Columbus chamber vice president retiring after 23 loyal years

COLUMBUS, Neb.-- The start of something new.

It was a bittersweet Thursday at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce as Vice President, Sharyle Sands, will be stepping away after 23 loyal years to try something different.

Sands expressed her gratitude for all the relationships she has built throughout the years.

"'I think why I've stayed at the chamber so long is just the relationships that you've built with people. So, I'm going to miss working with so many of them,"' said Sands.

She also wants people to know the team she has worked with all these years is second to none.

"I've been a part of an amazing group of people. Here at the staff, we're small but we're mighty. But, we rely on some amazing volunteers,"' added Sands.

The current president at the chamber, Dawson Brunswick, said there's a reason Sands is a household name throughout the Columbus community.

''Everybody in Columbus knows Sharyle. You don't spend 23 years investing in the chamber and being involved in the chamber and not know Sharyle. She has truly been fantastic,"' Brunswick said.

So what's next? Sands plans to focus on her new business called 'Red Door Designs' which is an interior design business.

"I'm just looking forward to creating some new growth in my life and working with my family," Sands said.