Looking Ahead with Board Chair Charlie Kimball
2020 is here, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is welcoming a new decade. In so doing, we look forward to embracing outstanding leaders like Charlie Kimball, whose two-year term as Chair of the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors began as the new year turned over. Kimball is an experienced, thoughtful businessman who will bring humor, persistence, and direction to the board as the Chamber continues its mission to foster a prosperous community. We asked Charlie to share his Chamber story, and tell us what he sees in the Chamber’s future in the coming years.
1. What inspired your decision to serve on the Springfield Chamber board, and as board chair?
Kind of a funny story. One afternoon I got a call from John Murphy and he said, “You have a breakfast to go to tomorrow with the Springfield Chamber.” I replied, “We aren’t members,” to which he replied, “We are now.” Murphy Company joined that day because the SACOC made the call and invited us. I went to the breakfast, met some great people, and the next thing I knew, a friend, Erik Jensen, asked if I would join the Board. I thought about it for a while, and humbly accepted the offer. It was a great decision.
Now, having spent a number of years working and learning the ropes, I tell people that I love working with the Chamber because it does the job of bringing business, education, and government together. That is what a Chamber does, and SACOC does it very well indeed. I’m looking forward to my new role as Board Chair, and excited to see what is in store for Springfield and Lane County.
2. What impacts have you seen the Chamber make in the community in the past?
I think our greatest impacts have been in the area of education and government issues and awareness. The WorkReady program is an outstanding asset for our community and businesses. Coupled with the state’s CTE program, we are making real progress in promoting manufacturing and technology to our up and coming middle-school and high-school students. Vonnie and the staff are setting the pace and providing a model of excellence for other state Chambers.
Our Government Issues Committee (GIC) has done a wonderful job of educating our members on a variety of matters. Best of all, they manage to do it in a fair and un-biased manner. We approach “hot topics” from an informational angle. I like to tell folks that I work with that there is no such thing as “bad news.” It’s only “news” until we have had time to dissect it. Then we can make sound decisions and recommendations. That is exactly what our GIC does, and I’m extremely proud of the work they do.
3. What do you see as top priorities for the Springfield Chamber over the next two years and into the future?
Springfield needs to continue the path it is on. We must make sure we have an inviting area both for our businesses as well as our citizens. You can’t have social success without economic advancement. The upcoming 2021 events are a real opportunity for Springfield to show itself as a leader in our county and in our State. The Chamber needs to let the world know that it is a great place, and that we welcome growth. We will be working hard in the upcoming months to make sure that happens.
I think the other major issue is in regards to addressing legislative and administrative matters in our State. What I mean is, there are issues in Salem right now that need to hear our input. The Chamber must be willing to offer advice and take positions on legislation that affects our community and our businesses. Of course, that means the old adage of “you can’t please everyone all of the time” will come into play. But we will make sure that all positions are heard, and that any decisions will have the majority support, and that discussions will be fair and respectful.
4. What else would you like the Springfield Chamber community to know about you?
Well…a couple of things. I like to play guitar. Mostly country and western, but I’ve been known to play some blues, and some rock – and of course a lot of Jimmy Buffett.
I enjoy time with my family, and most folks would call me a red neck (especially my sister Missy.) I think we live in the greatest country on earth, and we all should be thankful for that. I’m looking forward to 2020, and I believe the best is yet to come.
Oh yeah. And I always like to leave with the “WORD OF THE DAY.” So here it is:
“Be decisive. Right or wrong make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.”
Charlie Kimball is currently the CFO for Murphy Company, and prior to that was the Vice President of Operations for Monaco Coach. He received his undergraduate degree from Linfield College, his MBA from Willamette University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Charlie has served on the Marist School Board, as well as the Head Start of Lane County Board. He will assume the Board Chair role for the Chamber in 2020.
