Dahl to lead Garrison’s chamber
By CHERYL ODDEN
When the calendar page turns at the end of the month, Karen Araya will have completed her term as 2013 Garrison Chamber of Commerce president.
Beginning next month, Marty Dahl will fill her seat as leader of the organization. Serving with him as members of the Executive Committee will be President Elect Mandi Britton, Secretary/treasurer Sharon Jungling, Shannon Staehr, Stu Merry, Sarah Chase, Scott Foss, Paul Schlichting, Jean Witt and Araya.
During the chamber’s Dec. 16 meeting, Araya’s final meeting as president, she reminded members that award nominations for the chamber’s annual banquet were due by the end of the week. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 at the City Auditorium.
Araya’s tenure brought about several changes in the chamber. One of the newest – a mascot costume for Wally the Wally – brings the local attraction to life. "Wally in costume" made his debut riding aboard a pontoon during the recent Dickens Festival. Araya expressed thanks to North Country Marine & Motorsports for use of a pontoon as a base for the chamber’s Lighted Parade entry.
Under Araya’s leadership, several chamber committees – those whose duties have been absorbed by other committees or organizations – have formally disbanded. During last week’s meeting, a change to the organizations’ bylaws allowed the following to be deleted from the bylaws: The fishing Committee, Food Committee, Nomination Committee and Tourism Committees will be deleted from the bylaws.
