Schaumburg Business Association begins transition to new leadership
The Schaumburg Business Association marked the dawn of new leadership for the organization this morning.
On her second day on the job, new SBA President Tonya Lamia attended the organization's monthly breakfast gathering at Chandler's Banquets alongside predecessor Laurie Stone.
Stone said the transitional period from this week through the end of May is almost scientifically calibrated to be seamless and smooth.
"As the next six weeks go by, you'll be able to see the wonderful transition we have planned," Stone said. "From my perspective, it's an opportunity to show organizations what a good transition is."
Lamia said the fact that such a transitional period was built into the succession made an already attractive job even better.
"It was part of the draw for me, it was part of what made me choose the opportunity that Laurie would be here to pass on her wisdom," Lamia said. "I'm delighted."
In just two days on the job, Lamia said she can already feel how comfortable a fit the Schaumburg community will be for her as well as providing new challenges and a chance to grow professionally.
Lamia was selected from among more than 100 candidates to succeed the retiring Stone. She was vice president of investor relations for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.
She said Rockford differs greatly from Schaumburg both in terms of its overall community as well as its diversified economy. While Rockford is largely industrial, Lamia marveled at the wide variety of professions from which she collected business cards at the SBA's morning event.
The transition itself will be the theme of the SBA's next "Good Morning, Schaumburg!" event at Chandler's on May 11, when Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson will introduce Lamia to speak about her plans for the future and Stone to speak about her reminiscences of nearly 10 years as president.
A retirement party for Stone at Entourage Restaurant in Schaumburg is planned for May 26. Stone learned a roast of her is planned at the party only by reading the invitation.
"I'm looking forward to it, because I've been known to roast back," she laughed.