Chamber President to Retire

After 43 years of service with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce,  the President and CEO is calling it a career. Don Weiser is retiring later this spring.

Weiser spent the last 4 ½ years as the president and CEO of the Chamber.

Weiser first joined the Chamber staff in 1975 as Executive Assistant to then President Bob Whitworth. Through his 43-year career with the Salina Chamber, he has served in numerous capacities.

After serving in an interim position in late 2014/early 2015, Weiser was officially named President/CEO in April 2015.

Weiser  graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Journalism, and after a stint in radio/television in Western Kansas and Western Missouri, he and his wife Lynne moved to Salina. They have remained in the community since, raising their two daughters Melissa and Laura, and now a third generation call Salina home.

“The 43 years of my Salina Chamber career have been very fulfilling and exciting, and I’ve enjoyed seeing and helping this community grow and prosper,” stated Weiser. “It has truly been a pleasure to be a part of that. I have also had the honor to work with so many dedicated volunteers. Creating relationships and working with Chamber staff members has been a reward in itself. It is time for me to enjoy a quieter life, by spending time with my family. I am thankful that Lynne and I chose Salina those years ago. We have raised our family here, and we are fortunate to have our children and grandchildren here also. We love this community, love this organization, and see nothing but great things ahead for the future of Salina. The Salina Chamber has been and will continue to be a positive force in the growth and development of this community.”

According to the chamber, regardless of who was at the helm, Don has been the “face” of the organization, particularly for the membership. He has dedicated his professional life to the Chamber, and to Salina. Always a professional yet humble advocate for the business community, he loves saying this about the Salina Chamber… “doing the things most people think just happen!”

Mark Ritter, 2018 Chairman of the Salina Chamber Board of Directors remarked “when you think of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, you think of Don Weiser. I think Don symbolizes what the Chamber is all about through his involvement with the community and his involvement in Salina businesses. You couldn’t ask for a better leader and he is going to be missed. At the same time, we are excited about the future of our Chamber.”

Joyce Volk, 2019 Chairman of the Salina Chamber Board of Directors said “Don has always been the City of Salina and the Chamber’s biggest cheerleader. His intimate knowledge of the membership and their businesses will be greatly missed. Don always made building relationships a priority. I and the Board of Directors wish Don and Lynne the best. He deserves it.”

Wesier’s retirement is effective May 1st.