Mitchell County Chamber and EDC Announce Strategic Collaboration

The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission (EDC) are pleased to announce a renewed collaborative partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will bring shared leadership and vision to both organizations. As part of this agreement, Bill Slagle has been named Executive Director of both the Chamber and the EDC, assuming oversight of operations, strategic planning, and collaborative initiatives for each organization.

This partnership signals a significant step toward unifying the efforts of business support and economic development in Mitchell County. While the Chamber and EDC will maintain their individual boards, missions, and financial independence, they will benefit from a shared director to lead long-range planning, maximize resources, and expand their impact through coordinated strategies.

This model of collaboration is not new to Mitchell County. In fact, the Chamber and EDC experienced a successful joint leadership structure in the early 2000s, which resulted in years of growth, efficient resource sharing, and strengthened community and economic initiatives.

“Partnerships like this are the key to building a stronger, more resilient community,” said Nikki Presnell, President of the Mitchell County Chamber Board of Directors. “Bringing the Chamber and EDC together under a shared leadership structure allows us to align our goals and leverage resources in a way that benefits our entire county.”

Bill Slagle brings decades of experience in both public and private sector leadership, and his appointment promises a seamless integration of vision and operations across the two organizations. His leadership will help drive innovation, attract investment, support local businesses, and plan for future economic sustainability.

“This partnership strengthens both organizations and ultimately strengthens our ability to serve the people and businesses of Mitchell County,” said Slagle. “We are excited to move forward together with a unified focus on growth, opportunity, and collaboration.”

The Chamber and EDC believe this strategic alignment will not only streamline operations but also enhance the support systems in place for existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and new economic development opportunities across the county.

For more information about this partnership or the ongoing work of either organization, please contact: