Manson Chamber announces new board members, Tochterman named executive director

MANSON - The Manson Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that a new Board of Directors have begun their work for 2023 and a new Executive Director has been hired. 

 The 2023 Board of Directors for the Manson Chamber of Commerce include: President, Kim Ustanik of Mountain View Lodge & Resort; Vice-president, Bill Swayne of Chelan Ridge Winery; Secretary, Kasmira Elliot of Skagit Cellars Manson; Treasurer, Jessica Shook of North Cascades Bank; and Publicity Director, Erik Cooper of Vibe Cellars.  This team has come together with a unified goal to support and assist our community members to successfully grow both now and in the future.  With their positive attitudes, commitment to clear and supportive communication, and a keen awareness of the need for collaboration, this team is going to have a terrific year!  Their first point of duty already this year was to hire an Executive Director for the organization.

Tom L. Tochterman, Ph.D. will be taking the organization to the next level as Executive Director. Tom is a businessman, conservationist, veteran and social scientist. With a passion for Manson and an educational and professional background in business management and NGO development, he is an excellent fit for service in the discipline of community and economic development through the Manson Chamber of Commerce. Tom believes, “a major role of the Chamber is to support its membership through advocacy that enhances the economic vitality of our town and its employers.”  He is committed to, “helping Chamber members create an economic environment that supports our businesses, our residents, and our visitors.”

 Tom and his wife moved permanently into their second home up Union Valley in 2017 then built a home in Manson a few years ago.  Since then, he has been instrumental in the development of the Singleton Park Playground and served as a guest lecturer at the Manson Elementary School on endangered species (rhinos).  In 2020, as President of the Rotary Club of Lake Chelan, he started twice monthly ‘Satellite’ Rotary club meetings in Manson at Ancestry Cellars.  Tom has volunteered as a Judge for the Future Business Leaders of America program at Manson High School, and he organized the Interact Club of Manson High School this year (a type of service club in the high schools sponsored by Rotary).  Lastly, also through Tom’s participation in Rotary he co-founded 911 Glass Rescue, a glass repurposing nonprofit that is supported by many Chelan and Manson area businesses.

 Tom has a 30 plus year history in commercial real estate asset management, policy development, and organizational leadership/governance in both profit and nonprofit enterprises.  He is a devoted family man and is extremely passionate about his work in environmental conservation in South Africa and Kenya through his own nonprofit organization, Rhino Mercy. Stop by the Manson Visitors Center at 17 Hale Street.