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Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joy Stump announced Wednesday, Feb. 19, that she would be leaving her position effective March 5.

Stump has accepted a position as Community Relations Coordinator with Southside Electric Cooperative in Crewe.

“I have absolutely loved my time with the chamber, but it’s been almost five years and I feel I’m ready for a new challenge,” Stump said in an interview with The Herald. “I love this community and that is why this new position appealed to me. Hopefully everyone will still see me around often.”

A replacement for Stump as not been named.

According to Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman Chris Brochon, the board will have an exploratory committee who will begin posting for applications in the near future.

“It’s a true loss for us, but we wish her all the best in her endeavor and hope we will continue to see her at the occasional chamber member lunch,” Brochon said. “Whoever comes in behind her is going to have big shoes to fill. In her five years as the executive director Joy has done an amazing job. She’s constantly coming up with ideas always at the need of our members and always happy and ready to help.”

During her time with the chamber Stump says she was responsible for the overall operations of the organization and loved getting to know so many people and organizations in the community.

“I am so proud of the work I have done for the chamber over these past years,” Stump said. “I’m also excited to see what new ideas and events a new leader will bring. The chamber is strong and will continue to thrive in this wonderful community.”

Stumps says the chamber has had many wonderful accomplishments over the years but her favorites have been the Holiday House tour and the Leadership Farmville Youth Summit.

“The house tour shows off our community at its finest and puts everyone in a wonderful and happy spirit,” Stump said. “I also was thrilled to add the youth component to our Leadership Farmville program. We’ve done it twice now and both times it was excellent.”