Brittany Dark is the new Executive Director of the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce. Dark has a Master degree in Business Administration, grew up in a small business household, and has recently taught entrepreneurship classes.
Autumn Ackerman is a local gal from Condon. Autumn worked at the Chamber as a student intern, and recently was hired as the Programs Manager at the OFCC. Autumn will support community ambassadors and will help with event coordination, among other duties.
The Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Condon Chamber) is happy to welcome new leadership to the organization.
On June 6, Brittany Dark started as the organization's Executive Director. Dark has been involved with the Oregon Frontier Chamber as a Community Ambassador and as a teacher for the entrepreneurship classes.
Brittany grew up in Southern and Eastern Oregon having graduated from Burns High and Eastern Oregon University as well as Grand Canyon University with a Master in Business Administration. Brittany's history in the workforce and in education make for a powerful combination.
"My entrepreneurial journey started at a young age by waiting tables and selling fools gold outside my family's restaurant on the Rogue River," Brittany says.
Dark lives in Rufus and was originally hired by the OFCC as the Sherman County Ambassador in March of 2022. Dark also worked as the Grants and Outreach Coordinator for the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association.
But Dark says her love for the region started much earlier.
"I fell in love with the area when I became employed with Mid Columbia Producers and visited the Sherman County Historical Museum. I learned about the people who have created this region. The people in this region are real and there when you need them," Dark said.
Dark says that she considers herself more of a collaborator than a leader – someone who is a spark and conduit of information that supports both businesses and the community.
"I will default to a leadership role when needed but within our communities, I feel a collaborator has been better received and appreciated by those who care deeply for our region," she said.
Dark is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the economic and social fabric of the communities that the OFCC serves.
"I have consistently sought out roles that allow me to impact business growth and community engagement positively, Dark says. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities."
Being spread out across three large counties and eleven communities has its challenges. But Dark says that the community ambassadors are helping the chamber and its members in all communities.
"The ambassador team is offering technical Assistance in creation and sharing on Social Media and with flyers," Dark says. The Chamber also provides a community calendar and registration links for vendors to easily access each of the events in the region.
"Currently, I am working to understand each community's needs and current projects that are underway and will be working with the board in the future to solidify our strategic direction."
Currently, Dark says that the Chamber needs more members and for existing members to renew their membership. Doing so will help to fund initiatives and to provide additional networking opportunities for area businesses, nonprofits, and individuals.
Dark also says that attending Chamber sponsored events is a great way to show community pride. She also says that volunteering for events and spreading the word about the chamber's value is essential.
Brittany is also a big fan of shopping local and asks people in the area to find local businesses instead of spending in larger cities.
Joining Brittany at the Oregon Frontier Chamber is Autumn Ackerman, who is the Programs Manager at OFCC.
Autumn recently graduated high school and began working at the Chamber in December as a student worker.
"I started to learn a lot of the ins and outs of the place, and got to work closely with Brooklynn Griffith and Shania Drinkwine," Autumn says.
Autumn says that she was excited to apply for the newly created position of Programs Manager after her experiences as a student intern.
"I was drawn to this new position because of the Chamber's commitment to supporting all the local businesses," Ackerman said. "Something that excites me about this job is the diversity of the workload – no week is ever going to be the same, and I will be working on multiple projects simultaneously – each with its own unique opportunities and challenges."
Autumn is excited to help plan and organize events with the Ambassadors in each community. She is also eager to help small businesses.
"The Chamber is always promoting local events," and offering businesses support, she says. Autumn is also asking for area businesses and community members to join the Chamber as members.
"Joining ensures that you receive benefits such as promotion and advertising, access to resources, and advocacy."
Autumn also says that it is crucial for the Chamber to know what challenges businesses are facing and that members give feedback and share ideas.
Brittany Dark and Autumn Ackerman have been working feverishly in the runup to Condon's Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration. They have been meeting with volunteers and putting a plan in place. But more help is always welcome.
For anyone who wants to get involved with volunteering or lending a hand for events, Brittany and Autumn are hoping to hear from you.
To reach the Chamber, call (541) 384-7777 or email Brittany at brittany@oregonfrontierchamber.org.
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