Choosing Possibility: A Year of Progress and Collaboration

12/23/2025

By: Lynn Arnquist, Alexandria Technical & Community College, 2025 Chamber Board President

Lynn Arnquist, 2025 Chamber Board President

As I close my term as President of the board of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, I’m proud to say that Choose Possibility, What if? was more than a theme this year – it was something our community truly lived.

Because people chose possibility, incredible things happened. A new splash pad is near completion, a visual arts center opened its doors, and more art now brings life and character to our streets. Construction began on a 42-home Habitat for Humanity development, the Runestone Community Center expanded, and Alexandria College broke ground on a new transportation center. These milestones didn’t happen by chance; they happened because people said yes to collaboration, vision, and forward momentum.

The Chamber also embraced possibility in meaningful ways. We modernized the Chamber Bucks program by transitioning to gift cards – making it easier for businesses and consumers to support shopping local. We partnered with Alexandria College’s EDGE Center of Innovation and the Economic Development Commission to develop the EDGE Leadership Experience, investing directly in the next generation of leaders in our community. Check out this new leadership training opportunity at edge.alextech.edu. The first cohort begins on January 22, 2026!

Behind the scenes, significant work was done to position the Chamber for the future. I want to sincerely thank Tara Bitzan, Executive Director of the Chamber, and Nicole Fernholz, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, for their perseverance and leadership in moving the Chamber toward shared office space with the EDC and Explore Alexandria Tourism. Their hard work will carry us across the finish line in January 2026 and strengthen collaboration for years to come.

As this chapter closes, I’m filled with gratitude and optimism. Our community continues to prove that when we choose possibility—together—great things happen.