From Rindi White in Wasilla:

The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce has appointed new officers and placed its executive director, Cheryl Metiva, on leave until an auditor reviews the nonprofit's books. The chamber announced a funding shortage in April. The new officers, Metiva's leave and plans to invite all chamber members to board and committee meetings were announced in an email sent by the chamber board Thursday afternoon.

Here's that email:

From: ezestate@hotmail.com [mailto:ezestate@hotmail.com] On Behalf Of contact@wasillachamber.org
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 4:16 PM
To: press@wasillachamber.org
Subject: GWCC PRESS RELEASE MAY 28, 2009

The Wasilla Chamber of Commerce met the evening of May 27th, 2009 for their first, full meeting, since the appointment of the new directors by the remaining board member, Quentin Algood, and the subsequent directors appointed thereafter. The board resolved the following...

1. Chris Abernathy was nominated and voted in as the new President of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.
2. Quentin Algood was nominated and voted in as the Secretary of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.
3. Marcus T. Reum was nominated and voted in as the Treasurer of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce
4. The members will locate and gather quotes for an independent, third-party auditor to review the financial records of the Chamber of Commerce.
6. The current Executive Director, Cheryl Metiva, was placed on paid administrative leave for a three week period (payable under the three-week vacation pay Cheryl Metiva is entitled to annually), at which time, the paid portion of her leave will expire. Pending the completion of the independent audit, she will remain on administrative leave without pay. After reviewing the findings of the independent audit, the Board of Directors of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce will render a decision as to whether or not to retain Metiva as the Executive Director. If the board decides to retain Ms. Metiva, she will be reimbursed retroactively for all salary she would have otherwise received from the time her vacation pay ended to the date of the Board's decision to retain her.
7. At this time Lyn Carden, at the request of the Board of Directors, will step in as acting Executive Director.
8. As a matter of future, routine operating producedure, the board intends to conduct board meetings and committee meetings in an open and public forum at all times. The membership and public at large are invited and encouraged to attend.
9. At the first opportunity, a copy of the most recent and past Board Meeting Minutes, as well as the newest By-Laws, will become permanent fixtures on the Chamber website.
10. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for 5:15pm on Monday, June 1st, 2009, and will end promptly at no later than 7:15pm. The public is invited to attend and participate.

BOARD STATEMENT:

We recognize that, with every tumultuous challenge any elected body might face, there also exists an opportunity to seek the higher reward often found by prevailing in spite of seemingly overwhelming difficulties at large. There now exists a time that, although unprecedented in the history of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, a civic and like-minded membership has the stage from which to command their unrehearsed, riveting, and most graceful performance. To our membership, our peers, that lend us the privledge of serving on your behalf, we beg your indulgence in helping us to choreograph this awesome production. There is much work to be done, and your Board Members will be in touch to ask for your assistance in serving on various committees and furthering specific goals. Congratulations, in advance, for the spectacular success our Wasilla Chamber of Commerce will enjoy in 2009!

The Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors