Allen Pelvit resigned as president of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Wednesday after 26 months in the position.

Pelvit is leaving for personal reasons, said Chamber board chairman Randy Kehr.

&uot;We appreciate Allen’s time and as I understand it he’s going to be assisting with his wife in establishing her business,&uot; Kehr said.

Pelvit was out of town this morning, but said in a written statement: &uot;I have enjoyed my time with the chamber, and thank you for the opportunity to serve. After more than 20 years in the chamber industry, the time has come to channel my talents in another direction.&uot;

Kehr said the chamber would set up a search committee to find a new president and that other staff members would step up in the meantime.

Pelvit’s announcement comes on the heels of the resignation by Jim Pilgrim, director of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, which shares an office with the chamber. The two organizations, though governed separately, work closely in promoting Albert Lea’s business and tourism opportunities.

Kehr said having both positions vacant will not be a major problem.

&uot;I don’t think it’s a serious problem,&uot; he said. &uot;I think it may be an opportunity to bring fresh blood into both positions, reenergize them and move forward. For me that’s the best way of looking at it.”