Union County Chamber of Commerce hires new Executive Director
By Paul Hall on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce announced a new Executive Director has been hired. The Search Committee, a combination of representatives from the City of La Grande, Union County Board of Commissioners, the Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Chamber staff reviewed several applications before making the decision to move forward.
“It was a very difficult search and decision-making process,” said Caleb Sampson, incoming 2022 Chairperson of the Board of Directors. “There were a lot of candidates who brought a variety of background and skill sets to the table. This is a complex position leading a complex organization, so finding a candidate with the right composition of experience, background, and even personality was crucial. In the end, in conjunction with a wide variety of community partners helping screen and identify potential candidates from the talent pool, the Chamber Board is confident in our selection.”
Scott Newman, of Madison, WI., and his family are relocating to the area, after falling in love with its charm and many wonderful outdoor recreation and cultural assets. Scott has a strong background in business operations and relations, in addition to having unique experience and background in fundraising, event planning and management, and balancing his own career in marketing and operations management. With strong ties to Eastern Oregon University, Scott is a welcome addition to the Chamber and community.
“My family and I first fell in love with the area and the community after our first visit here,” said Newman, who first visited La Grande and Union County over three years ago. “I’m so excited to have this opportunity to work for the Chamber and serve our local businesses and the community. I’ve already been learning so much about the history and background of the Chamber and its current projects and programs and can’t wait to dive in and really start making an impact”Newman will officially begin and take his position with the Chamber on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. “I am really looking forward to working with Susan Burnett, the Chamber’s new Membership Coordinator, to conduct significant outreach to all of our members and the business community,” Newman commented. “The Chamber has a wonderful history and continues to get nothing but stronger; I can’t wait to continue elevating the organization, along with the Board and volunteers.”
