Apologies and Clarifications on Nov. 6 Brengle Column
By David Whitehead
The original column I posted on this thread contained opinions regarding the sudden firing of Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ken Brengle.
These opinions, which were intended to stir constructive debate, have instead delivered an unbalanced viewpoint because representatives from the TACC are legally enjoined from telling their side of the story.
For this reason, I have decided to remove the original text and comments from this thread and have deleted a follow-up column posted a few days later.
I personally want to apologize to the TACC board and all parties involved for sharing opinions and outlining a possible scenario some were too quick to conclude was established fact.
Also, any chamber of commerce executives who may have been following this situation should know the TACC is a better chamber than most and I know many of you would be a good fit for this organization. I heartily encourage you to apply for the position if you feel yourself qualified.
I personally worked three publication projects out of the TACC office, in addition to several projects at chambers around the country. I certainly know what an out of control chamber board looks like, and rest assured, the TACC for the most part has been stable and congenial for many years.
However, my stern observations do deserve an explanation, which I do not intend as an excuse. I feared the TACC was moving too fast in its transition from traditional non-profit to corporate-style executive-driven leadership, which often causes chambers to experience unexpected growing pains.
That’s why I found it hard to contain myself from sharing my observation and explaining why I felt that way. However, this kind of opinion proved too strong to stand on its own without an opportunity for a substantive on-the-record rebuttal, and in hindsight, I deeply regret having expressed it publicly.
What people should remember when they pass judgment on the Brengle firing is that given the complexity of chamber of commerce management, how the pieces fit together is as important as the quality of the individual parts. I’ll leave you with that thought and say no more.
I wish Mr. Brengle all the best in his search to find an organization suited to his best attributes and I have every confidence the TACC will find its ideal leader in due course.
David Whitehead is the publisher of Business Insider Magazine
