Fishbaugh would not elaborate on the disagreement that led to Triick’s termination or release any information on his salary or any severance package he might have received. He called that information “private.”
“I think the board wants to look at the long term,” said Triick, who was hired by the chamber in 2004. “It’s a long-term move.”
Triick, 70, said he has been “very pleased” with the chamber’s growth and its impact on Middletown, Monroe and Trenton. He said the chamber’s new direction involves having someone who could lead the organization “for a longer period of time.”
Fishbaugh said the board will begin a search for an interim president and CEO and that there is already a short list of five to seven people they are already contacting. He said once an interim president is found, the board would begin a national search for a permanent replacement.
The board hopes to fill the vacancy within the next few weeks, Fishbaugh said.
Triick, a 1961 graduate of Middletown High School and a graduate of West Point military academy, said he’s willing to help in the leadership transition and offer “advice and counsel.”
“I’ll continue to work on behalf of the business community. If it’s for another chamber, then in another capacity,” Triick said.
“I’m looking toward retirement years, but I’m not in that yet.”
News of Triick’s termination surprised many in his hometown who thought he was doing “a fine job.”
Ty Thomas, executive director of TV Middletown, a chamber member, said he was “shocked” to learn of Triick’s firing. Thomas said he’d met with Triick just days ago to discuss the All-American Expo, chili cook-off and other chamber events this year.
“It is very sobering in light of a man losing his job in this economy,” Thomas said. “My best wishes to Bill and his wife, Joyce.”
Gary Daubenmire, owner of Daubenmire’s Printing Co. at 1527 Central Avenue, said he had difficulty articulating an opinion on Triick’s dismissal because “I don’t know why.” Daubenmire said the leadership change won’t affect his membership status.
Chuck Flaum, president of Junkyard Floors & More at 180 Senate Drive in Monroe, has no concerns about the change in direction.
“I’m sure someone will step up,” he said.
One thing he’d like to see the new chamber president do is to open up more chamber-only events to the general public “to show how fun chamber members are.”
“I just want to see a more open-minded approach to get people to join,” Flaum said.
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