The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce boardroom was full of people Friday as city and county officials, business leaders and others celebrated the retirement of Mike Dumas as chamber CEO and president.
“This is just another retirement,” said Union County Judge Mike Loftin. “I think he’ll be working again in a few months.”
Dumas took over at the chamber in 2016 when former County Judge Bobby Edmonds asked him to “keep the wheels running” there. The job was supposed to be temporary, three months at most; after those three months were over, they asked him to stay on for two more years, which turned into three years when a new CEO could not be found, and he agreed to stay on until one was.
“Mike’s devoted his whole life to this city. … He’s been in public office and prominent positions his whole life so far,” said former El Dorado Mayor Frank Hash. “He’s probably one of our best known assets down here. I suspect he’s not really leaving, just looking for another bucket list thing.”
“Mike has done everything, just about, in this city,” said El Dorado Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer. “I think Mike has definitely served the city in just about every component that he can. I don’t know that this means a true retirement for him. … I’ve talked to him several times, you know, about the position of mayor and hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to continue to get his opinion and ask him about different aspects of this position.”
Before taking the position at the chamber, Dumas served two terms as mayor of El Dorado, a term as Union County judge and a stint as Union County coroner. He currently serves as the District 1 Justice of the Peace on the Union County Quorum Court.
“He’s done everything – mayor twice, county judge once, the coroner for a while … He’s done a good job here just like all the places he’s worked,” Loftin said.
Under Dumas’ leadership, the chamber secured several new industrial plants, including Conifex, Canfor and the upcoming Standard Lithium pilot plant.
“Even though I’ve only worked with Mike for a few months, I’ve learned so much from him. I’ve enjoyed working with him so much and I’m going to miss working with him and his leadership,” said Kaitlyn Rigdon, communications and finance coordinator for the chamber.
He also developed an initiative that partnered local school districts, South Arkansas Community College and local industries together to educate high school students on employment opportunities in El Dorado and Union County. This year, every ninth grader in the county attended a Manufacturing Day event, where they met with industry representatives to learn about career opportunities.
“He’s just been a lot of fun to work with. He likes to keep the mood light,” said Jaren Books, membership and events coordinator at the chamber. “We’re going to miss his leadership a lot. He’s been a rock here at the chamber a long time.”
During his time as mayor, Dumas secured a police training range on South Jackson Street that both the El Dorado Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Office continue to use. His colleagues from the UCSO said he’s been great to work with no matter what position he was in.
“Mike Dumas was mayor when I went into the police department and he has helped me through my whole career,” said Chief Deputy Charlie Phillips. “He’s been a close friend and associate for a long time.”
As JP, Dumas will continue to work with the UCSO, since the county administrates the Union County jail.
“I was police chief in 2000 and he was mayor and he kind of took me under his wing,” said Union County Sheriff Ricky Roberts. “What he’s done for our community is amazing. I really enjoyed working with him both times … I’ve enjoyed it and I look forward to continue working with him on the Quorum Court and whatever else life has in store for him.”
Dumas joked that his wife will send him job hunting again after a few months have passed. After three major retirements already, this one does not feel final, and it isn’t; he said he will continue to be involved in the community, including through volunteer work volunteer work at the Chamber.
“He’s my go-to when Judge Loftin’s not around,” said Jody Cunningham, administrative assistant and office manager in Loftin’s office. “Great guy, I love him.”
Bill Luther, a 2018 El Dorado mayoral candidate, will take Dumas’ place as chamber CEO. He said he plans to continue Dumas’ student workforce initiative and perhaps even expand it to include students in junior high school.
Luther is certified as a professional community economic developer and also the director of a class at the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas. He previously worked at Entergy as an electrical engineer and customer service manager, which he said would also help in his new role at the chamber.
“I am super, super, super excited [to start at the chamber]. … When I retired and entered the mayor’s race, the same qualifications that I saw that I had for mayor carry over and I think are well suited – my background in economic development, community development – are well suited for the chamber exec’s job,” Luther said. “Although I was unsuccessful in the mayoral election, this is an excellent way for me to continue to work serving the citizens of El Dorado and Union County.”
As chamber CEO, Luther said he wants to continue to build on the good progress Dumas has made in economic development in the region. He said he would like to hold workshops for small business and start-up owners with state agencies so that they may learn about the opportunities for growth that are available to them.
“This community, I think, realizes what a great individual Mike Dumas is from his years of government service and he has a heart for the community or else he would not have stepped in three years ago to help us. We were in dire need of an individual of his [type],” Luther said. “I can’t say enough about Mike Dumas. He said he held the wheels on the chamber, but no – he had it going in a very, very, very good direction.”
Dumas said he is sad to be leaving the chamber, though he said he is looking forward to doing things on his own time in retirement. He said he is leaving several prospects that are close to coming to El Dorado in Luther’s hands and expects good results for Union County and El Dorado under Luther’s leadership.
“Someone with Bill Luther’s experience and background, not only in working with industry, which he has, working for Entergy, but with the training … he’s an instructor with CDI,” Dumas said. “Being able to do that, he’s got that background and experience and that’s available here, and I didn’t think the chamber needed to pass up that opportunity.”
He said if the chamber, as well as the city and county, stay on the same path they are on now, they should be in good shape in 10 years, as far as economic development goes. He said he hopes to see the city continue to work with the Union County Industrial Board and the El Dorado Development Corporation to develop shovel-ready sites for industry and businesses as part of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Competitive Communities Initiative.
“Right now we’re working with three different of AEDC’s prospects, we’re working with three of those prospects. A couple of them have El Dorado high on their list, and it’s because of El Dorado, it was because of Union County, it was because of what we have here in this community and the Chamber is leading the way,” Dumas said. “I think the chamber does an excellent job of being a leader in the community and that’s what we’ve tried to do and I think Bill will continue that.”
Dumas has worked in public service positions for 48 years, he said. He still has a few to go as JP and perhaps more, should he run for another term when his current term ends next year.
“Another retirement, leaving a place I’ve loved. We’ve enjoyed the chamber work, enjoyed the staff, they’ve been super folks. I will miss getting up Monday morning and coming into the chamber,” Dumas said. “It’s kind of sad, but we move on.”
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].