McMasters Is New Chamber Director

DAYTON -- The new chamber director in Dayton is one of the town's well-known restaurateurs, Brad McMasters. McMasters was appointed into the position last Wednes- day by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce board and he will officially begin his duties on July 9. McMasters said he is "unbelievably excited" to have been selected for the position.

McMasters owns the Wein- hard Café, which he purchased at the end of 2010. He was a school teacher for six years before going into the restaurant business.

He said he isn't concerned with the overlap between his work at the restaurant and his work with the chamber.

"I've got a really strong team at the café and we've put a system in place so I can step back from day-to-day operations when I need to," McMas- ters said.

In 2002, McMasters moved to Dayton from Seattle. Since his arrival in Dayton, he has been involved in several civic groups including the Dayton Historic Society. He is also the vice chair of the Touchet Valley Arts Council.

McMasters said he was initially drawn to Dayton by his brother, local artist Keith McMasters, who has lived in Dayton for several years and recently did an art demonstration at the Historic Depot. Mc- Masters said he also completed some of his student teaching in the Dayton School District so he has a history with the area before he moved in 2002.

After former chamber exec- utive director Claudia Nysoe's abrupt resignation last month, McMasters came in and ap- plied for the position because he loves Dayton.

"Brad is going to be a really good fit for us," board member Dan Andrews said.

The newly elected direc- tor will be responsible for marketing tourism, economic development and local events, McMasters said.

"It's something I have a huge passion for," he said. "It's a job I've always truly admired and I'm glad that my life has taken me to a place where I am able to do this."

McMasters said he is very active in the community in general.

"Since the day I moved to Dayton, I've been its biggest advocate," McMasters said.

He is currently doing mar- keting and promotions for the Dayton Historic Depot and the Boldman House.

Other council members expressed their support of Mc- Masters' recent election.

Immediate past president of the chamber Bette Lou Crothers said McMasters has shown himself to be involved and capable.

"He is very pleasant and an easy person to deal with and talk with," Crothers said. "I think that's important. He has a strong interest and a real knack for marketing."

Crothers added McMasters appreciates Dayton's history and has a sense for the town.

Chamber President Bev Rising said the board is mov- ing forward with McMasters' installation, but everyone is busy and they're working to make sure he has the basic in- troductions and office needs so he can begin his work.

Rising added that McMas- ters is working to get caught up and tying up loose ends personally. She also said Mc- Masters is working a few hours here and there for the chamber to get adjusted to the chamber board.

"I think he will be a great addition to our chamber and he has a lot of experience in a lot of the areas that are needed," Rising said.

Crothers and Rising both said McMasters and Chamber Administrative Assistant Linze Purcell will make a great team. Crothers said Purcell is sharp and capable and she will work well with community-driven McMasters.

"I think they're going to be a dynamic duo," Crothers said.

McMasters said he is looking forward to starting work.

"You know, the job is just to make everyone I meet and everyone I interact with to feel about Dayton the way I do," McMasters said. "Just to show how special the community is."