Ambassadors

Corvallis Chamber's Ambassador Team 2024

The Chamber Ambassadors welcome new businesses and celebrate milestones for existing businesses in Benton County. Ambassadors host groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, dedications, anniversary celebrations and other business milestones by meeting at a place of business, facilitating an appropriate ceremony and promoting the event through the Chamber’s various marketing channels. They also participate in volunteer projects which benefit other businesses in our community.

Anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador must be a member in good standing, agree to participate in the events on a regular basis and commit to a modest investment to offset the individual costs associated with the program. To join the Ambassadors team, download and complete the Ambassador Application. You must also review and the Ambassador Code of Ethics to be considered for this position. (These forms can be found at the bottom of this page.)

Phone: 503-910-1536
Email: colleen.woods@corvallisknights.com
Webpage: www.corvallisknights.com

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? I am very passionate about economic development and helping people make connections in our community. 

​I have lived in Oregon ten years and have been with Running Princess for four. Prior to that I was the Executive Director for the Philomath Downtown Association and a Wine Rep. Before moving to Oregon I worked in film and television and have worked on many TV shows and feature films. I started my career in television news, then onto the corporate world as Art Director for a Fortune 500 company. I covered the Idaho Legislature for many years, then decided to run for office in 2008, after realizing none of the old men in the statehouse had any idea the issues me and my cohort of families with young children were facing.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and a half-finished Masters in Film. I live in Philomath with my two awesome teenage children and dog Tesla.

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? I am very passionate about  real estate and helping people make connections in our community. 

​At The Gillott Home Team Our Mission is to "Deliver the key to home ownership through seller customer service, integrity and Joy". As Oregon's leading real estate team we have the tools, skills, marketing and expertise to help with any real estate need. The Gillott Home Team has been serving our communities for over 28 years. Being a Real Estate Broker on the Gillott Home Team, Keller Williams Realty means we have the cutting edge technology, a marketing team, systems, up to date training, and a huge team of resources to serve all those who hire us. Providing the highest level of red carpet service and protection to our friends, family, and clients in the community is our top priority.

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? My employer, Cardwell Hill Cellars was a part of the Corvallis Chamber and they wanted me to represent them at the Greeters meeting on every Tuesday. Also, to let people know about Cardwell Hill Cellars and the beautiful places that is within our community. Plus, it was a way to connect with others. 

BIO: I have worked for Cardwell Hill Cellars for the past 10 years. I started out doing accounting, then moved into the Tasting Room and then doing some marketing.   I have lived and worked in the community my entire life.  I have 5 children and I love to ride motorcycles.

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? Russ enjoys promoting business in our community and meeting new people!

Bio: Russ Hedge is a Marketing Coach, Keynote Speaker, Live streamer/Podcaster, Livestream Producer and Author of “Befuddled? Live the Life You Choose!” He is a positive force in today’s busy, hectic, and often negative business environment. He is a master connector, working in marketing and sales for over 30 years. He has been recognized as a Top Salesperson in multiple industries and for his skills in Networking and Connecting! Russ loves to encourage, inspire, and make people smile. That’s why he is known as an “Inspiration Specialist.” He has been married to his beautiful wife Leah for over 35 years and has 2 adult children, Kyla and Connor, and a daughter-in-law, Gabby. His goal is to add value to people by encouraging and helping them live a more engaged and positive life.

Bio: Building relationships: Using technology for a human connection---By Brenna Wieg and
Ryan Kackley has a renaissance soul.

He has translated his passion for human connection and technology into a business epitomizing and helping define the way of business in the coming decades, with social capital as its currency.
Clients, including many start-up businesses, often start by having Kackley create a WordPress webpage, or updating their existing site to WordPress. He guides them in the use of social networking tools, including Facebook pages, blogs, and other networking resources.

