New Chamber Board elected

Doug Pierson

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce members recently had the opportunity to vote for new Board members.

Darla Struck, Amber Messerole, and Justin Pritts were each elected to the Board for the first time and will serve three-year terms. Tim Gaydo was re-elected to serve another three-year term, and Doug Pierson was re-elected to complete a one-year term that was left vacant.

They will be joining Mike Taylor, Denny's Service; Mary Ann Miller, Copper Cup; Mick Samsel, Grin & Wear It/Creative Services; Dwight Varce, Main Street Antiques/Framing Nook; Jomi Anderson, KCHE; Jim Davis, Cherokee Institute of Performing Arts; and Scott Weber, Central Insurance, to round out the 2009 Chamber Board of Directors.

Darla Struck

Darla Struck is the Director of the Western Iowa Tech Community College Cherokee Campus and WITCC Northern Services. She has lived in Cherokee since 1990 and began as an adjunct instructor at WITCC in 2003. Darla is married to Paul Struck and has two children, Alex & Alisanne.

As a board member, Struck wants to continue the excitement and enthusiasm about the improvements taking place in the Cherokee community. Darla has been involved with Rotary, Friends of the Library, served as a Library Trustee, and directs the Bell Choir at Memorial Presbyterian Church.

"I would be excited to join such a great Board," shared Struck. "I want to get more involved with the organizations and in the community of Cherokee."

Tim Gaydo

Justin Prits works for Wilson's TV. He was born and raised in Cherokee, lived in LeMars for five years after college and moved back to Cherokee in June of 2007. Justin's wife, Tanya, works for the Cherokee Regional Medical Center and they have a three-year-old daughter, Brynn.

Justin would like to be a part of the "moving forward" attitude of Cherokee. He has been involved with the Plymouth County Powder Players Snowmobile Club and the LeMars and Cherokee Fire/Rescue departments. Justin's goal as a board member is to expand the current chamber member roster.

Amber Messerole is the marketing director at The Gardens. She lives in Cherokee with her two puppies. Amber has helped with the street dance and with the Christmas Parade. Amber chose to run for the Chamber Board to get more involved with Chamber events and to meet more people in the community.

Justin Pritts

Tim Gaydo is owner of Cherokee Bowl and has just completed his first term as Chamber President. Tim is married to Jennifer and has three children: Kyle, Kody and Bailey. Tim has lived in Cherokee for 30 years and has been involved with Cherokee Bowl for the entire time. Tim and Jen also serve on the Rodeo Board.

Doug Pierson is owner of Pierson Photography. Doug is married to Rita and has five children. Doug has lived in Cherokee and been in his present position for 18 years. Doug would like to get more connected with the town and to try and help the business community grow. Doug has been involved with the Rodeo Committee, Planning and Zoning Committee, Professional Photographers of Iowa, Cherokee Symphony and a past President of the Chamber.

These new terms begin on Jan. 1.

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization and welcomes the input and participation of chamber and community members. Please contact any board