VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Oppenheimer Group is pleased to announce Chayla Balko has joined the company’s Chicago, Ill. office as a business development representative serving retail, wholesale and foodservice clients in the U.S. Midwest.
Balko, who joined the full-service produce marketer and distributor March 21, is responsible for implementing effective promotions for Oppenheimer products in partnership with customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Balko brings considerable retail and foodservice marketing expertise to her role at Oppenheimer. Most recently, she held a sales executive position with Glass Onion Gourmet/Wabash Seafood in Chicago, where she promoted a range of specialty food items to hotel and country club chefs and other clients from September 2009 until January of this year. Her other relevant background was gained during her experience with Boston Beer Company, of Boston, Mass. As a Northwest Chicago-based account manager from January 2008 through February 2009, Balko set up retail promotions, displays and sampling events for the Sam Adams brand. Her strong sales performance earned her a nomination for the company’s rookie of the year honors in 2008.
Balko said she was drawn to the role Oppenheimer for several reasons, specifically because she wanted to work in an industry where good health is at the core.
“Eating healthy is really important to me,” said Balko, who is an accomplished marathon runner. “I was ready to be involved in marketing something that is good for people, and certainly produce fits that bill. Oppenheimer’s nutritious product line most definitely appeals to me, and I am excited to be selling something I really believe in.”
Balko is a 2007 graduate of the University of Arizona, where she earned a degree in communications with a minor in psychology.
Source: The Oppenheimer Group