MARYSVILLE — Caldie Rogers’ fellow members of the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce surprised her Jan. 30 by recognizing her 16 years of service to the organization.

Speaking at a Business Before Hours meeting at the Tulalip Casino, Chamber Chair Al Aldrich noted that Rogers, the president and CEO of the Chamber, joined the organization 16 years ago in January. He linked this anniversary to the centennial anniversary of the Chamber in December of 2008 by recalling the progress that the Chamber has made during Rogers’ era.

“The Chamber was burdened with a heavy debt and a terrible scandal, and Caldie was given less than a year to salvage this organization,” said Aldrich, whose praise for Rogers was echoed by longtime Chamber Board members Dave Toyer, John Bell and Robyn Warren. “Arming herself with a robust and courageous new board of directors, she worked countless hours rebuilding the community’s trust and paying off all debts.”

Aldrich lauded Rogers’ role in forging the first partnership in America between a chamber of commerce and a sovereign nation, when they joined forces with the Tulalip Tribes. He likewise cited the number of local, state and national awards that the Chamber has won under Rogers’ leadership, from organizations such as the Association of Washington Business, the Washington State Governor’s Office and the U.S. Navy.

The latter organization has benefitted from the Chamber’s Military Family Friendly Employment Initiative, which Rogers spent countless hours presenting to every city council in Snohomish County, gaining the attention of county, state and Pentagon officials in the process. She also organized a series of award-winning North Snohomish County summits, bringing together eight different communities for the first time to partner on behalf of economic development efforts.

Rogers continues to serve in leadership roles on a variety of boards and commissions throughout Snohomish County and the state of Washington. She currently serves on the boards of the Association of Washington Business, the Snohomish County Economic Development Council, Snohomish County Citizens for Improved Transportation, and the Marysville Economic Revitalization Commission and Graffiti Task Force.

“She is an inspiration to work with and for,” said Aldrich, before Rogers tearfully accepted a trophy in honor of her 16 years on the Chamber. “She always leads by example, encouraging others to do their best and reach beyond what they believed they were capable of. Her tireless faith, support and dedication to our communities has made a difference to so many individuals and businesses that it would be impossible to count them all.”