Upton to head GBCC

The following announcement appeared on page one of the Beloit Daily News on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce has chosen a new president with a long history in Beloit.

Randall Upton has been named the organization's new president by a unanimous vote of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Executive Committee.

Upton will begin the job on Jan 4, and will be responsible for managing the GBCC's day-to-day operations.

Upton has experience in both the private and public sectors, including running his own consulting company for 15 years. He has been employed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a former commercial consul for the U.S. government in Australia.

Most recently Upton worked in development, raising millions of dollars at both Beloit College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's College of Education.

"I am thrilled with this opportunity to help the chamber increase visibility and attract new business to Beloit while also supporting the community's current businesses and the chamber's current programs," Upton said.

As the son of Beloit College's sixth president, Miller Upton, and a resident of the area, he knows the region well and is passionate about improving Beloit's business community.

"This is an exciting time for the GBSS," said Board Chairman Jeff Adams, strategic account manager for Alliant Energy. "Randall brings a wealth of experience that I know will take this organization, community and region far."

Upton said he worked 24 years in Australia, but missed Beloit and returned in September of 2003. He now resides in Delavan, but plans to relocate to Beloit.

Over the years Upton has run a few major businesses including a real estate commercial auction house and a sporting goods import business.

Upton said he hopes to enhance the activities of the chamber and take it in a new direction. His goals will be membership growth, developing close relationship with business members and working in the economic development community to attract additional businesses.

The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization comprised of a diverse membership of businesses and organizations. The GBCC serves the business community by providing effective benefits and programs to its membership with the coordinated involvement of government, educational and other community organizations.

Upton and his wife, Julie, have three grown sons.