation “is to back them [EDC] up in their efforts to get primary jobs to this community,” Brengle said.

The intent is not to duplicate efforts, but to offer support to the EDC in ways “that will make us strong when we make bids for certain industries,” he said.  

He also hopes to push the “shop local concept here in Terre Haute” and strengthen retail and service businesses.

In terms of legislative advocacy, “Our role is to address the critical issues facing the business community,” he said.

He’s aware of past controversy related to right-to-work legislation and other legislation affecting public schools, including vouchers and charter schools.

He’s met with Vigo Schools Superintendent Dan Tanoos and also is working to set up meetings with local labor union leaders.

The chamber may disagree with other groups on some issues, but Brengle wants to maintain open communication and create partnerships with those groups.

“I want to create an open dialogue with other factions of the community with the understanding that we won’t always be able to agree. … But let’s make sure we’re sitting at the table figuring where we can agree and where we can work together on certain issues,” he said.

For example, he hopes to work with labor union representatives on issues that promote community health and wellness.

 In the past, Brengle has served as the executive of the Big Bear Lake (California) Resort Association, where he facilitated the design of, assembled funding for and managed a $1.5 million marketing campaign.

As president/CEO of the Montrose (Colorado) Association of Commerce & Tourism, he directed the initiation of a multi-county “buy local” campaign.

He also has maintained a consulting practice throughout his career.

In addition, Brengle has served as the CEO of chambers of commerce in Cheyenne, Wyo.; Durango, Colo.; Torrance, Calif.; and Cortez, Colo.

Bob Quatroche, interim Terre Haute Chamber president, will work directly with Brengle to ensure a smooth transition over the next several weeks, Lowery said.

Brengle is married and has a 12-year-old son and three adult children. He enjoys golf, scouting and biking. “My family and I are looking forward to being part of the community and making Terre Haute our home,” he said.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.

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