OTTUMWA — The city’s economic development leadership is changing again.

Tim Tracy, the executive director of the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce, is leaving at the end of the year to take a position with the Glidden R.E.C in Glidden, Iowa.

Family is one of the main reasons for the move.

“The opportunity came up and it’s my wife’s hometown area,” Tracy said. “We have a lot of family and friends in that area.”

The 2007 Ottumwa Courier Holiday Nights ’N Lights is the last major Ottumwa event for Tracy. It seems fitting, somehow, since his introduction to the community was setting up the inaugural event two years ago. He confirmed his departure Thursday, leaning against a pickup loaded with extension cords and outlets during a short break. The display is one of the first things he mentions when he talks about the past several years.

“One [accomplishment] is certainly this, Holiday Nights ’N Lights, making it a success,” Tracy said. It’s not the only one he lists. He’s proud of drawing 9,000 people to this year’s home show, and thinks there is a strong foundation laid for city-county cooperation on economic issues.

Chad Van Ness, the chamber’s chairman, praised Tracy’s efforts during his time in Ottumwa.

“We think that Tim did a great job and think that what he’s done has really benefited the chamber and the community,” he said.

There is no formal timeline for finding Tracy’s successor. Van Ness said the ideal situation is to find a new director before Tracy leaves, thus smoothing the transition.

Tracy’s departure follows Jon Krebs’ decision to leave the Ottumwa Economic Development Corp. in June. Krebs’ successor has not been found.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com