In just over two months, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Marion Smith will retire after 15 years of service. Her final day at the chamber will be May 27, 2016.
Smith announced her retirement plans in December, giving Chairman Brian West just about six months to replace her longstanding legacy.
Last week, West approved a search committee of five chamber members to review over 50 applications for Smith's position. The committee will be given a formal presentation of the applicants the morning of March 30. Each committee member will select a first choice applicant and a second choice applicant.
West estimates that Smith's successor will be chosen roughly one month before her retirement.
"We're hoping for the end of April or the first week of May," West said.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.