Union County Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1932, and governed by an elected and appointed Board of Directors, the Union County Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and foster a strong, healthy business environment through networking and building connections.
The Union County Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Cove, Elgin, Imbler, Island City, La Grande, North Powder, Summerville, and Union, as well as the surrounding areas.
We're here to help make Union County a wonderful place to work and live - as well as make this a premier destination to visit. Here, you'll find small-town charm and hospitality with world-class assets and amenities.
BRINGING BUSINESS & COMMUNITY TOGETHER
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and support the business environment through membership participation and leadership that fosters economic growth and community involvement.
Membership Hub
2025 Board of Directors
Chamber Staff
The Union County Chamber of Commerce has an excellent office team including, (coming soon) Executive Director, Danielle Wallace, Operations Administrator, and Madison Smallwood, Media & Outreach Coordinator, who share responsibilities in making the Chamber tick - everything from greeting and providing visitor information to walk-in visitors, to planning and hosting events from the Holiday Decorating Competition, Farmer-Merchant Banquet, and the Citizens Award Banquet - along with new events and programs to support the Members and the business landscape of Union County.
The Chamber is responsible for tourism promotion for all of Union County which includes things such as administration of the TRT Grant programs - Regular Grants, Cooperative Advertising Grants, Discretionary (new projects) Grants - as well as ensuring Union County is at the forefront of visitation to this region through a comprehensive marketing matrix. Additionally, the Chamber is home to the Union County Visitors Information Center which welcomes visitors and attracts potential visitors through visitor guide fulfillment.
It is a tremendous honor for the Chamber to develop and promote programming and activities to make Union County a vibrant community in which to work and live.
Saajan Chauhan, Executive Director
An experienced leader in marketing, nonprofit strategy, and community development, Saajan Chauhan serves as the Executive Director of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he is focused on growing the local economy by supporting small businesses, expanding tourism, and fostering regional partnerships.
With a background in digital strategy and analytics for national nonprofits, universities, and media organizations, he combines data-driven insights with creative problem-solving. His passion lies in helping Union County thrive by strengthening connections between business, government, and the community.
Proud to call La Grande home, he values the deep sense of community that defines Eastern Oregon. He looks forward to working alongside local leaders, government partners, and residents to position Union County as a destination of choice for both visitors and businesses.
Danielle Wallace, Operation Administrator
Danielle was born and raised in southern Idaho. In 2022 she moved to Union, Oregon from northern Idaho. She has a vast knowledge for event planning, membership and bringing a potential for new events.
Danielle is married and has 2 kids. In her spare time they enjoy time as a family and spend most of their time outdoors.
Madison Smallwood, Media and Outreach Coordinator
Madison is originally from Western Central Oregon and moved to La Grande in 2019. She graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 2022 with degrees in Business Administration and Marketing, along with a minor in Communications. She also has extensive volunteer experience in event coordination.
Outside of work, you can find Madison spending time with her dog, experimenting in the kitchen, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Committees of the Chamber
The Chamber maintains four standing committees as well as numerous ad hoc committees based on need. If you're interested in giving back to the community and helping make Union County a better place, feel free to reach out (541) 963-8588 to sign up!
- GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE: The role of the Governance Committee is to support the overall mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of the Chamber by advising on matters concerning organizational development and compliance, as well as conducts annual reviews of the organization's Bylaws and Policies manuals and other organizational documents. The Governance Committee will meet at least once annually or more if deemed necessary by the Board. Committee Members should also be on the Board of Directors.
- FINANCE COMMITTEE: The role of the Finance Committee is to ensure financial health of the organization, including accurate and timely reporting and adherence to GAAP. The Finance Committee supports Chamber Staff with planning and executing the separately maintained budgets of the Chamber's entities and review financial statements and reports. The Finance Committee is tasked to meet no later than February 1 of each year to begin the budgeting process and present a finalized budgeted to the Board of Directors for approval no later than April 30. The Finance Committee will meet quarter or more if deemed necessary by the Board. Committee Members should also be on the Board of Directors.
- MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: The role of the Membership Committee is to support new member recruitment and existing member retention efforts. The Membership Committee will coordinate with the Outreach Committee regarding the Annual Membership Meeting. The Membership Committee consists of a Chairperson, appointed from the Board of Directors, and four Chamber Members in good standing; an additional committee member will be added for every 100 Chamber Members over 300. The Membership Committee will meet quarterly or more if deemed necessary by the Board. All Chamber Members are invited to participate and serve on this committee.
- OUTREACH & EVENTS COMMITTEE: The role of the Outreach & Events (dba Outreach) Committee is to provide support in fundraising activities, events, and functions including, but not limited to the Annual Citizens Award Banquet, Farmers-Merchant Banquet, Annual Membership Meeting, and ribbon cuttings and networking events. The Outreach Committee will develop and promote awareness of the Chamber throughout the community, including creating and building community partnerships, maintaining positive relationships within the community, as well as with City and County organizations. The Outreach Committee will meet quarterly or more if deemed necessary by the Board. All Chamber Members are invited to participate and serve on this committee.
- AMBASSADORS: The Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers from the community who help with Membership and event campaigns and act as public relations liaisons related to networking and social events sponsored by the Chamber. Ambassadors provide a wide variety of (fun) duties in the Chamber, but their main focus is promoting the Chamber, welcoming new Members, and ensuring Chamber events are as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Chamber Ambassadors are a special group of people who volunteer their time to promote the Union County business community.