SBA President Lamia resigns

Schaumburg Business Association President Tonya Lamia has resigned, SBA Chairman Rich Augustine announced Wednesday.

Deborah Nelson, vice president of operations, has been appointed acting president. She and the SBA staff continue to serve members and manage the operations of the Association, Augustine said.

No reason was given for Lamia’s resignation, and efforts to reach her for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Lamia was named president of the organization in April 2010 following the retirement of founding President Laurie Stone.

Augustine, president of R.J. Augustine & Associates, Ltd., praised Lamia for her role in the development of the Schaumburg Center for Economic Development, which has been instrumental in attracting and retaining business in Schaumburg, and working with the village to create a favorable business climate.

“Tonya has created a strong foundation for the SBA to be a key contributor in the economic growth and vitality of Schaumburg and the region. We thank her for bringing her ideas and expertise to the SBA and wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” Augustine said.

The SBA’s founding chairman, Brian Burke, also praised Lamia for her building upon the association’s strengths that were established by Stone.

“I think Tonya had a lot of the right qualities,” Burke said. “I can only say from my perspective that she wanted the best and expected the best. She gave 150 percent. I have nothing but respect for her work ethic.”

Bruce Pearson, managing director of Manulife Financial in Schaumburg, will lead a search committee for the next SBA president. He could not be reached Wednesday for comment on the expected time frame of the search, or what qualities may be most sought in the next president.

“The SBA will continue to succeed in supporting both large and small business by offering programming it has become recognized for over the last decade,” Augustine said. “I am encouraged by the commitment of the SBA leadership to member services, especially as the economy begins to emerge. All along, the focus of the SBA has been to support our businesses, and on the importance of encouraging local economic growth.”