Union County Chamber of Commerce Introduces New Board Members
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 18th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – (Release from the Union County Chamber of Commerce) The Union County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 Board of Directors elections. These new Board members serve 3-year terms. The current Board of Directors is made up of 12 elected board members, 1 member representative from the Union County Commissioners office, and 1 Ex- Officio member from the City of La Grande City Council. Only current active members of the Chamber of commerce are eligible to run for a position on the Board. Scott Newman the Executive Director of the Union County Chamber of Commerce said, “We had some truly great and professional candidates apply for the open positions on the board. We had 6 new candidates apply and 1 incumbent member of the board re-apply for 4 open seats.” A 2-week election process concluded on Nov 15th; with all current active members of the Chamber of Commerce eligible to vote. Newman said, “I want to thank everyone that applied for the open positions and want to welcome those that were voted by our membership to the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with our new Board members in 2023 and beyond.”
Caleb Sampson – Incumbent – Current Chair of the Board – Thunder RV
Caleb Sampson, born in Pendleton Or., grew up in Morrow and Umatilla counties. Caleb is part owner of Thunder RV and actively works to have Thunder RV be a strong, supportive member of this community. In addition to his dedication to family and work, Caleb is a very active member of the community through volunteer work in a variety of organizations including Union County Search and Rescue and is the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Union County Chamber of Commerce.
Anthony Swales – Community Bank
Anthony has lived in Union County since 1997. However, I have lived in Eastern Oregon my entire life. I attended Eastern Oregon University where I received my undergraduate degree in Business leadership, organization, and management in 2007 and enjoyed it so much that I went back and got my Master’s in Business Administration in 2009. I have been lucky to serve as the La Grande Rural Fire Volunteer Association President for 11.5 years and hold the responsibilities of organizing and running the annual pancake breakfast as well as other fundraiser activities throughout the year. I have held a few different jobs throughout my life here in La Grande. I have been a Department Manager for a retailer, Executive Director for a long-term care facility. I have also worked as a Human Resource and clinic outreach for a small therapy clinic. I currently work for Community Bank as a business loan officer.
Robert Minarch – Sim Shot/Alpine Alarm
I grew up most of my life in Eastern Oregon and moved to La Grande in 2007 to attend EOU. I graduated EOU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business with an emphasis on leadership, organization, and management as well as travel & tourism. We relocated our family business Alpine Alarm here a few years ago and earlier this year launched another business, Sim Shot Virtual Range. I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge to the Chamber to help further growth and development of not only the chamber itself, but the local businesses it serves.
Kassie Schnell – OTEC
Kassie Schnell is the Director of Human Resources and Administration for Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and is a corporate trainer of leadership development and servant leadership programs. She previously worked for Boise Cascade for eleven years. Kassie graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Go Mounties! Kassie has a passion for economic and workforce development. She strives to build and strengthen our communities and is leading a project at OTEC in partnership with Baker Technical Institute to bring training resources into the business community.
For further information please contact the Chamber of Commerce office at: 541-962-8588.
