The mantle is a heavy one, and he carries it with patience, intelligence, and the healthy skepticism and optimism of a businessman and scholar. Bruce Wallace has studied Public Administration while he has been doing that very thing in important quarters.

As Executive Director of the Murphysboro Chamber, Bruce speaks for the business community here and also advocates for it. His efforts in that office have transformed the once quiet Chamber into the strongest force for growth and economic prosperity in our city. He has experience in property development, non-profit consulting, finance, and leadership.

Bruce Wallace:
Executive Director, Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce

As CEO of Wallace Enterprises, Treasurer of the Southern Illinois Investment Company and service on other boards and commissions, he maintains a personal stake in the the economics of Southern Illinois. He has also served as the Jackson County Republican chairman, focusing on taxation and economic issues on the county level, fighting corruption and wasteful spending on the state level.

Bruce has his finger on the pulse of Murphysboro. He brings a unique perspective. Having grown up in Carbondale, he can see both good and bad concerns that natives might overlook out of habit or take for granted. He is the very kind of individual we need in our town, having moved here because this is the place where he could afford a nice home. Our housing stock is a major selling point for newcomers, and Bruce Wallace is a great example of a person who landed here for that reason and has stayed here for the express purpose of making Murphysboro a better place. He is committed to thoughtfully, systematically turning the economy here around.

He was quoted in the paper as saying Murphysboro is a “Town of Festivals,” and that is correct. We know how to celebrate! But Bruce Wallace is interested in welcoming entities that are not just seasonal, but perennial. Businesses that we can and will support for the long term.

Though he is eloquent, Bruce is a self-motivated worker. If he ever runs for municipal office, we should get behind him regardless of political party affiliation. He would be a refreshing, experienced, trustworthy steward and public servant. The kind of leader we need.

Bruce Wallace