ANNUAL CELEBRATION

The Annual Celebration offers an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and to kick off the New Year. Our outgoing president passes the gavel to the incoming president, we honor a Friend of the Chamber, outgoing board members, Top 5 Under 40 Honorees, and more. We welcome all to come network and celebrate the Chamber’s role in the community!

Chamber Celebration spotlights successes of 2023 and plans for 2024!

Thanks to all who attended the Chamber’s 2024 Annual Celebration February 5 at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. The event celebrated the successes of 2023 and gave a glimpse of what to expect in 2024. Here are a few highlights!

Ron Branch named 2023 Friend of the Chamber
Ron Branch was selected as the 2023 Friend of the Chamber. Ron is market manager for the Alexandria Farmers Market, secretary for the Vikingland Curling Club, member of the Alexandria Lions Club, and board member for the Douglas County Farm Bureau. Ron is a strong advocate of Chamber membership and has been instrumental in several local organizations joining. He is a regular attendee at Chamber functions, and always serves as a welcoming ambassador to newcomers. He is also supportive of the Chamber staff and has been known to drop into the office with bouquets of fresh cut, home grown flowers.

Notch given caricature
Outgoing presidents are honored each year with a caricature. The caricature for 2023 President Tyler Notch, Executive Director of Grand Arbor by Knute Nelson and General Manger/Owner of Alexandria Shooti, was create by Sophia Jones, a graduate of the Communication Art & Design program at Alexandria Technical & Community College. It features Tyler's love of archery and elk hunting, along with his family, Alexandria Shooting Park, all while sporting a Knute Nelson ball cap.

View our Annual Tabloid Here

Tyler Notch hands gavel to Brad Lenertz in front of caricature

2024 President Brad Lenertz, Administrative Director for Alexandria Clinic, A Service of Alomere Health, accepts the gavel from 2023 President, Tyler Notch, Executive Director of Grand Arbor and Manager/Owner of Alexandria Shooting Park.

Kayla Fearing of Hilltop Lumber was named 2023 Membership Team Member of the Year

Alomere Health was recognized as the top Chamber Bucks partner for keeping $112,387 local in 2023!

Douglas Machine was the second top Chamber Bucks partner as a business (coming in behind general public sales) for keeping $12,595 local in 2023

Lynn Jenc of Alexandria Public Schools was named Ambassador of the Year for 2023.

The Top 5 Under 40 Young Professionals honored

Each year, the Alexandria Chamber partners with Echo Press Newspaper to honor young professionals who are doing amazing things in our community. Numerous nominations were received from business leaders and community members for this honor. A committee made up of representatives from both entities judged the nominations and selected five honorees based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and overall depth of qualities. This year’s winners include Kasey Morris, Bold North Cellars, Saundra Lauer, WELL & Company, Chelsea Lee, Leighton Media, Matt DeBoer, Knute Nelson, Mike Hawes and Dustin Schlichting, Noonan Sport Specialists and Renovant Fitness.