The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that Stacy Kohlmeier of Manhattan will become the new Vice-President of Economic Development for its organization effective June 17th. Her duties will include heading up the economic development efforts for the Chamber of Commerce including the recently established Advantage Manhattan program.

Lyle Butler, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, stated"Our organization was very fortunate to quickly find a person who had the experience and qualities we were looking for in this position. We feel that Ms. Kohlmeier’s past corporate experience and her involvement and knowledge of Manhattan and the region made her the ideal candidate for this position."

Stacy Kohlmeier worked for Western Resources for more than 17 years in many areas of the company’s corporate and utility operations. For the last three years, Kohlmeier has commuted to the corporate headquarters in Topeka where she was senior director, Merger Integration and Organization Planning. Most recently, she served as executive director, Public Affairs for Westar Energy (formerly known as KPL and KGE).

During the mid-90’s Kohlmeier was the Director of Operations for KPL in the Manhattan division. During that time she was responsible for customer service, community relations, construction, maintenance and operations in a seven county region which included parts of Riley, Geary, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Marshall, Nemaha and Clay counties.

Upon accepting the position at the Chamber Ms. Kohlmeier stated, "I am very excited to join the strong team at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Many individuals and businesses have invested in Advantage Manhattan to develop a sound roadmap to enhance the economic climate in our area. I look forward to working with the Chamber membership, Advantage Manhattan investors and our community partners to continue to move forward with the implementation of this plan."

In addition to her work experiences, Ms. Kohlmeier has been very active in the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. She had served on the Board of Directors and previously chaired the Economic Development Committee. She has also been involved with both the Public Affairs Committee and Military Affairs Committee.

Stacy Kohlmeier moved to Manhattan in 1984 after earning a degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University. She has also served on numerous boards of several community organizations including The Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, Friends of KONZA Prairie Board, Manhattan Catholic Schools Council of Education and Homecare and Hospice Foundation. Kohlmeier is also a graduate of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program and has been active with the Riley County United Way.

The position at the Chamber became open when Harry Watts, former VP of the Economic Development Division, accepted in May a position as Director of Public Policy with Kansas Farm Bureau.