New Executive Director Nia Wagenaar introduced to members
Interim Exec. Director Brooklynn Griffith (right) of the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce with the new Executive Director, Nia Wagenaar at the chamber's annual meeting. This year's annual bash was held at the Spray General Store, which benefited in programming and infrastructure from the OFCC.
Brooklynn Griffith (left) gives the first Distinguished Citizen Award to former OFCC Executive Director, K'Lynn Lane at the annual meeting on February 22. Lane served as Exec. Director for twelve years before leaving to join the Ford Family Foundation.
The grazing table at the OFCC annual meeting inside the Spray General Store.
New Executive Director with the Frontier Chamber, Nia Wagenaar
The Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce (OFCC) held its annual meeting at the Spray General Store last Thursday, February 22nd.
The Oregon Frontier Chamber was previously the Condon Chamber of Commerce, but expanded in 2022 to serve communities in Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman County.
With more than 470 members, the OFCC has served as a resource for businesses in the region, but has also done much more than a traditional chamber of commerce.
In addition to membership, the OFCC also has a number of economic development programs. The Gilliam County Court funds the Small Business Development grant through the Chamber, Business Oregon has two grants that help with technical assistance and business development. And together with Oregon Main Street, the OFCC helped to create the first rural-regional approach to funding corridors of community spaces.
The Spray General Store was the recipient of one of the first Main Street Revitalization grants through the OFCC.
Joni Kabana, owner of the Spray General Store, hosted the annual meeting and said that without the Main Street grant, the store would never have had the complete transformation that guests got to see. Kabana guided guests through a slideshow of what the building looked like when she purchased it in 2020. The renovations are truly amazing. The space is being used for a number of activities that center around music, art, and food.
After a presentation of the chamber's programs and successes, Interim Director introduced the new OFCC Executive Director Shania Wagenaar. Griffith also gave the Distinguished Citizen Award to K'Lynn Lane, who had served as the Condon and then OFCC Executive Director for twelve years and provided the foundation and growth that the chamber currently enjoys.
Griffith also announced that board president Stephen Allen was stepping down as board president but he will remain as a board member for the next year.
The board of directors also thanked Brooklynn Griffith, who was recognized for helping the chamber during a leadership change. Griffith has worked for Oregon Department of Forestry in wildfire efforts and has incredible skills in administration and organization that impacted the chamber significantly.
Finally, the Businesses of the Year:
Gilliam County: The She Shack Shop in Condon owned by Kelly Hill
Wheeler County: Riverbend Motel in Spray owned by Tim Ellis
Sherman County: The Wasco Market owned by Michelle Lawrence
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