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Ruiz named chairman of Apple Festival

By Adam Testa, The Southern

Friday, July 20, 2007 12:47 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Michael Ruiz would like to see the Apple Festival become a celebration for all of Southern Illinois, not just Murphysboro.

For more than 10 years, Ruiz has served on various committees and as assistant chairman of the festival, and he said organizers have been working toward that goal.

"I think the main way for us to do that is to try to bring in entertainment and features that would bring in people from all over," he said.

Ruiz, who works as a communications director at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will now have more control over the progression to the goal. He has been named as the chairman of the festival after the retirement of Chris Naegele.

Naegele said he's been thinking about retiring for a few years and a new career move and other personal factors made this the right time to do so.

"I think it's just time," he said. "It's something I'll miss tremendously, but it's time for the festival to continue under new leadership."

While Naegele will no longer serve as chairman of the festival, he is still helping with behind-the-scenes work, Ruiz said. Having the past chair available to help has made the transition easier.

Naegele, who served as chairman for 13 years, was only the third chairman in the festival's 55-year history. Naegele said the length of his term was also an indication retirement time was approaching.

"We only keep a president for eight years," he said with a laugh. "I've served nearly 14."

In his tenure, he made several changes that Ruiz said helped make the festival what it is today.

A significant contribution Naegele made to the festival was organization. He started using the committee structure to plan different events for the festival and to lighten workloads. Ruiz said using committees helps the event operate more smoothly both in planning and execution.

While many people are sad to see Naegele leave the position of chairman, they believe Ruiz will be a good successor.

"He's got some big shoes to fill, but I think he's more than capable of doing it," said Mike Jones, president of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce.

Details

The Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help with the Apple Festival. Volunteers of all commitment levels are needed. If you would like to volunteer time to the festival, contact the chamber at 684-3200.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 351-5031