The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce held its reorganization meeting at the chamber office to elect a new executive board and seat seven new board members.

Elected to the executive board for 2017 are Linda Marchalk as president, Ben Turrano as vice president, Rich Shupp as treasurer, and Ann Ostergaard as secretary.Newly elected board members seated at the meeting are Steve Seach from The Seach Law Offices, Rich Stianche from Dn’A Bikes, Mary Linkevich from Tamaqua Borough, Larissa Verta from LCCC, Jennifer Drake from Independent Living Services, Brittany Giannini from Mauch Chunk Trust, and Steve Gintz from Revive Community Fellowship.The newly seated members and executive board join returning board members Richard Hadesty Jr., Jack Kulp, Brian Seitz, Serge Chrush, Susan Fegley, Jodi Kellner, Kim Noel, Manda Smarr and Major Sharon Whispell.Marchalk said, “With a theme this year of Hearts and Heroes, the chamber is excited to partner and work together with other local organizations for the common goal of a thriving and successful community.”The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates the board members on their commitment to our community’s prosperity. The chamber organizes and helps with a variety of community events throughout the year including the Summer Concert Series at the Tamaqua Train Station, the New Year’s Eve Eagle Rise at the ABC Hi-Rise, the Annual Community Yard Sale, and the Spirit of Christmas Festival.A new Hometown Hero banner program, as well as the 2017 Membership Drive, are currently underway.“I think we’ve got a board comprised of a great cross-section of the community. They all bring their expertise and varied skill sets to the table along with a desire to bring out the best in the community,” administrative assistant Vanessa Gerhard said.The chamber’s next event, Updates from Harrisburg with state Sen. David Argall, is presented in conjunction with the Tamaqua Rotary Club, at 8

a.m.Wednesday at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St. in Tamaqua.Mary Linkevich, director of community development for the Tamaqua Borough, will also provide updates on the borough’s CRIZ program. This free event is open to the public. Please RSVP to the chamber office at 570-668-1880, or

chamber@tamaqua.net.For more information about the chamber, or to become a chamber member, contact the chamber office at 570-668-1880, or visit our website at tamaqua.net.