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Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce director resigns

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By GEOFF FOX | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2009

ZEPHYRHILLS - Jan Slater's family life has changed drastically since she was hired as executive director of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce in 2006.

Last year, she and husband Erv adopted four children – two sets of siblings – from Hillsborough County.

Today, Slater resigned from the chamber, effective Nov. 7.

"It's time to step back and spend more time at home," Slater said. "I need a more flexible work schedule."

A Dade City resident, Slater said she will work part time at an accounting firm in Zephyrhills.
The chamber hopes to fill the position locally.

"Jan was an excellent representative of the chamber, and it's an important job," said chamber President Mike Mira. "The executive director oversees the entire chamber and represents the 550 or so members we have. It's a tough job and sometimes thankless. Sometimes, it's late hours with mixers and other events, and sometimes it's early hours.

"Hopefully, we can find someone in Pasco who knows the community and has good marketing skills.
Jan really went above and beyond."

Slater said she is most proud of helping establish the Samaritan Project, a partnership between the chamber, the city and Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

The Samaritan Project can help people pay utility bills or rent, and provide references for temporary shelter, hot meals at a Samaritan Project soup kitchen or items such as baby or school supplies or gasoline. The group can also refer people to employment services and budget counselors.

Slater said she will continue to serve on the boards of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and East Pasco Meals on Wheels.

"I still have the heart and passion for the charities," she said.

Before working for the chamber, Slater was human resources manager for Bay Area Injury Rehab

Specialists, a group of physical therapists with an office in Zephyrhills. In her native Michigan, she ran an assisted-living facility for senior citizens.

Besides helping coordinate events such as the popular Harvest Festival and the chamber's annual awards banquet, Slater said she will most miss the friendships she has made.

"That's the only sad part," she said.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.

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