Thursday, July 15, 2010

St. Augustine Record: Chamber's Burchfield resigns -- St. Johns County Chamber will need new president

Posted: July 15, 2010 - 12:02am

Robin Burchfield, a St. Augustine native who served as president of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce for the past six years, worked her last day on Wednesday.

The Chamber issued a statement late Wednesday saying that Burchfield had submitted her resignation June 1.

She began her career with the Chamber in 1990 and took over as president in October 2004.

"I've loved every minute of it," she said. "But I've been here 20 years. Dad's now 95, and I want the luxury and time to take care of him."

Burchfield will remain in St. Johns County, where she was born and raised. She said she is proud of having contributed to the success of St. Johns County.

Her prepared resignation statement said, "I have been honored to serve the Chamber and have met some extraordinary people, many of whom have become great friends.

"I will be exploring new areas and particularly will take the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with my dad."

Her proudest accomplishment, she said, was achieving 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fewer than 1 percent of chambers in the United States have achieved 5-Star recognition.

Other new programs developed during her term as president include monthly Power Networking Lunches, Politics in St. Johns and the creation of the US 1/SR 312 Corridor Business Council, the Chamber's sixth Area Business Council.

Her reason for creating those councils: "The needs of one area are different than another area."

Burchfield began at the Chamber doing payroll and bookkeeping, then working with increasing membership. She was vice president under previous President Don Patrick.

"My career began when I started there. They saw my potential," she said.

The Chamber's board of directors was restrained from commenting on Burchfield's resignation until Saturday due to a confidentiality agreement.

Chairwoman Jill Atwood said, "At that time I can tell you a lot of wonderful things about her."

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