The board of directors of the B-LC Chamber of Commerce declined to accept the resignation of president and CEO Christopher Deraney at a called meeting Tuesday morning. The meeting followed Deraney’s arrest on a DUI charge early Saturday morning after he closed his downtown restaurant. Deraney offered an apology for his actions. The full text of a news release from chamber board chairman Mark Farmer follows: The Board of Directors of the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce met in a called board meeting to discuss issues surrounding the arrest of Chamber President and CEO, Christopher J. Deraney. Although Mr. Deraney offered his resignation to Chairman Farmer, the Board of Directors refused and returned with swift and appropriate actions, as well as a full display of support in allowing Mr. Deraney to remain the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Mark Farmer then issued the following statement to the Board of Directors and Mr. Deraney: ’While the Board of Directors does not condone Mr. Deraney’s actions, and certainly considers it a serious offense, we do value the hard work and dedication Christopher has brought to the Chamber of Commerce and know that his apology, commitment, and sentiment are sincere. We are united in moving forward from this.’ Mr. Deraney then made the following statement to the Board of Directors: ’It has always been my sincerest and deepest held concern to never intentionally put this organization, its body of members, the community, or my personal integrity and family name in jeopardy or at risk. You have no idea, truly no idea, how profoundly sorry I am for my actions. Being raised in the family that I was, I have never been in the business of breaking my word’”especially not to my family, which I count you all a part of as well. This cuts me very deeply.’
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