1993 Partida Reorganizes Chamber
So He Can Look at Big Picture

San Diego Daily Transcript Staff Report
         The Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce has reorganized itself to permit its new president more time to concentrate on strategic planning and policy decisions.
         Under a plan approved by President Gil Partida and the chamber directors' committee, the various divisions have been divided into two groups -- one headed by Max Schetter, who takes on the new title of executive vice president, and the other by Wally Schlotter, who was promoted to senior vice president.
         Schetter heads up the administration, government, membership and Economic Research Bureau divisions, while Schlotter oversees the communications/special events division, Small Business Development Center, Film Commission and charitable foundation.
         "The change empowers two proven executives to make key decisions, while we add functions without increasing payroll or staff size. Everyone at the management level will be working longer hours for the same pay," Partida said.
         Schetter said the chamber's old structure wasn't efficient, considering how the organization has grown.
         Schetter continues to serve as director of the Economic Research Bureau and Schlotter continues as director of the Film Commission, both joint ventures between the chamber and the city of San Diego.
         In other chamber personnel moves, Debbie Brown was promoted from special events coordinator to director of communications/special events. Brown, who has been with the chamber for 17 years, is the first African-American woman in the chamber's history to serve as a manager.
         Kay Davis, executive director of the San Diego Business Roundtable for Education, was promoted to director level and adds to her responsibilities the new Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
         Paula Taylor, the chamber's office manager, was promoted to director of administration.
         Founded in 1870, the chamber is a private, non-profit organization with about 2,200 members. It is dedicated to helping members prosper and promoting a positive business climate throughout the San Diego region.
         The organization has been increasing its membership of late since hitting a recent low point at the end of last year of 2,050. At its peak in 1988, the chamber had about 3,500 members.
         The chamber has 40 paid staffers and an annual budget of about $2 million. Last year it earned a profit of $71,409. Partida was hired at the end of 1992, following Lee Grissom's decision to go to work for Gov. Pete Wilson.
         The organization maintains its headquarters in the Emerald-Shapery Center downtown and its Small Business Development Center in the North City area.