I like empowering people to do as much of it as they would like to.” Kackley recommends promoting one’s business, non-profit or community event on Facebook. “When I meet somebody I’m looking to plug them in somewhere, based on their unique skills, services and what their needs are,”
“If someone can simply come up with three needs, goals or desires, generally I can facilitate at least one of them, if not all three,”

He conducts trainings for businesses, including stress reduction, increasing business leads, cold-calling and computer classes, including how to use Facebook, Skype, WordPress and smartphones.
“For a long time, I didn’t have a term for what I did and the way it’s geared around relationships,” Kackley said. He embraced the term “social capital” while going through the Ford Institute Leadership Program. He now helps conduct Ford Institute trainings.

“My goal is mutuality and harmony for any interaction or transaction; you’re not trying to sell anybody anything,” Kackley said. “My philosophy is that everything is about relationships.”

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? I want to support our local business community.

Bio: I am highly motivated to help business owners succeed in this tough economy. I have scoured the market to bring the most innovative tools to the business owner to help them save, make and protect their money! What I offer to merchants and business owners is straight forward and honest answers and solutions to their credit/debit card processing needs! I am an Independent Broker, so that I can freely provide the best pricing and solution for every possible way of processing Visa/Mastercard/Discover/American Express and all other types of payments.

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? To help further business connections within our great community--in order to make it an even better place, to conduct business. For profit-making ventures, public agency's, and non-profit organizations. And to help foster the growth of our Chamber--and our local economy--by engaging with our local leaders, at all levels. 

Bio: My family settled in Eugene in 1847. So, I’m a sixth-generation Oregonian. My birthplace is Albany; but I spent my formative years growing up in the logging community of Philomath.

After graduating from high school, I’ve earned degrees in Radio Broadcasting, Business Management, and a BA in Organizational Leadership from George Fox University. Among other things I’ve worked for the local chapter of the American Red Cross, and the United Way of Benton County. In addition, I’ve been an electronic security systems sales and design consultant, since 2004. We specialize primarily in Intrusion and Fire alarm and Camera Surveillance systems—for both homes and businesses.

I’ve been active in the Chamber since 2004 (and was honored to be Co-Ambassador of the Year in 2012). In my spare time I collect classic rock and blues music, which I listen to on vintage home stereo gear. Plus, I’m an administrator on the Oregon Fishing Forum. 

Bio: Ben Danley has spent most of his career working for local and international nonprofits and now owns a business that provides services for nonprofit leaders and long distance pet transportation (guess which part of his business involves more visits to sketchy interstate gas station bathrooms). His nonprofit consulting business focuses on leadership transitions, board development and one-on-one coaching. When he's not working, Ben enjoys volunteering, riding his motorcycle, backpacking, photography, and traveling in Asia.

Why did you join the Ambassador Committee? As a Chamber Ambassador, Craig became involved for several important reasons. First and foremost, it aligns with his passion for supporting local small businesses and helping them grow. Being a Chamber Ambassador allows Craig to connect with like-minded professionals and provide mentorship and guidance, helping fellow business owners succeed in the community.



Additionally, it gives Craig a platform to promote his advocacy for nonprofits, encouraging collaboration and fostering relationships that benefit the local economy. It also provides opportunities to stay actively engaged in community events, giving him a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities small businesses face. This role supports Craig's long-term goal of building a thriving local economy and creating lasting partnerships across diverse industries.

Bio: Craig McPherson brings a vast and diverse background in manufacturing, project management, and problem-solving to his role as a small business owner. With decades of hands-on experience, including working with automation, robotics, and precision engineering, Craig has mastered the art of turning ideas into reality. His journey from a Tool & Die maker to managing large-scale construction projects gives him a unique skill set that he now applies to running his business, CNC Wood Cutters.

Driven by a lifelong goal of helping other local small businesses thrive, Craig is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and nonprofits alike. His commitment to community is evident in his efforts to collaborate with businesses and individuals, offering personalized marketing solutions, custom products, and expert design services.

Craig believes in the power of small businesses to fuel the local economy, and his mission is to uplift others by sharing his knowledge, resources, and creativity. Whether it's providing promotional products, aiding in brand development, or offering guidance to non-profits, Craig is dedicated to making a positive impact and helping others succeed.