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The president of the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce and Industry will step down this year after 16 years, officials said late Thursday afternoon.

Larry Long, who has headed the Downers Grove chamber since 1979, said he decided earlier this year to leave.

“I have been in this position 16 years, and it’s time to grow my career and myself,” he said.

During his tenure, Long helped found Downers Grove’s summer Heritage Festival, served on the Community Events Commission and was president of the Indian Boundary YMCA.

Long, 47, said he likely would remain with the chamber until Dec. 31.