The past few days, a number of Lawrence residents have visited with representatives of a company called Waverly Partners LLC, which has been hired by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to provide names of individuals to be considered as the chamber’s new president and CEO.

Two Waverly representatives have visited with chamber staff and directors as well as former directors and officers and groups of interested residents. They are trying to hear the ideas and thoughts of a wide range of local residents and learn how these individuals view the chamber, its effectiveness and role in Lawrence, and what kind of person they think would be best suited for the top job.

Over the years, Lawrence has benefited from a strong, active chamber of commerce, but for one reason or another, the chamber has not maintained its position as an integral part of the community in recent years.

Lawrence is a community of many diverse interests. It’s not easy to get a consensus on numerous issues and how various organizations such as the chamber, the board of education and/or city and county government should be operated.

However, Lawrence needs and will benefit from a strong chamber of commerce led by an individual who works for a strong board of directors.

It would seem the first question the search and recruitment firm should get answered is what kind of chamber president directors want. What should be the focus of the chamber? What are its primary goals and mission?

Do current chamber directors want the chamber to focus on economic development and spend time recruiting individuals to seek positions on the City Commission, County Commission or school board?

Or is the mission of the chamber to be fine, friendly people who organize feel-good ribbon-cutting ceremonies and nice “after hours” receptions at various businesses where wine, soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served.

What should be the chamber’s role in economic and business development? What about the growth vs. no-growth element in Lawrence? How should the chamber address this situation? There are many other questions about the role and efforts of a good chamber of commerce.

How can a search/recruitment firm find the right individual for the Lawrence position until it knows the priorities of local leaders? It may be a nice “feel-good” tactic to have large group meetings and ask participants about their thoughts concerning the chamber, but selection of a chamber leader should not be determined by a town-hall type meeting.

It is believed the Waverly people will make a strong effort to find individuals currently happy and successful in their jobs rather than relying on individuals who are merely coasting along in their work looking for a change of scenery.

The current Lawrence Chamber is just a shell of its former stature. There have been far too many and too frequent personnel changes with several highly qualified individuals leaving in recent times. Morale within the office has not been good, and the relationship of the chamber with city and county government, as well as with the school district, is not what it should be.

The chamber used to be in charge of economic development for the city, but this has been compromised by the city’s creation of its own economic development position. Downtown or citywide retail projects used to be one of the major chamber programs, but here, too, the chamber no longer calls the shots.

Some past chamber executives have served too long, while others should have been released long before the change actually took place. Should there be a specific term of office for a chamber CEO or mandated reviews of his or her performance every few years?

What can be done to build a strong board of directors? What is the proper relationship between Kansas University and the Lawrence Chamber? Should the chamber serve as a strong lobbying arm for the university in its battles for greater fiscal support from state lawmakers?

Lawrence’s goal should be to be looked upon as America’s finest university city. There is no reason for Lawrence not to shoot for the very best, whether in the caliber of its city and county government or the excellence of its school system, job opportunities, law enforcement, recreation facilities, health care, housing and every other index.

Included on this score card should be a superior, active and highly respected chamber of commerce. This, however, is not likely to come about without a strong, highly respected board of directors and a CEO who, by his or her proven experience, education, energy, enthusiasm, vision and LEADERSHIP skills, can help guide the chamber to play an effective role in helping Lawrence reach its full potential.

Perhaps through their questions, Waverly representatives will help Lawrence residents recognize the importance of a strong, active and well respected chamber of commerce.