Springfield Chamber Welcomes New Board Members
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – (December 6, 2021) – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has announced five new directors to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Amber Kelel, Systems West Engineers; Charles LaBorn, Partnered Solutions IT; Dan Ripplinger, Oregon Community Credit Union; David Goeres, Edward Jones; and Kenny Weigandt, Willamalane Park and Recreation District were elected to serve on the 19-member volunteer board beginning January, 2022.
The Chamber’s Board is responsible for setting vision and strategy, stewarding member investments, and advancing priority initiatives of local and regional business community impact.
Charlie Kimball, CFO, Murphy Company served as Board Chair since January of last year had this to say about the importance of finding the right people to lead organizations in these times, “As Winston Churchill pointed out, ‘It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.’ I am proud to say our Board takes this philosophy to heart, and as leaders in our community, we are committed to always do what is necessary.” Kimball is completing a two-year term as Board Chair and plans to continue on as Immediate Past Chair to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “I have been, and continue to be, honored and inspired to work with great people like our Board members and Chamber staff,” said Kimball.
“I have been, and continue to be, honored and inspired to work with great people like our Board members and Chamber staff.”
-Charlie Kimball, Murphy Company
Avril Watt, GM, Astec Industries/Johnson Crushers International, was elected to a two-year term succeeding Kimball as Board Chair, beginning in January. “This year, we had a number of members indicate an interest in serving as a board member. It was exciting to see that level of engagement and also made the selection process quite difficult,” reflected Watt who served on the chamber’s nominating committee charged with recruiting and interviewing members interested in leadership roles with the chamber. “I believe all members will be well represented by the current and incoming board members in the year to come.”
The 2022 Board of Directors will be installed at the Chamber’s Annual Awards and Installation event – Inspire Excellence next February.
About the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 not-for-profit association comprised of private, public, and non-profit organizations in the Springfield, Eugene, and surrounding communities. The Chamber offers programs and services to strengthen, represent, and promote business throughout the region. For more information about how to join or volunteer for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, visit Springfield-Chamber.org or call 541-746-1651.
