Harry Watts has been named Vice President, Director of Economic Development for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

In making the announcement, Lyle Butler, President/CEO of the Chamber indicated he is extremely pleased to have Watts lead the Economic Development efforts for the community. "Harry brings a great deal of marketing and lobbying experience to the position and has a tremendous enthusiasm for Manhattan." "He has been very active in our community previously and is looking forward to his new role" said Butler.

Watts is currently serving as Director of Communication/Legislative Assistant to Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Kent Glasscock. Prior to assuming that position earlier this year, he was Vice President-External Affairs for Ameritech in Indianapolis and spent 21 years with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was Area Manager-External Affairs for Southwestern Bell in Manhattan from 1995-1998. During that time he was an active member of the Chamber, serving on various committees and on the Board of Directors.

Watts will officially begin his new duties at the Chamber on June 20.