President, Stephen Allen
Steve Allen is the owner and operator of The Times-Journal. The Times-Journal is one of the longest continually running newspapers in Oregon. Founded in 1886, The Times-Journal is the newspaper of record for Gilliam, Wheeler and Sherman counties. Providing local news that is not available anywhere else, The Times-Journal is the voice of Oregon’s smallest frontier counties. Available in print and online at timesjournal1886.com.
Brad Attig
Brad Attig has a passion for helping startups and small businesses. He launched Foundry Collective a nonprofit working to create sustainable “Main Street Innovation Labs” in small and rural communities. Foundry Collective operates Foundry at Corvallis, a 2500 sq. ft. innovation hub and currently supports hubs in Baker City, La Grande, Burns, Estacada, and soon, Coos Bay, all in rural Oregon.
With 20+ years of senior business experience with Macy’s, Target, Montgomery Wards, and Citibank Brad leverages his knowledge helping create exciting new businesses with triple-bottom line goals; social, environmental and financial. He’s passionate about social missions, rural economic development, local sustainable food supplies, and B Corporations. He serves on the board of the Corvallis Environmental Center focusing on creating a better and more resilient local community.
Brad is experienced in developing creative business strategy and digital marketing ideas for small and mid-sized businesses and has been a successful consultant for small businesses in areas of branding, online marketing, ecommerce, and retail for many years. He has mentored startup founders and teams at the Advantage Accelerator – Oregon State University, Eugene RAIN Accelerators, Fertilab (Eugene), and Hatch Innovation (Portland). This experience covers consumer goods, retail, light-scale manufacturing and SaaS and membership portals.
Gregory Price
Greg has 20 years of business development experience. He has founded and operated successful for-profit and non-profit companies in the renewable energy industry where he developed a first of its kind energy forecasting and reporting program. He has also worked in sales, marketing, policy, and many years in consulting. He earned his masters in business administration from Portland State University where he was also a part-time professor in the graduate school of business. He created and led the study abroad program focused on entrepreneurship, economics, and sustainable development.
Greg holds certifications from/in American Management Association, US Dept of Commerce; Export Strategies, Advanced Leadership and Community Development, Solar Energy International, AWS welding, and Animal Behavior College; dog training.
Jalet Farrell
Born, raised and educated in both eastern and western Oregon; I am the fifth of seven generations of Oregonians in my family.
I have lived in many regions of Oregon and had the great fortune to come from a long heritage of small business entrepreneurs. My first business being painting and wallpaper while still in high school. A volunteer leader in many
capacities, my passion is to support and encourage vision and vision setting. Currently residing in Mitchell, Oregon I operate a five star, donation based travelers hostel, Spoke’nHostel. Now in our sixth season we have hosted more
than 3,500 guests, most arriving by bicycle. I also serve as co-pastor with my husband Patrick at our community church, Mitchell Praise Assembly.
In giving back to my local communities I have helped to open or update five current businesses and a home in Mitchell and Fossil in a volunteer capacity.
Since 2016 I have served locally:
● Founder of Neighborhood Night 2016
● Painted Hills Scenic Bikeway proponent and ambassador
● Painted Hills Festival committee 2016-2017
● Eclipse steering committee
● EOVA ambassador
● Winner of the 2016 Travel Oregon Governor’s award for innovative business model
Connie Ramsay – Mezzanine Manager
Connie brings a wealth of experience and a creative touch to The Mezzanine. With over 50 years in dentistry as a dental hygienist and dental assistant, and a lifelong passion for creative endeavors like home design, styling, and décor, Connie has seamlessly transitioned into her role at the Chamber. Her background even includes owning an antique/vintage shop and participating in vendor pop-up sales for several years.
Connie’s Journey to The Mezzanine:
Upon retiring, Connie was approached by K’Lynn Lane, then the Condon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, who recognized her talents beyond her dentistry career. Taking on the role of Mezzanine Manager was a perfect fit, allowing Connie to channel her passion for design and decoration into promoting and supporting local artisans.
Achievements:
Under Connie’s management, The Mezzanine has grown from hosting just 10 vendors to over 60, turning it into a key feature of our Chamber and a highlight for visitors and community members alike.
Connie Shares:
“I am honored to have the position of Mezzanine Manager with the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce. What a great retirement job! I get to create vignettes/displays and promote artisans, makers, and creators which is so satisfying and stimulating.”
Joni Kabana-Spray Ambassador
Joni Kabana has a deep love for the John Day River Territory and she loves to foster community via many avenues. Joni’s experience of owning a small business that centers on communications, marketing and visual creative direction gives her a great skillset to serve as Ambassador for Spray, Oregon. In addition to her small business and managing the social media accounts for the John Day River Territory and 1859/1889 Magazines, Joni is the owner of the Spray General Store, a community and art center that hosts workshops, events and gatherings.
Brittany Dark – Executive Director
Brittany brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for our community to her new role. As a third-generation business owner and a former city recorder in our region, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our local businesses face. Brittany is committed to nurturing a strong support system that is vital for the survival and prosperity of our rural communities.
Brittany has always had a special place in her heart for the Oregon Frontier, captivated by its vast beauty and the warm welcome of its communities. She shares, “The Oregon Frontier is unmatched in its beauty and community spirit. I am dedicated to ensuring that this region we love so much continues to flourish for years to come. We need to create a thriving environment where our graduates want to return and prosper. I’m excited to lead our efforts and make a lasting impact.”
Autumn Ackerman – Program Manager
About Autumn:
As the new Program Manager, I’m here to organize events, manage projects, and support our members in every way I can. Being one of the younger members on our team, I’m eager to infuse our projects with fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
A Little More About Me:
Outside of work, my passions lie in traveling and the musical arts. These pursuits keep me inspired and energized, and I bring this energy back to my work at the Chamber.
A Personal Note from Autumn:
“Having lived in Condon nearly my entire life, I have a deep-rooted connection to our community. I’m excited to collaborate with all of you and create meaningful experiences for our community!”
Kayla Rutherford – Social Media Manager
Kayla has been a crucial part of our team, creating events, sharing important Chamber news, and giving shoutouts to our vibrant community on our page.
Under her guidance, we’ve seen a significant increase in traffic to our social media channels, enhancing our community’s engagement and connectivity. Kayla manages our content remotely, ensuring that our online presence is as dynamic and informative as our community itself.
Have something to share? If you’re an active member of our area and the Chamber, please send your posts to [email protected] to be included in our monthly content calendars.