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Pitcher to Retire as Chamber Director

After 13 years of leading the Anderson/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Keith Pitcher will retire May 1.

Pitcher began his job at the Chamber in 1997 after a career in newspapers and public relations for General Motors, Delco Remy and Community Hospital.

Under his leadership, the Chamber has worked with the Corporation for Economic Development and other economic development officials and city and county administrations to bring about diversification of the local economy and industrial sector.

“Our main function is to help the businesses that are already here to grow and prosper,” Pitcher said. “We’ve tried to do that over the years through our programs and services.”

During his time at the Chamber, Pitcher also has seen member businesses go through the worst recession of his career.

“I know, of course, a lot of the economists say that the worst is over and the recession’s over, but unlike previous recessions, this one doesn’t seem to increase hiring, which is really what we need to do,” he said. “I’ve not seen it quite this bad this long.”

Although he’ll be leaving the Chamber, Pitcher plans to stay in Anderson, where he has lived for the past 24 years.

“I came down here with GM for what I thought was going to be three or four years and it turned out to be 24 years,” he said. “We have 24 years’ worth of roots. It’s really become home to us. At this point, we’re hoping to stay in Anderson and do some volunteer work.”

Pitcher also plans to continue following the economic progress of Anderson, which he said is in a prime position for growth over the next three to five years.

“I think the next three to five years are going to be good for Anderson and Madison County because of our location and the fact that Indianapolis is moving up (Interstate) 69,” he said. “I think our location is a strong plus for us.”

Chamber office manager Rita Puckett said Pitcher would be missed at the Chamber.

“He’s been here 13 years, so it’s definitely sad when you have a change,” she said. “He’s done so much good work for the Chamber. Changes do happen, and you try to just make the best of the situation.”

Chamber board chairman Mike Latchaw said Pitcher had served the Chamber well in his time there, leading the organization in projects including a move from downtown Anderson to the Flagship Enterprise Center on the city’s southwest side.

“I think he’s just been a really overall strong advocate for the community,” Latchaw said. “That’s his main positive, I think. Times have changed a lot, and our Chamber is going through a struggle just as well as most businesses are. It’s a struggle to give everyone what they think they want from the Chamber. I think Keith has done a pretty good job of providing what the Chamber members would want as far as being a business advocate for the community.”

Latchaw said the board was starting to put a preliminary search committee together to find a replacement for Pitcher, who plans to retire May 1 but said he would stay longer if needed.

Pitcher said he had been thinking for a year about retiring and he felt mixed emotions about leaving his job.

“It’s been a great run, but I think probably it’s time for a leadership change,” he said. “It’s probably time for some change for me as well. I thought, well maybe it’s time to take a little time to smell the roses.”

Contact Aleasha Sandley: 640-4805, aleasha.sandley @heraldbulletin.com.
The Herald Bulletin