Whitley Chamber President Charged with Stealing Gift Certificates
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Staff Report-
The Chamber is involved in a very large gift certificate program in Whitley County. An investigation has been on going for about a month and half involving the theft and personal use of chamber gift certificates.
Goff has been president for more than a year and things have been going really well from a chamber viewpoint, membership and involvement are both up. According to Whitley County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Michael DeFreeuw, it was quite a shocker for the chamber.
The board sent out letters to members Wednesday morning. In the letter, the board told members that they would do everything possible to have programs and events go on as usual. At this point, administrative assistant Michelle Culbertson will be interim chamber president.
Below is the letter the board sent to chamber members from DeFreeuw:
“Dear Whitley County Chamber of Commerce members and valued business partners, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of your Chamber of Commerce, I must share some very unfortunate information with you this morning.
“Effective yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, September 13, Sara Lochner- Goff is no longer employed as President of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce.
“While we can not divulge the specific details of her dismissal at this time, we wanted you to be aware, and hear it directly from us first, that your chamber executive team has been cooperating with the Columbia City Police Department in their investigation, the details of which have now been turned over to the Whitley County Prosecutor's Office. I am sure more information will be made public soon.
“Please be assured that chamber programs, events and services to members will not be affected by this change. Michelle Culbertson, our chamber's administrative assistant, has been named Interim President. The board has full confidence and trust in Michelle as she continues to work closely with our board, committees, and you – our members and partners, in the upcoming months.
“We are entering a very busy season for the chamber. Our annual banquet and the New Year's Eve Gala are two of the big events currently being planned. Our committees have put a lot of hard work into organizing these events, and we are asking that you please continue to support them.
“Your board of directors continues to believe in the benefits of chamber involvement and the many advantages of living and working in this incredible county. We are committed to maintain the integrity of this incredible organization. With your support we will get through this transition and grow stronger, together.
“If you have any questions, I ask that you please direct them to me. Thank you for your understanding and I commit to providing you with more information as soon as I am able.”[[In-content Ad]]
The Chamber is involved in a very large gift certificate program in Whitley County. An investigation has been on going for about a month and half involving the theft and personal use of chamber gift certificates.
Goff has been president for more than a year and things have been going really well from a chamber viewpoint, membership and involvement are both up. According to Whitley County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Michael DeFreeuw, it was quite a shocker for the chamber.
The board sent out letters to members Wednesday morning. In the letter, the board told members that they would do everything possible to have programs and events go on as usual. At this point, administrative assistant Michelle Culbertson will be interim chamber president.
Below is the letter the board sent to chamber members from DeFreeuw:
“Dear Whitley County Chamber of Commerce members and valued business partners, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of your Chamber of Commerce, I must share some very unfortunate information with you this morning.
“Effective yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, September 13, Sara Lochner- Goff is no longer employed as President of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce.
“While we can not divulge the specific details of her dismissal at this time, we wanted you to be aware, and hear it directly from us first, that your chamber executive team has been cooperating with the Columbia City Police Department in their investigation, the details of which have now been turned over to the Whitley County Prosecutor's Office. I am sure more information will be made public soon.
“Please be assured that chamber programs, events and services to members will not be affected by this change. Michelle Culbertson, our chamber's administrative assistant, has been named Interim President. The board has full confidence and trust in Michelle as she continues to work closely with our board, committees, and you – our members and partners, in the upcoming months.
“We are entering a very busy season for the chamber. Our annual banquet and the New Year's Eve Gala are two of the big events currently being planned. Our committees have put a lot of hard work into organizing these events, and we are asking that you please continue to support them.
“Your board of directors continues to believe in the benefits of chamber involvement and the many advantages of living and working in this incredible county. We are committed to maintain the integrity of this incredible organization. With your support we will get through this transition and grow stronger, together.
“If you have any questions, I ask that you please direct them to me. Thank you for your understanding and I commit to providing you with more information as soon as I am able.”[[In-content Ad]]
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