Chamber Begins Search for New Executive Director

After serving twelve years as the Executive Director of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, Larry Osterling will be stepping down from that position May 1. 

According to a news release issued by the chamber, Osterling's decision to retire was a long time in the making and didn’t come easily. However, it wasn’t unexpected by the chamber’s Board of Directors who’ve known about it since January of 2011.  

“I’ve really enjoyed my service to the Saline area community and I thank everyone who’s been so helpful and supportive of me and our chamber over the years. We’re a strong, respected, and effective business organization and I’ve been fortunate to be part of some major successes here," Osterling said. "I found working as the head of a chamber like ours has consistently presented me with all kinds of diverse opportunities—many of which I could can pass on to our members in the form of benefits, useful information, and ongoing support."

Osterling also said he has forged great relationships while leading the organization.

"The job has also earned me a ton of wonderful friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Retiring was a tough decision, but we all have to think about it sometime and I’m looking forward to other new challenges—and I’ll be interested in seeing what the next Executive Director does to promote the interests of our chamber members and our community," Osterling said. "Hey, I’m not going anywhere and my services are still available! I hope to still be involved in all sorts of future Chamber activities!”

Chamber Board of Directors President Karen Ragland commented about the impact Osterling has had on the organization and the community.

“On behalf of the Saline community, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce’s membership, and the chamber board I wish to thank Larry for his years of dedication and service. Larry has been a passionate leader who has focused on our business community’s sustainable growth while continually looking for ways to offer real value to the chamber membership," Ragland said. "He’s not only given countless hours to the Chamber, he has gone above and beyond his responsibility as Director and has provided invaluable guidance and time to local community boards, events, and activities."

Ragland said that anyone who loves the look of Downtown Saline during the holidays should credit Osterling.

"One of the most notable testaments to Larry’s community spirit is the magnificent lights you see in the trees in downtown Saline every holiday season," she said.

The chamber of commerce thrived under Osterling's leadership, she said.

"During his tenure the Chamber strengthened its financial position and through vision and passion we almost doubled our size to just shy of 500 members today," Ragland said. "Saline’s business people deeply appreciate all he’s done for our community. It will be difficult to fill his shoes."

According Andrew Lund, Board Vice President and Chairperson of the chamber’s Human Resources Committee, the search process for a new Executive Director has been ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. 

“Our main goal is to find the right person for the job and would like to fill the position by May 1.” 

Interested persons should email requests for information and resumes to Andrew.lund@tema.toyota.com or write directly to the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, Attention Andrew Lund, 141 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI, 48176.

(This article was submitted by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.)