The following announcement is bittersweet.  Cile Warr, 13-year President of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, announced Wednesday at the monthly Chamber Board meeting that she would be resigning in June to accept the newly created Director of Development position for Grace Christian Academy.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chamber President for the past 13 years, “stated Warr.  “Chamber work has always been my heart, but the heart of the Chamber is really made up of the Officers, Directors, volunteers and staff -- they are the ones that make it all happen.”

Warr has been in the Chamber business for 18 years and became the first woman President of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce in March of 1995.  She previously served at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in Canton, GA, and the Sylacauga, AL, Chamber of Commerce.

Cile’s decision to pursue a job with Grace Christian Academy comes after much soul searching and prayer.  She stated, “I am very excited about having the opportunity to join the Grace team, be a part of my children’s education, and know at the end of the day, that I made a difference in their lives.”

The current and past Board of Directors and all those who have worked with Cile over the course of her tenure at the Chamber, have had nothing but praise for the exemplary work she has done in and for the community.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors,  Suzi Bonifay, current Chair, said, “Cile has given tirelessly and at much personal sacrifice to the citizenry of Bainbridge and Decatur County in a job that often demanded her time twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  She led our local Chamber to new heights, added services and programs, secured recognition for the community, accomplished it all with professionalism and style, and made the BDCCC the envy of the state."

"We are as excited about the new opportunity presented to Cile as we are saddened to see her reign at the Chamber come to an end.  As a Chamber President, she led by example and was second to none, as evidenced by her selection as Chamber Professional of the Year for 2007.  The time has come for Cile to accept a new challenge—one that will afford her more time with her family.  We wish her only the best in her future endeavors."

The Board of Directors voted to accept the resignation and announced their intention to proceed with the process of advertising the position of Chamber President with all due haste.