News : Hesson to resign from VU; Board seeks new director

VU Director Nate Hesson, shown here during the 2012 Boomfest, plans to leave VU in a few weeks.

After nearly five years as Vinton Unlimited Director, Nate Hesson has announced his intention to resign at the end of the month.

Hesson will continue with VU through August, helping to arrange the annual Boomfest weekend activities. In the future, he plans to spend his time working with Hesson Properties. He and his brother, Blake, own more than 60 housing units (including apartments ahd single-family dwellings).

Vinton Unlimited Board President Jon Clingman released this statement today, thanking Hesson for his service:

We have some big news here at Vinton Unlimited. Recently, Nathan shared with me that he is planning to resign his position as VU director effective the end of August. As many of you probably know, Nathan is also part owner of Hesson Properties, LLC which has now grown to the point where Nathan can jump in full-time. This is great news and I can't think of a better reason for him having to tender his resignation. Nathan truly enjoyed his 4 1/2 years with VU and shared with me that there are many aspects of the job he will miss. Nathan's passion for VU and Vinton has always been a joy to witness. He used this passion to help promote Vinton in many ways, whether it was to spearhead a community event, host a tour bus or delve into economic development projects. Nathan has given us his all. The good news is that Nathan is not going far and plans continue to lend us his energies and talents in new ways for years to come.

When I was talking with Nathan about this decision he told me the following, "I have really enjoyed my time at Vinton Unlimited and the relationships I have been able to build. The Vinton community has been very supportive of the Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Group and I hope everyone will continue to support the future of this great organization. I am excited my brother and I have been able to grow our business to the point of expanding and hope we can be a positive example of the growth potential for any business in the Vinton community. Vinton is truly a great town who supports its own. Thank you for the support you have show me & this organization and I look forward to seeing future growth in the Vinton community."

The Vinton Unlimited Board of Directors is now actively looking to fill Nathan's position and welcomes any thoughts and suggestions. On Behalf of the Vinton Unlimited Board of Directors I would like to thank Nathan for his many years of service to VU and Vinton and wish him the best.

Hesson said the person who replaces him should be someone who appreciates the importance of economic development, and someone who can inspire many others to get involved in building the business climate of the Vinton area. He also advises his successor to be prepared for many meetings with local business leaders -- including early morning, evening and weekend meetings. He thanked the VU Board for working with him to allow him to spend time with his family. His wife, Ashley, recently took over Vinton Trophy & Awards; the couple has two children.

The Boomfest event, which takes place in downtown Vinton on Aug. 30, is VU's effort to bring more people to town during the day before the big Boomtown fireworks show that night. Boomfest began while Hesson was serving as VU Director.

The VU Board has begun its search for a new director.