Open House for Osterling Friday

The Saline community is invited to an open house for Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Larry Osterling, who is leaving the chamber at the end of the month.

The open house is at the from 1-4 p.m. Friday.

In January, at the chamber's annual meeting, Osterling talked about working with the chamber and his decision to leave.

“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."

Saline's Downtown Director Art Trapp has been tapped to be the next executive director of the organization.