Chamber Director Resigns

DAYTON - After 16 months in the executive director position for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Claudia Nysoe has resigned just two weeks before Dayton Days -- one of the organization's biggest events.

Neither Nysoe nor the board would offer public comment as to the reason Nysoe resigned.

"I really did enjoy the position," Nysoe said last Monday. "I'm confident in what I accomplished."

Nysoe said she will remain in the Dayton community because she loves the lifestyle it provides.

Chamber Board President Bev Rising said in a message to chamber members that on May 10, Nysoe turned in her two-week notice stating that she was resigning her position. Although Nysoe's last day in the chamber office was officially on Friday, May 11, Rising said the chamber board was in agreement to pay her for the two weeks and move forward with filling the position as quickly as possible.

"With the All Wheels Weekend in June rapidly approaching, and our many summer events coming, it is critical for our chamber office to be fully staffed," Rising said.

In a release from the chamber, Rising added that "We have had a lot of interest in this position already. We look forward to bringing on a dynamic leader who will continue the Chamber's successful efforts in tourism promotion and economic development."

The chamber board has about a dozen members and will be tasked with finding a new executive director. Post- ings for the job opening have already been circulated. Board Vice President Ken Graham said applications for the job are due at the end of May and the board hopes to select a new executive director by mid-June.

"We wish her well," Graham said of Nysoe.

Nysoe and her husband, Dain, moved to Dayton in 2009. Nysoe filled the job at the chamber after former executive director Lisa Ronnberg left the position to join Columbia County's Public Works Department. Nysoe learned in early January 2011 that she was chosen from among 14 applicants to lead Dayton's foremost business organization. She has 14 years of marketing experience.

As executive director, Nysoe managed the day-to-day affairs of a group with about 200 members in Dayton and Waitsburg. Waitsburg does not have its own chamber.

The chamber's biggest fundraiser, Brix & Brew, was recently held March 16, and one of its biggest annual events, Dayton Days, is scheduled for this weekend. While the board is trying to find a replacement, Administrative Assistant Linze Purcell will be running the office as acting director, Rising said. Resumes for the opening need to be sent or delivered to Beverly Rising at 126 E Main St., Dayton WA, 99328.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, they should call 382-4714 or email Rising at brising@bannerbank.com.