The Berkhamsted Chamber of Commerce may close unless it can find a new chairman soon.
Ron Cowie has led the organisation since in was first set up 20 years ago.
But he has been trying unsuccessfully for the last six months to find someone to replace him in the role.
He said: “I think it’s necessary to have a Chamber of Commerce when there is an issue.
“A lot of people take us for granted until something happens in town that they do not like, or something is worrying them.
“Then the Chamber has an opportunity to speak with a business voice to the authorities.”
A total of 62 businesses are members of the Berkhamsted Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Cowie said its advice and representation had saved many businesses from closure since the organisation was founded in 1993.
But he said: “I feel I have done my bit, quite frankly, and feel it is about time somebody new took over.”
The chairman’s duties include promoting the town’s businesses, representing them to public sector authorities and going to meetings of the Chamber’s committee – which has eight members.
Mr Cowie said: “It is not onerous and you can usually do it at times of the day to suit you.
“There’s no regular commitment at a specific time and most of the work is done over the phone. A lot of the work comes from what people ask us to do rather than any particular regular routine.”
For more information on the role, email Mr Cowie at rm.cowie1@btinternet.com