Chamber official quits

By BRIAN LISKAI

Gazette Editor

news@gazettepublishingco.com

Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Richard Stegman Jr. has resigned after 20 months on the job.

In other chamber-related news, the Bellevue Police Department is investigating an allegation the organization's computer was misused.

On Friday, The Gazette received a Stegman's resignation letter to a chamber officer. He cited a "business opportunity" for resigning his chamber position.

"My bed and breakfast has become extremely busy the last several months and future bookings in the coming months are very strong. Additionally, I been offered, with a previous business partner, the opportunity to resume my former antique business in Western PA to 'pick' and set up at upscale antique shows in the Midwest and East Coast. This was a business I was able to conduct while in higher education; it has always been my first love professionally and I am excited about resuming it. I am unable to conduct this business, run my inn and be Executive Director of the Chamber," Stegman said in an email to chamber officials.

Chamber treasurer Jeff Cook said the chamber's executive board has accepted Stegman's resignation and the entire chamber board of directors is scheduled to meet Wednesday. He said it is expected Stegman's resignation will be accepted and plans for the search for his replacement put into action.

In separate news, Bellevue Police Detective Captain Matt Johnson said an investigation has begun into the possible misuse of the chamber's computer.

"One of the chamber officers notified us of the issue," Johnson told the Gazette.

Johnson said the murder investigation involving Clifford Beach has taken up most of the department's time the past couple of weeks, but he plans to meet with chamber officials in the coming week.

Johnson would not divulge if a chamber official was being investigated nor would he say how the computer was misused.