Chris Russell talks fast, his eyes shining and hands waving.
His new job as president of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce energizes him. He has returned to helping businesses succeed, a passion he left when he resigned as president of the Nixa Chamber last year, a position he was in for five years.
Russell, 49, knew soon after taking a broadcasting position at KWTO that he missed being part of the business community, and he didn’t hesitate in accepting the job in Ozark.
“I’m excited about it,” said Russell, who grew up near Spokane in Christian County. “This is my county. I love it.”
Guy Callaway, chair of the Ozark chamber board, said Russell stood out from the applicants who applied for the position. He has experience leading a chamber, did a good job in Nixa and has connections all over the Ozarks.
He also has charisma that will help the chamber move forward and grow, Callaway said.
“His energy and presence was a factor,” Callaway said. “When we look at what we want out of the chamber, he brings that energy to enhance everything.”
What the board wants is for the 75-year-old chamber president to have an ear to the ground and a seat at the table when it comes to things that affect businesses.
“It's critical for the chamber to have an advocate for business, to provide a voice for business in the community,” Callaway said.
Russell intends to be that voice and more. Along with helping businesses grow, he believes an important function of a chamber of commerce is bringing a community together.
He’ll begin by reviving the Ozark Business Expo that hasn’t taken place since 2019. The first one will be in August, after which it will be an annual spring event.
Andy Anderson, owner of Anderson Tree and Turf, is looking forward to the expo’s return and seeing what else Russell accomplishes.
“I like the fact that local businesses are represented at the chamber, and I like rubbing shoulders with other business owners,” said Anderson, who joined the chamber in 2023. “I’m excited about Chris Russell taking over at the Ozark chamber and I'm looking forward to meeting him and working with him.”
Russell is looking forward to meeting people like Anderson who are already chamber members and also meeting non-members so he can convert them and build the membership base, currently at about 400.
He also has his eye on growing the chamber’s budget and creating more networking and educational opportunities for business owners.
“I love helping businesses grow,” Russell said. “I love getting to know people.”
The Ozark Chamber of Commerce is at 1503 S. 3rd St. in Ozark. Learn more on the chamber website.
