Longtime Henderson Chamber of Commerce CEO to retire

By Paul Takahashi

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 | 5:25 p.m.

The president and CEO of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce announced her retirement Tuesday after 24 years with the chamber.

Alice Martz, who has been the chamber’s president and CEO for the past 14 years, said she plans to provide advisory support and guidance to the chamber to enable a smooth transition and to remain a part of the community while a replacement is sought.

“I have cherished my time with this organization and its members, but I believe it is time for me to step down from my position so both the chamber and I can begin new chapters,” Martz said in a statement. “I feel so blessed having been able to serve the business community of Henderson in such a critical role for so long.”

During Martz’s tenure, she established and grew the Leadership Henderson program, created the Henderson Business Resource Center and negotiated the donation of the chamber office building.

“It is the right time for the chamber and the Henderson business community to have a new vision and see this organization into the future,” she said.

Kirk Clausen, the chamber’s chairman of the board and Wells Fargo Nevada regional president said in a statement he was grateful for Martz’s stewardship of the chamber.

“Alice’s leadership over the years has been precisely what our organization needed to ensure we are relevant and resourceful to Henderson’s business community, then and now,” Clausen said. “I wish nothing other than a joy-filled retirement as she has done so much for our community and continues to commit herself to helping us further moving forward into the future.”

The selection process for a new president and CEO is expected to begin soon. Programs and services will continue to be offered by the chamber of commerce during the transition period.

Martz's announcement is one of three recent leadership changes in valley chambers of commerce.

Earlier this month, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce named Kristin McMillan as its president and CEO to replace Matt Crosson, who died in December, several weeks after open-heart surgery.

Last week, North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Michael Varney announced he is leaving his post to become the new president and CEO of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, voluntary organization that promotes and supports member businesses. For more information, call 702-565-8951 or visit www.hendersonchamber.com.