SAN BENITO — Lionel Betancourt, who founded the San Benito Chamber of Commerce, has resigned as its president.
Betancourt’s resignation came as the chamber prepares to install new officers, Executive Director Sandee Alvarez said today.
“We anticipated it. His intention was to retire,” Alvarez said. “He got it going. He did a great job. Of course, he’s going to be missed.”
Four years ago, Betancourt, a retired businessman, worked with a group of community leaders to launch a new chamber.
“Lionel stepped up to the challenge and has done an outstanding job of restoring an active Chamber of Commerce for San Benito,” Mayor Celeste Sanchez said in a statement. “I feel confident that what he started will continue to grow and thrive and that Mr. Betancourt will always ben there to mentor and advice any new leadership.”
Alvarez said Vice President Tony Crane will take over leadership.
Nearly a year after the last San Benito Chamber of Commerce president resigned, retired businessman Lionel Betancourt has volunteered to oversee the chamber. Chamber board members are expected to consider Betancourt’s offer at an upcoming meeting.
