Krum to step down as Chamber director

   With an eye toward concentrating on his health, Bobby Krum has announced his resignation as executive director of the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce.

   The resignation will take effect April 30.

   Krum, 42, has been diagnosed with unclassified rheumatoid arthritis, giving him severe inflammation in his knees, hips, shoulders and elbows. That, more than anything else, led him to step down from the director position he has held since March 2022.

   “It’s an auto immune disease that was attacking my joints,” he said. “Daily, it’s just severe pain.

   “I’m sad that I have to leave, but I’m trying to balance health, Whiffle (Tree Mercantile, the business he has owned since 2020), and the Chamber, seven days a week. It’s just been too much.”

   Chamber President Jared Lasley said he will be sad to see Krum go.

   “He is phenomenal,” Lasley said. “He has been so energetic. He has boosted membership levels, and boosted sponsorship levels.

   “He brought fresh ideas. He kept the older things that worked, and found new ways to do things that were better.”

   A Chamber press release announcing the resignation noted, “Bobby has made significant contributions to our organization and has played an integral role in creating an excitement that has people ‘keeping their eye on Monticello.’

   “We are confident in the abilities of our team to continue delivering exceptional work and maintaining the high standards that Bobby has helped establish.”

   Krum said, “I love the job. I love recruiting businesses, helping businesses, and promoting Monticello.

   “I hope I have them set up for success. It’s a needed job. It helps the community. Hopefully somebody can jump right in here and take off.”

   Lasley said the search for a new director has begun.

   “The hiring committee has met,” he said. “But it’s a small pool. They’re not easy to find. It’s going to take a while. Hopefully we can find a new director who is just as energetic as he is.

   “It’s a shame to see him go, but we all understand he needs to focus on his personal health and well-being.”