Jim Coyle, the longtime president of the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce, told its members Tuesday that he is stepping down as president after 26 years, effective at the end of the year.
Coyle told members he is leaving to pursue a new opportunity. He did not elaborate.
With more than 1,200 members in the greater Union County area, Gateway is one of the largest chambers in New Jersey.
Coyle, in a letter to members, reflected fondly on his time at the chamber.
“These past years have been a marvelous experience for me,” he wrote. “I have gotten to know so many of you and have developed close and lasting friendships.
“Through our scholarship and education programs, we have helped thousands of young people obtain training to launch successful careers. We have helped many others start careers or change jobs. And, of course, we have facilitated business relationships that have helped drive commerce in this region.”
Coyle stressed the chamber’s efforts to help the business community.
“Gateway has always been a powerful voice for the business community,” he said. “We speak truth to power and can do so because of our strong collective voice. No other organization has been as influential in this region promoting a vibrant business community.”
Gateway’s board has started the search for a successor.
