Chamber Chat – Dec 2024/Jan 2025

INTRODUCING the force behind the Chamber is an absolute honor and the most important part of the first, official, written introduction in my role as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Dunn, President and visionary of the Wine Trolley and Jacksonville Holiday Trolley Lights Tour is the owner of Dunn Remodeling and Construction and the co-owner and contractor behind Kubli Haus. Bobby Stricker, newly appointed Vice President is head of our Marketing Team and publisher of 101 Things to Do. Abby McKee is our charismatic secretary and President and CEO of Britt Arts and Music Festival. Jerry Hayes, our treasured treasurer is the founder and former owner of the Bella Union Restaurant.

This year we welcome Christian Hamilton, current owner of the Bella Union, to the Board of Directors as well as Amy Kranenburg, owner of Happy Alpaca.

My co-director Julie Baker was very deservedly promoted into directorship following her heroic efforts during the Haunted Trolley and Victorian Christmas seasons of 2023. She now manages the Visitor Center and the Wine and Narrated History Trolley Tour programs and the staff associated with both.

Jacksonville’s exceptional ambassadors at the Visitor Information Center: Peggy Dover, Sherry Kramer, Ellen Martin and Gretchen Woolf.

Brian Roberts, our Trolley Manager, is behind the wheel of both the Wine and Narrated History programs with a dedicated team of drivers. He and his crew of Terry Moore, Mike Travesi and Dave Turner go above and beyond on a daily basis.

The City awarded the Chamber a 2024 Transient Lodging Tax Grant to establish a foundational marketing campaign that enables us to engage the talents of Sabrah Maple of Maple Creative Studio as our Marketing Director and Craig Alan (webmaster and photographer) who manages and supports our tech program.

It’s correct to surmise from these introductions that this group is small, mighty and holds a myriad of responsibilities within and without the confines of the Chamber.

My own introduction includes the scope of our work that involves presentation of annual events, management of destination marketing, development of membership, cultivation of community outreach and collaboration with the City. While my focus has been firmly rooted in discerning the “why” as I learn my way into this new role, my sights are set on the horizon of the chamber realizing it’s mission statement: “Cultivating a vibrant business community in our historic landmark town.”

While countless volunteer hours that the board has amassed and the dedication of staff propel our forward momentum, your support is vital to continue our growth and success. Whether through Chamber membership, event sponsorship, or volunteering, every contribution makes a difference in our community.

We encourage you to show your support through our simplified donation process via Venmo @jvillechamber.

We look forward to seeing you all during the Victorian Christmas festivities. Please see ad on page 2 and visit christmasinjacksonville.com until we proudly launch our new jacksonvilleoregon.org website in January.

Belita Palu-ay is the the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and owner of Belita Space in Jacksonville. Reach her at Belita@JacksonvilleOregon.org.