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Columbia Chamber of Commerce

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Didn't find what you were looking for? We're here to help. Meet the staff of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce - a dedicated group of individuals you can contact for additional information on a variety of topics. If you have a general question and are not sure who to contact, please click here. Our mailing address is:

Columbia Chamber of Commerce
(573) 874-1132
300 South Providence Road
Post Office Box 1016
Columbia, Missouri 65205-1016

Don Laird

President
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Oversees Chamber Staff. Reports to the Chamber Chair of the Board, Board of Directors and Executive committee.

Connie Barringhaus

Information Specialist
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Operates the switchboard for the Chamber and CVB. Assists customers in the lobby, and is a secretarial support person. Handles all information requests for Chamber and inquiries about Columbia.

Victoria Brees

Director, Program Development
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Responsible for working with committees to accomplish goals & objectives outlined in Business Plan. Works with Business Conference & Showcase committee, Golf committee and Leadership Columbia Program. Provides support for the Board of Directors/Executive committee and coordinates Annual Meeting.

Michelle Earhart

Director, Financial Services
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Responsible for billing membership dues and all accounting connected with the Chamber. Is a notary, & works directly with the CPA auditing firm, Budget & Finance committee & the Chamber Board's Treasurer. Responsible for all aspects of Ambassador Division.

Lexi Klaus

Director, Government Affairs

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Is a registered lobbyist and represents Chamber in areas of government and public affairs. Works directly with Government Affairs, Transportation, Agribusiness and Education committees. Coordinates Food for Thought, Coffee with Columbia, Mayor’s Appreciation Breakfast, Candidate/Issues Forums, Agricultural Recognition Banquet, Collegiate Leadership Columbia, Thompson Scholarship and Agricultural Scholarship.

Emily Poore

Director, Communication Services
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Responsible for internal/external communications, publications, advertising, media relations, social networking, research/demographic information & Chamber web site. Produces weekly Chamber Activities Calendar, monthly Chamber Business Line Newsletter and yearly Newcomer's Guide & Chamber Membership Directory. Oversees the Chamber map production. Coordinates the Communications Task Force, Junior Leadership Columbia program and Emerging Professionals In Columbia (EPIC).

Kristi Ray

Executive Vice President
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Coordinates Chamber's regional economic development effort and Missouri CORE Partnership. Is a registered lobbyist and coordinates legislative relations with Director-Government Affairs. Assists in the development of Chamber political positions and directs the contact program for key employers in the area. Also coordinates Experience Columbia and Economic Outlook Conference. Provides support for the Centennial Investors group.

Suzanne Rothwell

Director, Membership
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Responsible for soliciting new members to the Chamber and retention. Works with the Membership committee. Coordinates New Member Welcomes and Round Table Luncheons.

Liz Tesar

Director, Women's Network
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Responsible for all aspects of Women’s Network Division. Maintains Chamber membership database. Works with the Small Business committee. Coordinates Executive Connections, Small Business Week & Awards and the Micro Business Fair.

Sherry Wohlgemuth

Director, Special Projects
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Responsible for managing the Total Resource Campaign and works directly with the Alternate Income committee. Coordinates Quarterly Membership Breakfasts and Kickballapalooza.