CRISFIELD — Stevie Ritchey of Mason Dixon’s Pantry is the new president of the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce with Hitesh Patel of Big Willey’s and Rodeway Inn the first vice president.

Stepping in this year as Second Vice President is LeeAnn Linton, secretary for the Somerset County Economic Development Commission.

Continuing as treasurer is Linda Singh, and Tina Butler is secretary. Josh Nordstrom is the past president, having served most of last year after Buddy Ward stepped down.

Newly- elected to the board is Bill Meyer of Lady Grace B& B. Former directors Karen Riggin of the County Times and kayak outfitter, caterer and cab company owner Billie Jo Chandler are returning after having previously served.

Elections were in January. Two bylaw changes approved at the February meeting include end ing the requirement that board members must step down after seven years. The board, now capped at 15, can also now be up to 18 in number but “no less than 15.”

Mr. Nordstrom said both changes are “ very positive moves for the chamber” as there are members who are active year after year and even if seven years have passed it’s good to keep people who are “committed to the cause.”

The board also voted during its February meeting to match up to $1,000 raised by Miss Crustacean Avery Wilson in her quest to be Miss Maryland Teen USA. The chamber did the same for Kayla Willing when she was Miss Crustacean and competed in 2021 to be Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland Teen USA in which she placed fourth runner-up.

The next board meeting is 5 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the Arts Council’s West Main Street Gallery.