As 2016 comes to a close, so does the chapter on Suzi Osterday as she retires from being the Darlington Chamber Director for the past 10 years.
“I have mixed emotions. I’m looking forward to retiring,” Suzi said reluctantly.
Suzi is confident that the new Chamber Director, Angie Thuli will do great things.
“She will be a great addition. She has some good ideas.”
Suzi came to the Darlington Chamber Director position with no previous experience. Her mother was in the retail business since 1965 owning a lady’s boutique. Once Suzi’s children were all grown, she worked with her mom in the store. In 1986, she purchased the store from her mother and ran it until retiring and selling it in 2000. Suzi was always very active in the chamber of commerce. So two years after she retired and sold the business, the chamber asked her to be the director. She jumped at the chance.
“I love my job but it is time,” she stated.
She is looking forward to spending time with family and being able to go to her grandkids events.
Suzi is happy with the events they have been able to have these past 10 years. She was proud to have helped start the Cinco de Mayo event and see it get bigger. But no one single event was her favorite.
“I loved them all. I love Tunes at Twilight. I love Fall and the Christmas decorations. I love decorating the downtown and the festival grounds,” she added.
She appreciates all the work the businesses have done with her and she hopes they continue to work with Angie in the future.
“I want to thank all the businesses for going along with some of my crazy ideas.”
And she couldn’t forget about the community.
“I have never been disappointed with events. Everybody came and supported them. I am proud of my community for their support. Through rain, sleet, hail or snow, they were there.”
She is going to miss the people, as people are her hobby. She has always worked with people. She said she would miss the excitement and being where the action is but, “will enjoy getting up in the morning having a coffee and do what I want to do.”