Chamber has a new director

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
A new director for the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has been hired and is active in getting the organization running smoothly. Janet Olson started her new position on Monday, Feb. 17, and said she is excited to be working for the chamber and the city.
Born and raised in northern California, Janet grew up in the little town of Macdoel, about 40 miles southwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon. When her husband, Todd, got a job as the pastor at the Cambria Community Baptist Church, the couple moved to Newcastle. They have also lived in Oregon and New Mexico. Todd is now on the staff of Church on the Hill, and they consider Newcastle their real home.
“I love it here. I love this town and its people. It is kind of like living in Mayberry with snow,” Janet said. 
According to Janet, she heard about the chamber director opening by word of mouth and thought it would be interesting. So she applied for the position.
“The board was excited to have someone come in who had fresh ideas,” said Holly Borton, a chamber board member. “Janet brings energy and a positive outlook to the position.”
That positive outlook has not only infused the chamber office with a warm smile and heart, Olson also has some ideas about what she would like to accomplish already brewing, and she plans to reach out to the community in a big way. 
“The job is interesting,” she said, “I worked in a casino in Tahoe for a while, and there I had to always talk to new people from all over the world. I love the interaction with people and meeting someone new.”
“I still have to figure out what this job is going to require fully,” Olson continued, “But I’m excited to work with people and attract business into the community.” 
One of the things she would like to see, she said, would be a gun manufacturer or some similar industry come to Newcastle. To see the economic development grow and to have the city become more attractive to businesses is a primary goal for her.
“I am thrilled to have this job,” she said, “I hope to do a good job. Newcastle is already a great place to live. I hope to help it become even better.”