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Claudia Knaus Named Executive Director at Oroville Chamber
The Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has found a new executive director, and they didn’t have to look far. Claudia Knaus, a thirty-year Oroville resident and office manager for the Chamber for nearly three years, was named to the director position Monday, May 19.
“I am delighted to welcome Claudia Knaus as the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce executive director,” said Jennifer Carvalho, president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “We had some terrific candidates for the position, yet Claudia’s experience and drive really shone in the selection process. Claudia’s knowledge of our Chamber, her fierce determination and amazingly positive attitude make her the perfect fit. I know that the Chamber will flourish under her direction and the Board looks forward to working with her.”
“The process was exciting because the candidates were all so enthusiastic about the Chamber and the community,” said T.J. Jensen, first vice-president of the Board of Directors and member of the hiring committee. “It was a difficult decision, because the people we interviewed were very qualified. I am even more excited to have Claudia as our new executive director. She has gained a great deal of institutional knowledge in her nearly three years working at the Oroville Chamber of Commerce. She also has many years of business experience and involvement in the community.”
Knaus started at the Chamber as a volunteer approximately three years ago and was soon hired part time to fill in when they were short staffed. She eventually became full time and continued to take on greater responsibility. As office manager, Knaus became an integral part of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce. As part of a three-person staff, she wore many hats and became familiar with the organization’s history, inner workings, policies and procedures.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for me, the Chamber and the community, and I’m very excited about what we are going to accomplish,” said Knaus.
The new executive director said she has big plans, high hopes and a positive vision for the Chamber and the community. Her first priority, however, is to keep the Chamber running smoothly and to “get our house in order,” which includes hiring an administrative assistant.
“I want the Chamber to always be a positive voice for the community,” said Knaus. “I’ll work to serve our membership and help the Chamber grow by promoting the Oroville area and providing assistance with business and economic development. I also plan to strengthen our relationships with public and private entities, such as the city of Oroville, Feather River Recreation and Parks Department, Oroville Downtown Business Association, Oroville Economic Development Corporation and others, and cultivate new relationships. We will work closely with these and other organizations with the ultimate goal of bring more jobs – quality jobs – to the Oroville area. With so much at stake we really need to all be on the same page and work together openly and honestly.”
Knaus said she will also work to promote the historic downtown district by offering assistance to existing businesses and facilitating new businesses looking to open up shop in the area. “A healthy and vibrant downtown will benefit the entire community,” she said. “We are seeing positive changes and the possibility of quality growth while maintaining our small town character.”
Born and raised in Oakland, Knaus moved to Oroville 30 years ago with her husband of 35 years, Fred Knaus. He works for Raymond James Financial Services and is also very involved in the community and Chamber. They have two four-legged, furry children named Bentley and Higgins.
“Hiring Claudia is the latest in a series of changes for the Chamber, all aimed at bringing the highest value to our membership and contributing the most to our community,” said Carvalho. “With the implementation of new events such as the Bounty of Oroville and the Oroville Business Showcase, the Chamber is looking to promote and market our local businesses, as well as assist with community identity. In partnering with the city of Oroville and OEDCO, the Chamber seeks to assist existing and expanding businesses in the area and to promote our area to new business. Claudia will be very effective in furthering these endeavors. This is a great opportunity to move forward and I know she will make the most of it.”
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