- April 18, 2024
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This time he really means it. Rick Fraser is going to retire for sure.
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce learned recently that Fraser will retire as executive director by the end of the year.
Three years ago, he had plans to call it a career after working as human resources manager at Ocean Design Inc., Command Medical Products and Coronado Paint, and then serving as president of Center for Business Excellence for 12 years.
But his town needed him. The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce was seeking an executive director, and many believed he was the perfect candidate.
A chamber member since 1999, he was well-known, having held leadership roles including president of the chamber’s board of directors.
“I started to get phone calls,” he said. “I said no, I wanted to retire. I had worked my whole life. But people kept calling me so I said I would look into it.”
He eventually decided to take the executive director job and now looks back on what he calls “three fantastic years.”
“I was pleased I made the decision to give it a shot,” he said. “I enjoyed the interaction with the people. We have great board members who are very involved and want nothing but the best. I’ve got a great staff committed to the chamber.”
He also said the membership is active, coming out to ribbon cuttings and afterhours.
Chamber President (and Observer publisher) John Walsh said Fraser is known for turning the chamber around.
In 2014, there were 723 members and there are now 837.
“Prior to Rick, the Chamber ended the year with a deficit,” Walsh said. “Last year we had a budget surplus.”
Walsh also said there are now more members seeking board positions.
New initiatives started during the Fraser era include the Corporate Challenge, now in its third year; quarterly economic prosperity breakfast meetings; joint afterhours with the Flagler Chamber; and a lunch and learn series.
“It’s been a great three years,” Fraser said.
Fraser is called “tireless and resiliently enthusiastic about Ormond Beach and the people he works with” by Julia Truilo, a board member and executive director of Ormond MainStreet.
“His good nature is contagious,” she said. “That has translated into great relationships for the chamber with both the city of Ormond Beach and other Ormond Beach organizations.”
Bill Navarra, of Realty Pros Assured, a past chamber president, said Fraser did a fantastic job as director.
“Since he has been there our relationship with the city improved to levels we never imagined,” he said. “Rick has a way of making everyone feel valued. You’ll always find him with a big smile on his face and a welcoming handshake. He is not only a great director, but I consider him to be a great friend and he will truly be missed. ”
Fraser said the chamber has forged a “solid relationship” with city officials and staff, working together on several projects, such as the beautification of North U.S. 1, and he sees a bright future.
“Ormond Beach has a great reputation and a great quality of life,” he said. “More and more companies are choosing Ormond Beach as a place to do business.”
Fraser now looks at a retirement filled with travel and “family stuff.” He has four grandchildren, and wants to spend time with them.
Fraser moved to Ormond Beach 25 years ago.
“I intend to be part of the future. I may do volunteer work,” he said. “I love Ormond Beach and I have no plans to go anywhere else.”
