FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has accepted the resignation of Executive Director Erin Arthers.

“After a six-week leave of absence, Arthers told us she is unable to return to the position,” Michael Blanchet, president of the board of directors, said Thursday.

The chamber will begin a search for a new director, he said.

Meanwhile, the chamber office in the front of Farmington’s Wal-Mart is open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

Part-time employees Taylor McCafferty, a senior at the University of Maine at Farmington who interned this past summer and was hired by the chamber, and Penny Meservier of Farmington will keep the office open and help meet members’ needs, Blanchet said.

All events sponsored by the chamber will take place as planned, he said.

Arthers moved here from Dover-Foxcroft to join the chamber in July 2013. She previously was executive director of the Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber is looking for a full-time executive director who works closely with the board of directors, he said. The person helps recruit members, coordinate member services, plan and implement events, projects and committees, manages the operation and its office, and monitors income and expenses, he said.

abryant@sunjournal.com