CROWN POINT | The challenge just wasn't there any more for Gayle Van Sessen.

"You spend most of your day working and finding a challenge in a job keeps you happy ," said Van Sessen, whose last day as the executive director of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce is today. "Certain things in Crown Point weren't challenging anymore."

Van Sessen leaves her role with the chamber after serving as its head for 15 years, heading south to Tipton County to be the county's executive director of community and economic development. Van Sessen had said she sought out the job in Tipton County, a rural county of about 16,000 adjacent to Hamilton County.

"I've found out what I like to do is economic development," she said. "To me, that job is fun and when you have fun, you do it well."

Van Sessen said besides missing the people she has met over the past 15 years, she'll also miss the festivals, which she believes really fulfill the chamber's mission by enhancing the quality of life in Crown Point while bringing people into the city to explore the businesses.

She said over the past 15 years she has worked hard to promote Crown Point to outsiders. For example, she campaigned to get the city's Old Lake County Courthouse on the cover of regional tourism information.

Van Sessen said she believes she's leaving behind a strong chamber, but is excited for the new ideas that could come in with new leadership. Her advice for the next executive director is simple.

"Get to know the business community even better than I did. You can't be an advocate unless you know who they are. That's the most important thing, to be a salesman," she said.