Stan Simpson of Visalia has volunteered to serve as the interim chief executive officer of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber's board of directors jumped on Simpson's offer. It was his idea to fill the vacant position until a new CEO is hired, and he's doing it for $1.

"The board is very excited about his offer because he bring great connections and ideas," said board chairman Nancy Lockwood. "This will be the best one dollar we ever spent."

It's an inspired pairing due to Simpson's long involvement in the Visalia business community. Simpson, 67, grew up in Visalia. He's on the board of directors of the chamber, and is chairman emeritus of Buckman-Mitchell Insurance company, started in Visalia by his grandfather. The grandfather, C.T. Buckman, was the chamber's first Man of the Year in 1952, and Simpson was selected Man of the Year in 1995.

Simpson vowed he won't just warm the chair: "I've got some marketing ideas," he said.

The chamber is searching for a permanent CEO because ex-CEO Mike Cully resigned to take a job in San Diego. A new leader should be in place in about three months.