By Skip Weaver

Contributing writer

Dick Slagle’s goal for the Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton is simple. He wants to keep the doors open and the functions going.

The 87-year-old Slagle was recently named the Chamber’s interim executive director following the discharge of former director Bill Triick. His plan is to get acquainted and reacquainted with the membership and work to solve any issues that may be out there.

“I’m going to call on as many members as possible, and certainly anyone that wants to meet I will try to accommodate them,” Slagle said.

The chamber has approximately 500 members, Slagle said.

Slagle is no stranger to the executive director’s seat. He served in that capacity from 1959-69, and then came back in three separate stints ‑ including this one ‑ to fill in while a new executive director was sought.

“I feel an obligation,” Slagle said of why he has filled the interim role so many times. “The Chamber and the community have been very good to me and my family, so if I can help in some way, I’m happy to do it.

“Over its history, the Chamber has been a leader in the development of the community,” he continued. “I believe in the Chamber. It is an important part of the community and I want to make sure it continues to be that way.”

Slagle said the Chamber played an “integral” role in the development of the Miami University Middletown campus and the MADE Industrial Park among many other developments.

“Economic development, jobs and education have always been the focus of the Chamber,” Slagle said. “They will continue to be that and we will also look to amplify them as we move forward.”

Slagle also spent 16 years at Armco (1969-85) and has owned his own business – Ultimate Concepts – since 1986.

“I’m enjoying the challenge,” Slagle said of his return as interim director. “I’m excited like a firehouse dog at the clanging of the bell.”

Slagle said his personal goal is to keep the Chamber focused on its objectives and goals, and to help find and select a qualified person to serve as director at the earliest possible date. He estimated the selection process to last a couple of months.