C-W Chamber hires new administrative assistant

The executive director of the Downtown Camas Association has been hired as the new administrative assistant at the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

Brenda Schallberger assisted with the chamber’s holiday lunch Thursday, and she started training at the chamber office Friday.

“In taking this role with the C-W Chamber of Commerce, I can continue to provide support for businesses in an even broader scope — encompassing the communities of both Camas and Washougal,” she said. “I will enjoy a role in the future prosperity of both.”

Schallberger is also continuing to work at the DCA office until a successor is named. Kitty Hibbs has been hired as a part-time event coordinator for the DCA.

Schallberger has been an association employee since May 2012.

She started as a part-time program coordinator, then became the full time director in June 2013.

“My favorite part of the job was supporting and promoting all of the wonderful businesses in downtown Camas,” Schallberger said. “The business owners have become family, and I remain endeared.

“The role has really impressed upon me the value of supporting our local, independently owned businesses,” she added. “When they do well, we all do better.”

Even though her bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland is in education, Schallberger said her first love is community service.

“I naturally gravitate toward administrative and marketing roles for nonprofit service organizations,” she said.

Former Chamber Administrative Assistant Jennifer Senescu has become a business partner with her mother, Marquita Call, at Camas Gallery, 408 N.E. Fourth Ave. Senescu had worked at the chamber since February.

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce office is located at 422 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. For more information, call 834-2472 or visit www.cwchamber.com.