The Effingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted Thursday to name Rick Lott as permanent executive director of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. Lott has served as interim director since Nov. 1 and has led the Chamber through the Holiday Classic and Effingham Day at the Capitol events, among others.

Chamber President Randy Shearouse, said the Chamber board was confident that Lott’s years of experience as a non-profit executive director, along with his expertise in event production, was the combination the Effingham Chamber needs as it moves forward with new events, such as the Effingham Oktoberfest and the Taste of Effingham, coming up next week.

Lott said he was humbled by the vote of confidence and very excited at the prospects that lie ahead for the Effingham Chamber.

For the complete story, see Friday's edition of the Effingham Herald.