Carmelle Bielenberg has worn many hats during the decade she spent working for the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce.
“I was first associated with the local Chamber as member,” Bielenberg recalled.
Then, in 2015 she began working as an event planner, followed by a position as the Membership and Communications Director and finally, in 2017, as the Chamber’s CEO. Now she is moving on.
“There is no other work quite like Chamber work,” Bielenberg said. “The biggest challenge for a small Chamber is simply capacity. The CEO is responsible for the daily operations, nonprofit management, familiarity with all levels of government, economic development, budgeting and resource allocation, marketing, communications, event planning, tourism development, accounting, sales, fundraising, and human resources. I actually love that diversity and breadth of this work… no two days are ever the same, and it requires strategic thinking, solution-oriented ideas, and the integration of logic, collaboration, and creativity.”
She said she’s proudest of her advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts to source grants for businesses struggling during that time, as well as the subsequent Women-in-Business initiative and her ongoing work with the Santiam SummerFest.
Bielenberg has been a staunch supporter for both the hometown where she was raised and those living and working there.
“This place is part of me, and I will always carry it with me,” she said.
But because she was unable to find a home that fit her needs when she was looking to buy in 2024, she made the difficult decision to move to Albany. Then when Janet Steele – CEO of the Albany Chamber of Commerce – announced her retirement, she made the equally challenging decision to leave the Stayton Sublimity Chamber.
“I am really excited to lead, not only an organization, but a team, at the Albany Chamber,” Bielenberg said. Her last day with the Stayton Sublimity Chamber was Oct. 24. “I look forward to building relationships with businesses and community leaders.”
In the meantime, as the board of directors for the Stayton Sublimity Chamber prepares to “launch a competitive search for a high-caliber successor” the duties of the CEO are being divided amongst the board members.
“We consider this an opportunity to reimagine the Stayton Sublimity Chamber’s next chapter – with member involvement at its core…” Chamber Board President Beth Morey said.
“We consider this an opportunity to receive input from our members in structuring the duties and focuses our next leader will have… If you have skills or ideas to share – whether in event planning, communications, outreach, or administration – we welcome the involvement. Engagement will be key in keeping the growing momentum of our vibrant Chamber going.”
