Madison Chamber fires its director; she blames mold

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Madison Chamber fires its director; she blames mold

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Huntsville Times - al.com - Huntsville,AL*

By WENDY REEVESTimes Staff Writer

wendy.reeves@...

http://www.al.com/business/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/business/1

213262161157410.xml & coll=1

President says it's time to move in a 'different direction'

MADISON - The Madison Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new

managing director following Monday's firing of Sallie Wagner.

On Tuesday, Wagner, who helped start the Madison Business

Association in 1993 which eventually became the city's chamber, said

she was numb over her dismissal and referred all questions to her

Huntsville attorney, F. Aldridge.

" For them to throw her under the bus like this is shocking, "

Aldridge said Wednesday. He represents Wagner and other chamber

employees who became sick from mold that was found last year in the

chamber's former Main Street office.

" We're exploring their legal rights at this time, " said Aldridge,

who is also looking at Wagner's legal rights over the termination.

Aldridge said he believes the mold issue is at the root of Wagner's

termination.

Chamber President Brett Posey said the board recognizes Wagner's

years of service.

" But with the growth of the city and the chamber the board feels

like it's time for us to take a different direction, " Posey said.

He said the board will be looking for a new director and the office,

which has been closed since Monday, will reopen at 8 a.m. today.

Posey said he's been to the office each afternoon to return any

calls left for the chamber.

In June 2007, the chamber closed its office on Main Street after

mold was discovered there. Employees worked out of their homes until

the office was moved to its current location at the Madison West

Office Park on Lime Quarry Road.

Mold has also been found at the new office, Aldridge said.

He said the mold issue has resulted in ongoing health problems for

Wagner and chamber employees Robin Henagar, Payne and

Brittany Wagner, Wagner's daughter.

Payne resigned from her chamber position Wednesday, Posey said.

The chamber leased the Main Street building from the city for a

small annual amount that was deducted from the city's annual

appropriations to the agency.

When notified last year about a potential mold problem, the city

paid mold removal specialists EnviroSafe $19,695 to inspect and

clean the building to be safe for occupancy. The city also spent

$4,688 for a new air conditioning system for the building.

Aldridge said he hired independent toxicologist Dr. Lipsey

of ville, Fla., to inspect the building. After an inspection

last August, Lipsey's report said unsafe levels of mold and bacteria

were found in the building.

City Councilman Larry Vannoy, the council's liaison to the chamber,

also requested another inspection of the building after the chamber

moved out.

Mayor Sandy Kirkindall said Wednesday he received the most recent

inspection report Tuesday. He said he hasn't yet gone through the

report in detail, but it appears the report indicates the building

is still safe for occupancy. The city is looking to have the

building appraised for sale or lease.

Aldridge said Wagner, her daughter, Henagar and Payne have all

undergone specialized treatment in Dallas, Texas, for the mold

exposure. The employees have continued to work while dealing with

their illnesses.