I chose Alexandria - and have never regretted it!

By Robyn Snyder, President-Elect, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and owner of Winning Edge Graphics

Robyn Snyder, President-Elect, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, owner of Winning Edge Graphics

Growing up in nearby Barrett, Alexandria was always my favorite place to go, whether for shopping, movies, eating out, going to the movies or the races! As an adult I’ve lived in northern Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Florida. Then there came a time in my life when I had no ties. I could live anywhere I wanted. It was an easy decision, I moved to Alexandria and have never regretted that decision.
Why did I and why do I continue to love this town? First, the people! Alexandria has always felt warm and welcoming. I am still friends with people I met at Viking Speedway as a child. One week at the races, I won a case of Coke from Viking Coca-Cola. Now these days that wouldn’t be as big of a deal. But in my childhood days pop was a real treat, not the norm. I will never forget rationing out those 24 cans.

Shopping! As a child, every third trip to Alexandria, I got to get a toy (and we didn’t go very often so that toy was chosen with real determined consideration!) Even though shopping options change over the years, we have great merchants here, with plenty to offer. And now I can buy a toy whenever I want to! Life is good!

Location! Located right off the interstate, it’s easy for people to come to Alexandria (and hard to leave) but it’s also easy to travel to other locations. An easy couple hours and you’re to the Metro…although I’ll admit the drive home seems longer after a Vikings loss! Education! Our high school and technical and community college offer great opportunities for education. I have hired several graduates and love that there is a great pool of trained job applicants here in our community.

I haven’t even mentioned all there is to do here with the lakes, museums, sporting events, restaurants, breweries and wineries or just the simple beauty of our community. But they told me I was limited to 400 words, so I’ll cut this short! I now own a business where I employ ten people. I love being able to give back and be involved in many of the activities and organizations that make Alexandria great. I am proud to be the president-elect of our Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce! I will continue striving to promote our great community to all, young and old!

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