> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestreatorstandard.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# From Headlines to Handshakes: Derek Barichello Leaves The Times
- URL: https://www.thestreatorstandard.com/f/from-headlines-to-handshakes-derek-barichello-leaves-the-times/
- Published: 2025-05-20T20:21:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-19T13:59:14.000Z
- Author: The Streator Standard
- Tags: News

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/ce/e9cef966-7d64-4cad-8a00-a2753d6b59d3/content/images/2026/10/img-165.jpg)

*By The Streator Standard Staff*

In a bold career move that combines the power of a press pass with the prestige of a ribbon-cutting ceremony, longtime *Times* journalist Derek Barichello has traded in his notepad for a name tag. Barichello, known for his dogged reporting on everything from city council meetings to missing raccoons, is now the new Executive Director of the Streator Area Chamber of Commerce.

Barichello's move comes after years of chronicling Streator’s every twist and turn, from downtown revitalization plans that revitalized several benches and a handful of flower pots, to exposés on potholes deep enough to apply for their own zip code. His transition to the Chamber has raised eyebrows among those who remember when he used to investigate press releases — not write them.

“I just really wanted to be part of making a difference in this community,” Barichello said, adjusting his branded polo shirt and glancing longingly at his old reporter’s trench coat. “As a journalist, I asked tough questions. As Chamber Director, I’ll ask polite ones.”

The Chamber of Commerce, which until now was primarily known for simply existing and filling up space downtown, welcomed Barichello with open arms and a gently used office chair. His first order of business? Scheduling a roundtable discussion on economic development at the More on Main lobby, followed by a brainstorming session on how to bring more boutique taxidermists to the downtown district.

“Derek’s leadership will be a game changer,” said City Manager David Plyman. “We’ve been looking for someone who understands how to word things in a way that makes even the most questionable ribbon-cutting feel like a triumph of free enterprise.”

Some longtime readers of *The Times* were surprised by the career shift. “So wait, who’s going to tell us what the council argued about this week?” asked local resident Tina Vargo. “Is it still Derek, but now with a Chamber bias?”

In response, Barichello has promised to remain “a strong communicator” for the people of Streator — just not the kind who prints truths about shooting sprees or the closing of the city's last glass factory.

At a recent press conference, which he organized himself and covered for the Chamber newsletter, Barichello announced his plans to "connect businesses, celebrate growth, and absolutely not write op-eds criticizing the Beck’s gas station development over a historic church site."

Whether Streator will gain a new sense of entrepreneurial energy or just more banners with the word “REIMAGINE” remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Derek Barichello is no longer watching from the sidelines — he's on the float, waving.

And in a town like Streator, that’s progress. Of a kind.