Tim Todd, dean of the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, is thrilled for his new position as incoming chair of the most esteemed Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.

The Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce has been elected as the Chamber of the Year with under $500,000 in revenue.

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives chose Murray based on several qualities, including member services and community leadership.

Lance Allison, executive director of the Chamber and Murray State alumni, recognizes the University as being a constant driving force for the Chamber.

“We continue to work closely with Murray State,” Allison said. “They have the resources we may need, and we help them in certain areas as well.”

The Chamber has been recognized for being able to cooperate with the Murray community.

In conjunction with Todd’s experience in both the business and education fields, the Chamber is expected to thrive again.

“Tim is an excellent leader and a good communicator,” Allison said.

Being the chair-elect of the Chamber, Todd said he hopes to further the mission of the business school. He said even though many students leave Murray-Calloway County after graduation, he wants to promote jobs in the area for students through his office at the Chamber.

Todd said he is hoping to push the Chamber even further this year by making it fully accredited.

Accreditation would not only benefit Murray-Calloway County with another excellent honor, but would also reflect well upon the College of Business, he said.

Out of more than 7,000 chambers nationwide, only 223 chambers in the U.S. are accredited. Already being recognized as a Chamber of the Year gives Murray-Calloway County an edge in the extensive application process. A process which is primarily based on a 200-page application, followed by an interview of the chamber members in Louisville, Ky.

Todd said he is focused on what judges told him could be improved about the Chamber within the next few years.

He said he wants to make sure the Chamber excels, while always keeping Murray State in mind.

Story by Lexy Gross, Staff writer.