Change is good. Sometimes change is necessary. Change is inevitable.
For the 500-member Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce change is in the air for executive director position and Applefest coordinator - at least in part.
Late last year, executive director Jodi Baker Lewis announced she was stepping down, not retiring, but ready for a change. Her duties included organizing the annual three-day festival with the Core Committee on top of the everyday tasks of running the chamber office.
Chamber board president Josh Jolley said at the time of Lewis' announcement back in November that she was leaving behind huge shoes to fill and didn't want to rush. They took applications and conducted interviews.
In the end, their choice was just a desk away. Ryan Rudegeair, who was working shared positions between the chamber and the Franklin Business and Retail Association, has been named the next director.
And Lewis will stay on for a year as the Applefest coordinator and to help Rudegeair in the transition.
For the 500-member Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce change is in the air for executive director position and Applefest coordinator - at least in part.
Late last year, executive director Jodi Baker Lewis announced she was stepping down, not retiring, but ready for a change. Her duties included organizing the annual three-day festival with the Core Committee on top of the everyday tasks of running the chamber office.
Chamber board president Josh Jolley said at the time of Lewis' announcement back in November that she was leaving behind huge shoes to fill and didn't want to rush. They took applications and conducted interviews.
In the end, their choice was just a desk away. Ryan Rudegeair, who was working shared positions between the chamber and the Franklin Business and Retail Association, has been named the next director.
And Lewis will stay on for a year as the Applefest coordinator and to help Rudegeair in the transition.
Rudegeair grew up in Franklin and has been a familiar face around town in various capacities.
Over the years, besides his recent work with the retail association, he has served in Franklin City Council, owned Buffalo Street Lanes with his wife Jessica, volunteered as president of the chamber board and is a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge.
"It is something I've been working towards, whether I knew it or not," he said about his recent promotion.
Over the years, besides his recent work with the retail association, he has served in Franklin City Council, owned Buffalo Street Lanes with his wife Jessica, volunteered as president of the chamber board and is a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge.
"It is something I've been working towards, whether I knew it or not," he said about his recent promotion.
He said he has quite a bit to learn in his new position, including hiring a replacement for his combined position, and is excited for another opportunity to continue to make Franklin even better.
His work with the retail association will come in handy as he takes on a role with an organization with larger number and larger variety of members. He said one of his main objectives will be to continue working with businesses to help them thrive and connect with one another.
As for Lewis, when she decided to leave the chamber she would miss "The Best Three Days," her description of Applefest, the most. So she is pleased with the turn of events. "I'm so happy. Beside my kids (and family), it is my favorite thing... and cold coffee," she said with a smile. "The (Applefest) vendors are my family. Each October it is a huge family reunion."
Lewis intends to have an office at the chamber, but her focus will be on Applefest and growing the ideas of its improvements and efficiency. While the festival physically doesn't have much room to grow given it fills up the two parks and closes streets already, the event’s identity and reach can grow, which will be her concentration.
"It's a good move forward for Applefest, there is tons of potential," she said of the dedicated position. "I didn't create Applefest, but (it is) my baby. There is so much community pride in Applefest. There are so many people involved. There are (246) days to 'The Best Three Days,' I am grateful for this year to be able to focus just on that."
His work with the retail association will come in handy as he takes on a role with an organization with larger number and larger variety of members. He said one of his main objectives will be to continue working with businesses to help them thrive and connect with one another.
As for Lewis, when she decided to leave the chamber she would miss "The Best Three Days," her description of Applefest, the most. So she is pleased with the turn of events. "I'm so happy. Beside my kids (and family), it is my favorite thing... and cold coffee," she said with a smile. "The (Applefest) vendors are my family. Each October it is a huge family reunion."
Lewis intends to have an office at the chamber, but her focus will be on Applefest and growing the ideas of its improvements and efficiency. While the festival physically doesn't have much room to grow given it fills up the two parks and closes streets already, the event’s identity and reach can grow, which will be her concentration.
"It's a good move forward for Applefest, there is tons of potential," she said of the dedicated position. "I didn't create Applefest, but (it is) my baby. There is so much community pride in Applefest. There are so many people involved. There are (246) days to 'The Best Three Days,' I am grateful for this year to be able to focus just on that."
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