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
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