ROME — Wesley “Wes” Cupp, owner of Rome Country Club and director of business development for the Daily Sentinel, has been named interim president/executive director of Rome Area Chamber of Commerce.

The announcement follows that of long-time president William K. Guglielmo officially retiring from the chamber after 50 years of service on Jan. 13. Guglielmo began his career with the chamber in 1973, and held the position of president since 1996.

Cupp has been on the chamber’s board of directors for 17 years. He was chairman of the board from 2018-20, and is currently a member of the Executive Committee.

“I am honored to take on such an important community role,” said Cupp. “Bill’s shoes will be impossible to fill, but I take great pride in taking the baton from a Rome legend.”

Cupp said he volunteered to take on the role as interim president/executive director in the short-term to provide a rudder for the chamber.

“The Executive Committee has a goal of finding a permanent replacement by March 1,” he said. “This is a very crucial position, not only for the chamber, of course, but for the community as a whole. It takes a special person to be able to foster economic growth, be a face for the organization and be a leader of the community. I am proud to be able to step up and volunteer during this transition so the Executive Committee doesn’t have to rush with such an important hire.”

Cupp’s first public action in the role was bright and early this morning at Delta Lake Inn for the chamber’s annual Congressional Breakfast. The chamber hosted newly-elected Rep. Brandon Williams, R-22, Sennett, for a question-and-answer session with local business people, students and community members.

Chamber Board Chairman John Calabrese said he is confident in Cupp taking the helm.

“We are thrilled to have Wes step up during this transitional period,” Calabrese said. “He knows the chamber and the community very well. I am confident he will thrive in this position.”

Rome Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1912 for the purpose of actively working to protect the commercial interests of the city and foster its growth. With no government funding, the chamber is completely independent and is able to quickly act on matters of concern to the business community.