Witsman resigns as WIBA president

Wichita Independent Business Association Chairman Joe Johnson said Friday afternoon that association president Tim Witsman has resigned.

Johnson said the “mutual” decision was made on Thursday and that board member Ray Frederick will take over the role of president on an interim basis beginning Monday.

“I can confirm that Tim has resigned,” Johnson said. “He has served the organization well over the past eight years and I certainly appreciate his service. He’s a brilliant man. I think it was just time for a different direction for both parties. Eight years is a long time.”

Messages for Witsman requesting comment for this story were not returned Friday. Witsman is also a past president of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, serving in the role from 1987 until 2003.

“A big focus for us moving forward is going to be in the area of economic development,” Johnson said. “There are some things that we can do in that area for our independent businesses and the small businessman here in Wichita.”

Witsman took over for Cliff Sones as the association’s president in July 2007.

Frederick, a WIBA board member, runs Frederick Heating and Plumbing in Wichita. He has also served as interim president of the Wichita Area Technical College in 2010.

According to WIBA’s website, it has 700 business members representing approximately 250 industries, including more than 300 self-employed and home-based businesses.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Witsman resigns as WIBA president."