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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (June 25, 2021)
PAGE A2, KEIZERTIMES, JUNE 25, 2021 Chamber picks new director By ERIC A. HOWALD Of the Keizertimes Aside from the typical goals of someone taking on new responsibilities, Corri Falardeau is trying to live the advice from one of her favorite television shows, The Offi ce. “One of the characters says that when you feel good about your work and are productive, then you can go home. Even though she says it to Michael Scott, who doesn’t do those things, I think it’s true. Each day I come in with the goal of feeling good about my work and feeling accomplished when I go home,” Falardeau said. Falardeau endured a trial by fi re before assuming the executive director role at the Keizer Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. She was fi rst hired by the chamber as an executive assistant on Feb. 17, 2020. Six weeks later, the world plunged into a deadly and economically crippling pandemic. Aside from scrambling to assist businesses transitioning to new ways of life, membership in the chamber dropped. “Despite that, we’ve had a great group of new businesses that are re-engaging because of the top-rate, excellent business support we off ered,” Falardeau said. “It’s all been a huge learning experience.” In addition to from hiring someone to fi ll in at her old job, one of Falardeau’s immediate goals is planning a KeizerFEST in August. The event will look quite diff erent without an associated carnival, but planning is already going full-throttle. “I really believe our community needs to get back together and have a great time,” she said. “I’m hoping that’s something we will provide this year. There’s just all the pent-up desire.” The parade, pet parade and other pet events will return. Before her hiring at the chamber of commerce, Falardeau worked in social services for nearly 15 years and provided home visits and Corri Falardeau was promoted to executive director of the Keizer Chamber of Commerce. She started working for the chamber just before the pandemic and says the community is ready to get back together for KeizerFEST in parenting support August. Photo by LYNDON ZAITZ of Keizertimes for client families at Family Building Blocks. With a background in parent and strengthen relationships between the has been overwhelmingly supportive,” coaching, Falardeau is eager to continue chamber and students at McNary High Falardeau said. “The amazing thing about School and CTEC. this group is that we can put out a call for “I would love to take us deeper into help that says we need fi ve people. Ten supporting kids that are coming through will show up.” career technical programs and right into Those with questions about the workforce,” she said. membership or opportunities within Next month, she will help welcome a the Keizer business community can As the world begins to reemerge from the pandemic, Cherriots will begin to return new board of directors led by local realtor drop by the chamber offi ce at 4118 River to almost normal in the coming weeks. Fare collection will resume on Tuesday, July 6. Rriders will be able to pay using a Bob Shackelford. Ballots are already in Road North, call 503-393-9111 or visit the hands of members. keizerchamber.com. farebox on the bus. “This will be a new experience for me, Keizertimes Publisher Lyndon Zaitz Before July 6, riders can purchase a pass for the bus which can be done at Customer Service Centers at the downtown hub and Keizer Station Transit Center re-opening but I have a great board and everyone contributed to the reporting of this story. on Monday, June 28. Customer service staff will be available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Passes can be purchased with cash, check, or debit/credit card. Starting July 6, you can also pay cash for a One-Ride or Day Pass right on the bus. Unused portions of 30-day passes and annual passes purchased last year can be redeemed at Customer Service for credit on new passes. Cash refunds will not be given. Expired reduced fare IDs and expired annual passes will be accepted until Sept. 5 Riders must also continue to wear a mask when on the bus. For more information on the changes and to view the bus routes, visit www.cherriots.org/changes/#FAQs. Bus fares to resume July 6 Play Let’s Trading Card Games Unique Board Games Tournaments Room rentals RESERVE YOUR TOURNEY SPOT Email Us rknightsgames@gmail.com or CALL 971-915-2382 4904 RIVER RD N - KEI ZER
