The Canby Area Chamber of Commerce announced it has named a new leader with broad experience in business, education and nonprofits.
Laurie Tarter joins the Canby organization most recently from her own company, through which she offered consulting services to small business owners and nonprofits, and the Wilsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she served as event and communications manager for two years.
“I’m ecstatic to be working alongside such a talented chamber team,” Tarter said in a press release. “Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships and connections for the Canby business community and the services that members have come to expect.”
For nearly two decades, Tarter served as a vice president and program facilitator for Winning Futures, a nationally recognized and award-winning nonprofit in the Detroit metro area dedicated to helping high school students succeed through mentoring, life skills development, goal setting, job readiness training and other programs.
All told, she brings some 25 years of executive and managerial experience in marketing, building relationships, leading new initiatives, and working with organizations of all sizes — including businesses, nonprofits and chambers of commerce in the Canby and Wilsonville areas.
Her selection capped a months-long search that included an initial pool of hopefuls and panel interviews by the Board of Directors and other community members of several finalists.
“I am a pro-business advocate and am passionate about workforce and economic development, strategic partnerships, special events, membership, and inclusive strategies,” Tarter said. “I understand the importance of strong relationships and collaboration with elected officials, business leaders, and members.”
The chamber also recently named new board officers, with Canby Fire chief and longtime board member Jim Davis being elevated to president, taking the baton from Tyler Nizer. Diane Harbeck of Better Homes & Gardens Reality Partners will serve as first vice president, Tina Schimpf of Hope Village second vice president and Dr. Ashley McFerron of Canby Eyecare secretary and treasurer.
“We are pleased to have selected Laurie,” Davis said in the release. “Laurie has an energetic leadership style; this combined with experience in nonprofit and for-profit management positions makes Laurie uniquely qualified to lead the chamber. We’re excited for Laurie as she begins to bring her ideas and enthusiasm to the Canby chamber!”
Tarter replaces Kyle Lang, who stepped down last month after four years in the position to take on a new role as general manager of Harefest and the Wild Hare Music Festival.
“The chamber board and team are incredibly grateful to Kyle for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization,” the chamber said in a Facebook post last week. “We cannot express enough how thankful we are for all he has done for the chamber and its members and the Canby business community. We will genuinely miss his positive energy, fun sense of humor, personable spirit as he embarks on a new path.”