New Canby Chamber Director to Step Down for Personal Reasons

The new executive director of the Canby Area Chamber of Commerce is resigning after less than six months in the position, she announced in an email to members Wednesday afternoon, saying the decision was for personal reasons.

“Please know that the reason for my departure is only one of personal circumstances due to an unfortunate family issue that has arisen and requires my full attention,” Executive Director Laurie Tarter said in the message. “This responsibility leaves me unable to fulfill the commitments of my position in the foreseeable future.”

A former longtime leader of a nationally recognized nonprofit in the Detroit, Michigan, area as well as an independent consultant, Tarter took the helm of the local business networking and advocacy group in February and impressed business owners and community members with her relentless enthusiasm and vision.

The Canby community impressed her, Tarter said, particularly the chamber’s governing body, whom she called the “most dedicated and engaged board of directors of any organization” she has worked with.

She also praised chamber staff members Audrey Traaen and Robin Balcom as “extraordinarily talented,” “tireless, eminently flexible, dedicated and passionate about making a positive difference for [chamber] members and the Canby community.”

“Also, I want to thank all of you, the chamber members, for allowing me to serve you,” she wrote. “I’m thankful for every lesson learned and for what each of you has brought to my life. I wish you all the best in the future.”

Tarter said she is confident the chamber will remain a vibrant and engaged voice for businesses and the community.

Tarter’s resignation is effective August 5. One of her final engagements will be a Good Morning Canby networking opportunity hosted by The Canby Current and Now Hear This Studios on July 28.

Tarter had replaced former Director Kyle Lang, who served the chamber four years before stepping down to take on the new role of general manager of Harefest and the Wild Hare Music Festival.

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