Former Economic Development Director Dies

Robert Swank, Wentzville's economic development director from January 2003 until July 2010, died Sunday after he suffered a heart attack. 

Swank has been a business leader in the Greater St. Louis-area for some time, most recently as president of the .

"It is with deep and great sorrow that I must inform you of the death of the NWCC President/CEO, Robert Swank," said Northwest Chamber of Commerce administrator Tina Herrmann in an email sent out to chamber members Monday evening. "Please join with me in prayer for Mrs. Swank, their children and grandchildren."

Swank joined the chamber on Nov. 28, 2011. Prior to that, Swank was executive director of the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce for 11 months. He was the economic development director in Wentzville from January 2003 until July 2010 when he left abruptly. Before that, he held the same job title in Ferguson from April 1998 to January 2003.

Swank also served in the same capcity from 1991-1995 in Vandalia and was the executive director of the Centralia Area Chamber of Commerce from 1987-1991. Between his roles in Vandalia and Ferguson, Swank worked for the Missouri Department of Economic Development as the business development manager for the Northeast Missouri Regional Office.

Herrmann said Swank quickly became a very strong leader at the Northwest Chamber.

"He will be greatly missed and mourned," she said. " Please remember him in your prayers."

Memorial Service for Swank will be Thursday at 7 p.m., at the , 2890 Patterson Rd.