The chairman of the Gunstock Area Commission has stepped down, paving the way for the Gunstock Mountain Resort to resume operations.

The decision by Dr. David Strang to resign was the culmination of a two-meeting effort to get the resort back up and running after top management stepped down over the commission's unwillingness to work together. The remaining workers voted to suspend operations as they tried to determine a way to move forward.

The commission met Sunday and rehired general manager Tom Day, provided Strang was either voted out or the submitted his resignation.  Strang chose the latter, and Denise Conroy was elected as the commission's new chair Monday.

"Congratulations and thank you to the citizens of Belknap County for their successful efforts, perseverance, and strong advocacy," Gov. Chris Sununu wrote in a statement. "They spoke up, made their voices heard, and saved Gunstock."

Gunstock's website said the resort would reopen on Thursday but did not disclose any details. On its Twitter account, the resort posted a picture of Day holding up his keys and carrying a box of seltzer, indicating he has returned.

"Keys and seltzers in hand, Tom Day is ready to put this ordeal behind him and get back to work with his directors," the tweet read.

The next task will be for Gunstock to resume operations and prepare for the weekend's SoulFest Christian music festival. 8,000 people are expected starting Thursday for the three-day festival with over 75 artists and performers.

InDepthNH.org reported that part of the contract with SoulFest calls for the resorts activities like the zipline to be available.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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