By Graham Sturgeon, co-editor
THE GREATER DURAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE recently introduced Yvonne Ryan as the organization’s 2016 president, and she is teaming with Kathy Olund, the chamber’s executive director, to improve the services the chamber offers to its members. The local business community clamored for the return of the chamber when it was closed from the fall of 2014 through July of 2015, and the new leadership team is energized to work with local business owners to continue to make Durand an attractive location for potential businesses. (Independent Photo/Graham Sturgeon)
Greater Durand Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Olund has been hard at work revitalizing the chamber since it re-opened last July. Now, following the passing of the president’s gavel at the chamber’s annual awards dinner last Thursday, April 21, the chamber’s full 2016 team is in place.
Yvonne Ryan, of Blackmore Rowe in Durand, accepted the gavel from outgoing chamber president Amy Roddy, and the new president/director tandem has hit the ground running. Ryan is looking to continue the positive momentum Olund has generated over the past 10 months, as she aims to “bring communication and networking back” to the Durand chamber.
In addition to a new, flashy website, www.durandchamber.com, Olund has reinstated the chamber’s weekly Friday newsletter, and has taken an active role in promoting the chamber and recruiting new members. Ryan is hoping to expand on Olund’s efforts by seeking input from chamber members and encouraging more involvement.
“I am really excited about this year,” Ryan said. “We want to communicate with our members by seeking their input on how we can grow their businesses. There is a lot of positive energy coming from this office, and I think this is going to be a great year.”
Ryan brings a lot to the table herself, but she has been really impressed with Olund’s work as director, saying she is “a breath of fresh air,” and “a real go-getter.” The organization recently welcomed four new members, which brings the chamber’s total membership to 97.
Some of Olund’s ideas were unveiled during the awards dinner with the introduction of the “Hospitality Star” award, which rewards the city’s friendliest customer service workers, and the addition of the “Golden Anniversary Recognition, which honors businesses with at least 50 years of operation in the Durand area. Denise Catalano, of the Iron Horse Pub, and Ellen Ocenasek, from D-Railed Bar & Grill, shared the hospitality award, with 76 votes submitted, and Terex Simplicity, Watkins Brothers Funeral Home, and Hass Vision were recognized as longtime Durand businesses.
The rest of the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director officers were also introduced during the dinner. Betty Fuller is the 1st Vice President, Bob Tyrrell the 2nd Vice President, and Christina Johnson the Secretary. Jeri Birchmeier, Josh Strickland, and Mike Fuja are the board directors.
Additionally, Terex Simplicity was named the 2016 Business of the Year, SATA was named the Community Organization of the Year, and Donna Tobias was recognized as the Citizen of the Year.
