Former director returns to chamber

PARIS — A veteran director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce will resume his duties after being approved for the position.

John Williams, who served as the executive director from 1993 to 2004, was unanimously accepted by the 17 members of the board of directors Tuesday. A search committee had suggested that Williams be hired.

“We were thrilled,” said Sue Goulet, chairman of the board. “He ran the chamber for 11 years, very successfully.”

In the intervening five years, three people have directed the chamber: Rich Livingston, Kelsey Jewell, and Steve Wallace. Most recently, Wallace left in October to lead the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce. Goulet said she was often told, “‘It’s too bad you couldn’t find someone like John'” after the directors’ comparatively short terms.

Williams, 58, said the chamber has been successful in expanding its membership and activities in the past five years, including the organization of a golf tournament, manufactured housing show, and business showcase. He said he hopes to be a more lasting influence at the chamber and interact with local businesses to offer assistance and resources.

“It occurred to me that perhaps there was a need to bring back some stability to that position,” Williams said.

Originally a resident of Auburn, Williams graduated from Edward Little High School and the University of Maine at Orono. He has been involved in the broadcast industry for the past 30 years, of which 20 have been at the helm of Williams Broadcasting Inc. Along with his wife, Williams runs the business from studios at his Norway home, producing short-format programming such as ski reports and financial updates for radio and television. He also hosts “In the Pits,” a motor sports talk show, on Fridays on WJAB 96.3 with Bill Ryan, owner of the Oxford Plains Speedway.

Williams did graduate work at the Bangor Theological Seminary and is associated with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. He said he has worked on and off in ministerial positions for 25 years and leads services at the West Bethel Union Church.

Williams said he will continue to run his business while serving as the chamber director. He will officially begin his duties Jan. 1, and make an assessment of the chamber’s recent activities. He said the chamber will continue to sponsor events and activities and will interact with the Maine Legislature as well as local and state chambers. Williams said Bruce Little, who served as interim director following Wallace’s departure, will continue assisting the chamber with organizing events.

Williams said that while the economic situation presents a challenge to local businesses, he feels they have been successful in cooperating to be more successful and that the chamber can assist in those efforts.

“I think it’s a testament to the business community and the Chamber of Commerce that it has continued to grow,” he said.

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John Williams, who served as director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce for 11 years, will return to the position on Jan. 1.

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