Steve Flanagan will be missed.

The manager of the Selma Division of Alagasco since 1995 will soon be on his way to Montgomery, where he will serve as manager of the Montgomery Division.

Flanagan, who co-chaired the recently completed $1.25 million Vision 2020 fund-raising drive for the Selma Economic Development Authority, is the kind of civic leader that chamber of commerce executives yearn for.

He is a physically impressive man, but soft-spoken and humble in his demeanor. While managing well his own business, he has been willing to spend a great deal of time and energy investing in the life of Selma and Dallas County.

His is the classic profile of role model in the business/professional community, with his involvements in the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority, Rotary, United Way, Selma Arts Council, the Heart Association and the Cancer Society, among others.

The economic development campaign was his last major effort &045; and a critical one. It’s the only source of funding for the agency responsible for attracting business to the Selma area and new jobs for its citizens.

Of his time in Selma, Flanagan said: &uot;Both (my wife) Debbie and I have felt it a tremendous privilege to live in Selma and have experienced here a very high quality of life. Selma will forever be a part of our hearts.&uot;

Flanagan has been a part of Alagasco for 27 years. Prior to 1995 when he moved to Selma, he spent a number of years in a variety of mid-level management positions, three of them in Selma &045; 1983-86.

Montgomery will be a larger responsibility in terms of customer base. While the Selma division encompasses the largest geographical area, its customer is the smallest of the state’s seven divisions. Montgomery, by contrast, has the second-largest customer base.

Flanagan will be replaced by Mixon Russ effective Nov. 1.

While regretting the departure from Selma, Flanagan said he looks forward to the challenge of his new position.

The Flanagans have three grown children &045; Christy, John and Blake.