Chapin stepping down from High Point chamber

Pat Kimbrough, The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·3 min read

Jul. 25—HIGH POINT — Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patrick Chapin announced Monday that he's leaving the organization he has led for six years, effective Aug. 1.

He didn't cite a particular reason for resigning, saying that the time is right for him to step away because the organization is strong following a string of successes.

He said he currently has no definitive plans to announce what's next for him.

"These last six years have been some of the most rewarding of my career," Chapin said. "Thanks to the leadership of our board, the talents of our staff, the commitment of our chamber membership, and the trust of community leaders, Business High Point has achieved more than any of us could have ever imagined, truly transforming this community for generations to come. It is certainly bittersweet, but it's time for me to take the next step in my life and career, to get out of my comfort zone, and explore new and challenging opportunities."

He was hired in June 2016, shortly after BHP Chamber was created by the merger of the High Point Chamber of Commerce and the High Point Partners.

"He's done a great job. We just appreciate what Patrick's done, not just for Business High Point, but for the city," BHP Chamber Chairman Greg York said. "Patrick's six years of leading Business High Point have been an exciting and successful time, with tremendous growth in membership and programming, along with the development of Congdon Yards."

York said Chapin and the board have been discussing his departure for a couple of weeks but delayed announcing it so as not to interfere with the recent State of the City event.

A native of Orlando, Florida, Chapin was previously president and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in Florida. Prior to that, he worked in sales and marketing for Walt Disney Co.

"Coming into what, in effect, was a new organization has been very exciting and has allowed me to use my innate skills of strategic planning, communication, marketing and sales, and community building," Chapin said.

During his tenure, BHP Chamber increased its membership from 635 to 960, grew its revenue from $750,000 to $3 million, oversaw numerous workforce development programs and, with the leadership of City Councilman Cyril Jefferson, developed the Thrive High Point program to support minority entrepreneurs.

Chapin called Congdon Yards the marquee project of his time here. The $50 million downtown campus, which serves as a hub for aspiring and established businesses, was spearheaded by BHP Chamber and local business leader and philanthropist David Congdon.

"In addition to David Congdon and his family's $50 million investment, we have raised an additional $15 million from other donors and grants," Chapin said of the project.

Congdon, who's also an executive board member of BHP Chamber, added, "Patrick took Business High Point to a new level. His work with ... (the Congdon Family Foundation) made Congdon Yards a reality. Patrick has had a major impact on our community."

York said BHP Chamber Chief Operating Officer Rachel Moss will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the organization. The board is creating a strategic plan that will guide the selection of its next CEO.

pkimbrough@hpenews.com — 336-888-3531