My experience at the Alexandria lakes area chamber of commerce

Mariah Hetland, former employee of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Being the Administrative Assistant for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce was a great experience. As someone who was fresh out of college learning how a community functions, grows, and promotes itself was new to me. I did not understand the time and work that goes into building a great place to live and where better to learn that than at the Chamber, where businesses come together for that purpose. Seeing many professionals in the area connect and support each other, most noticeably at each Wake Up, was warming. There is never a time where they don’t bring incredible energy, whether it’s sunny and 75 degrees or below freezing with snow covered roads. It’s easy to see the residents love for this place. What is even easier to see is the admiration the visitors have as they gush about the community, how friendly everyone is, all the activities to do here, and of course the beautiful scenery. This area has a positive impact on so many. It’s an outlet for activities to do for many others who live in nearby towns as well and it will continue to be so as it grows.

Getting to work beside the women at the Chamber has been such a learning experience. I can take away many qualities from each of them to work on myself. They are not only skilled at what they do but they are kind and welcoming to everyone. They set excellent examples of how a professional should uphold themselves, spreading positivity, and always being willing to help or volunteer when needed.
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I will miss my position at the Chamber but I’m excited to focus on my career as a real estate agent with the new knowledge and connections I have. Being a recent resident of Douglas County, my hope is to further get involved with the activities and events going on as I grow my business. I see the importance of the impact of having a community to connect with. It’s exciting to be a part of Alexandria as it flourishes.