Nov. 11—After more than a dozen years, Karl Terry plans to retire soon as the executive director at the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce.

Terry told the News he has announced his plans to the board of directors but wants them to have plenty of time to select his successor.

Chamber board member Eldon Merrick said Terry will be missed and his efforts with the Chamber will not be forgotten.

"I have known Karl for many years. Karl has been a great asset to Roosevelt County and has been a stellar supporter of business in Portales during his time as director of the Chamber. Karl has devoted a large portion of his time and energy helping to promote those businesses in this community," Merrick said.

Merrick said Chamber officials are in the process of going through options that will best suit the community as they consider a new director.

He said the board does not have a candidate in mind for the position.

"Karl has graciously given us advance notice, so we do not have to hastily make a decision. Once we start the process, hopefully it will progress as desired," Merrick said.

Whether the position will be advertised locally or nationally will be determined by the Chamber's search committee, Merrick said.

"We have a set of criteria that we will be looking for and part of that will be a person that does or will have a vested interest in the promotion of businesses in Portales," Merrick said.

Terry has been the Chamber director since February 2011.