The third candidate for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer and president position was unable to visit the city this week.

The public event from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today at the Lied Center has been canceled.

Jim Otten, a Lawrence dentist and chamber chairman, said that candidate still could be considered for the position and visit later.

“That’s a possibility. It just wasn’t working right now with their current position,” Otten said.

Chamber board members have not publicly identified the third candidate. George Guastello, of Leawood, and Thomas Kern, of McLean, Va., both interviewed with the search committee and met the public this week.

The chamber is looking for someone to fill the position vacated by Lavern Squier. He resigned earlier this year and now works for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.

Otten said the search committee would meet next week, although it’s unlikely to reach a final decision then.

“I wouldn’t anticipate that at this time. We still have some work to do,” he said.