March 29, 2024

Light returns as executive director for Chamber

The Greater Area Newton Chamber of Commerce saw a familiar face take the reigns as executive director with Craig Light returning to fill the position he once served as interim.

Light was named executive director on Aug. 18 and said had his past experience not been a positive one, he wouldn’t have considered the job.

“Here is the cool part, if my experience in 2010 would have been miserable and I get that phone call, I say, ‘no I’m busy.’ But it was such a great experience, that I was like ‘oh yeah I’d be very excited to do that,’” Light said. “What is really cool now is seeing the community as it was in 2010 versus 2014, what great strides this community has made, it is phenomenal.”

One of the first things Light did after starting in the position was join the Newton Booster Club. He said that his first investment in the community was investing in the future of the town, the kids. He has also become a Rotarian and a member at the YMCA.

Light grew up in Urbandale and attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, where he played football.

“I played two years as offensive guard. The first year, I think was my coaches first losing season ever. It gave me a whole new appreciation for winning,” Light said. “I realized that winning is an honor, something you really have to work hard for. It’s not something that is guaranteed.”

Following his time at Iowa Central, Light enrolled at Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He attended Drake University part-time, eventually earning his Master’s of Business Administration Degree.

Light worked in several fields as a credit analyst and a financial advisor along with serving on the Board of Directors for the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. In, 2009 he was named President of the Chamber, which is also when he had his first brush with Newton.

“I met Bonnie Terpstra, who was the chair of the Newton Chamber of Commerce. We started kicking around ideas back and forth ... and developed a friendship,” Light said. “In the spring of 2010, Bonnie calls me up.”

That led to Light’s first interim stint in Newton before he came back four years later to serve as interim once again before taking the job full-time.

“The hopes and vision is that we continue to expand membership,” Light said.

He would also like to really celebrate the businesses that are in Newton and the accomplishments they achieve.

“I always call ribbon cuttings, wedding day for the business owner because they poured their finances, heart, mind, body and soul into this business. We are here to wish them well, support them and do everything we can so they are successful,” Light said. “Landmark anniversaries, five, 10, 15 years, that’s a success story that needs to be shared. There are so many businesses that struggle and to have one that has either a business expansion or an anniversary, we need to celebrate that.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-92-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com