Corbin Economic Director fired

In a stunning move Tuesday, the Corbin Industrial Commission fired the city’s Director of Economic Development after charges of infighting and disagreements surfaced in recent months.
Bob Terrell, who served in the position since 2002, said he was called in to meet with four members of the commission Tuesday afternoon and was questioned briefly about his working relationship with Tourism and Chamber Director Bruce Carpenter before being terminated.
“Basically, the key question was whether I could get along with Bruce Carpenter. I told them I thought we could work together, but that I didn’t agree with the way he did a lot of things.”
Terrell claims Carpenter unfairly terminated two employees at the Chamber of Commerce office and soured the work atmosphere. Carpenter was hired to head up the Tourism and Chamber functions last year.
“I just didn’t agree with the way they were being done. I wasn’t going to be run over and sit by meekly while that kind of stuff was going on.”
In November, Terrell’s son, who created and maintained a website for the office, was removed from those duties escalating tensions further.
Terrell said commission members Gerald Baker, Cheryl Ellis, John Woolley and chairperson Becky Myers were present during the meeting.
Numerous messages for Myers were not returned by press time. Carpenter refused to comment on the situation, as did Ellis.
R.L. Owens, a long-time member of the board, said he left before any vote was made because he didn’t know enough about the situation. He characterized it as a “turf war.”
Dave Huff, also a member of the board, was absent from the meeting Tuesday because of a doctor’s appointment and did not return a call seeking comment.
Terrell said he thinks his contract with the commission requires a 90-day notice of termination. He said he would work out the particulars of his departure at a later date.
As Director of Economic Development, Terrell was instrumental in improving relations between the Chamber of Commerce and the local business community. He brokered a deal between six counties to help ensure more fair financial support for the Southeast Regional Industrial Park. Terrell also was key in convincing CTA Acoustics, Inc. to rebuild a manufacturing facility in Corbin following a dust explosion in 2003 that killed 7 employees and wounded 42 others.
Terrell, now 72 years old, suffered some mild heart problems last year and has worked on a half his original salary since. He accepted the job after retiring as an executive from Ford Motor Company and working briefly with After Market Technology in Chicago.
After squelching rumors he had political aspirations last year, Terrell said he’s now “seriously considering” a bid as a Democrat for the office of County Judge-Executive. He said he’s also considering starting a marketing and consulting business.
“I have good memories of the job I did as Economic Development Director,” Terrell said. “I feel like this past four years, we have developed a great relationship with the business community.”