Florida state Rep. Mike Horner has announced he is stepping down as president of the Kissimmee-Osceola County Chamber of Commerce.
Horner's resignation is effective Jan. 31, 2013, following a 90-day transition period. He is expected to address the media later Friday afternoon.
- JUMP TO: Statement from Mike Horner ▼
The two-term state representative ended his campaign for re-election in September after his name was linked to a prostitution ring in Orange County -- the same brothel linked to Maitland's now former vice mayor, Phil Bonus, who resigned Thursday from the Maitland City Council.
The brothel's suspected ringleader, Mark Risner, pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Members of the Chamber of Commerce said Horner's leadership will be missed.
"Mike has been a transformational leader for the past 15 years," said chamber spokeswoman Wendi Jeannin. "He has done wonderful things for the chamber, and we will truly miss him tremendously. It's a difficult time, but the chamber wants to thank its staff, its members and the community leaders for their support."
Jeannin said Horner was very apologetic for his "personal matter."
She added the Osceola Chamber was "a strong organization, and will continue to be a strong organization."
Horner represents Florida House District 79, which covers most of Osceola County. He has been president of the Osceola Chamber since 1996.
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Statement from Rep. Mike Horner
"I (Mike Horner) would like to thank the Kissimmee-Osceola County Chamber of Commerce for fifteen wonderful years. I love the Chamber and take pride not only in the countless businesses we have helped, but take enormous satisfaction in the community we have helped build.
I am concerned that my presence has become a distraction from the important mission of the Chamber. As CEO, the Chamber's welfare is my top priority; therefore I am tendering my resignation as President of the Kissimmee-Osceola Chamber of Commerce.
I am grateful for the faith the Chamber Board placed in me; there is no group more dedicated to making Osceola County a better place for businesses and residents. I truly appreciate the Chamber membership for their support and active participation in building a stronger business community. Most of all I want to thank the Chamber staff for their hard work and commitment, no one could ask for a finer team.
I want to once again apologize to the members of the Kissimmee-Osceola Chamber. My great hope is to make amends to all those I have disappointed. Moving forward, I will look for ways that I might still have a positive impact in this amazing community."
Statement from the Chamber
"The Kissimmee-Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announces today the notice of resignation of Mike Horner as President for the Kissimmee-Osceola County Chamber of Commerce on January 31, 2013.
Mr. Horner has been a transformational leader for our Chamber and we want to thank him for this outstanding service. Horner has successfully led the Kissimmee Chamber for the past 15 years. During the 90 days transition, Mr. Horner will remain President of the Chamber.
The Chamber leadership and staff appreciate and value the support from its members and community leaders during this difficult time.
Serving Osceola County since 1924, the Kissimmee-Osceola County Chamber of Commerce is an association of business people whose priority is about improving the business and residential community, while improving and making their business more profitable."