OUR TEAMS

In addition to the Board of Directors, the Chamber has a variety of other volunteer based committees so that we can continue to lead, connect, and collaborate in the best way possible for a thriving community. Learn more on each committee below.

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

The Chamber of Commerce celebrates its vibrant and changing business community through the efforts of the Ambassadors. These talented volunteer members extend the public relations arm of the Chamber by attending business open houses, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings. They welcome new businesses to the Alexandria area and commemorate new locations and major remodels for existing businesses. These visits allow the Ambassadors to tour the business, visit with the owners and staff, present a recognition plaque and take photos for publication in the Chamber newsletter. Service to this committee is by appointment and requires daytime business hours availability.

>> Click here to view the Ambassador brochure

Team Members

Lynn Arnquist, Chair/Board Liaison, Alexandria Technical & Community College
Mark Grandgenett, Treasurer, Viking Bank
Lynn Jenc, Alexandria Public Schools Community Education
Greg Bowen, Bowen Contracting
Taylor Conn, The Shores on Lake Ida
Mike Doyle, Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
Nicole Fernholz, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
Charley Good, Pemberton Law Firm
Kris Klemenhagen, Interstate Engineering
Joe Korkowski, St. Mary's Church & School
Lynelle Lanoue, Past & Present Home Gallery
Mickey Larson, Larson Insurance of Alexandria
Ryan Hjelle, Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical
Maggie Pahl, Echo Press Newspaper
Jon Steinbring, Steinbring Motorcoach, Inc.
Chris Uhde, KXRA-KX92-Z99 Radio and Voice Of Alexandria
Tim Urness, Thrivent Financial
Tasha West, Central MN Realty Alexandria
Bob Wolfe, Indigo Signs
Janelle Wunderlich, Alexandria Industries

Membership Team

The Membership Team recognizes new Chamber members with a welcome visit to the member’s place of business. They extend the first handshake of many in the long-term relationship enjoyed by Chamber members. The team’s volunteer members do more than deliver a membership plaque and pose for a photo; they provide support through member-to-member introductions and conversation, helping business owners become part of an important network. Team members also educate new members on the benefits and services of membership, and provide crucial feedback on member policies, services, events and benefits. This committee is open to interested members and requires daytime business hours availability.

>> Click here to view the Membership Team brochure

Team Members

Jayme Bratsch, Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association
Lori Bray, Alexandria Area YMCA
Heidi Bruns, Neighborhood National Bank
Amy Christopherson, State Farm Insurance
Kayla Fearing, Hilltop Lumber
Chris Harris, Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation
David Kent, 3M Abrasive Systems Division Plant
Lisa Larson, WELL & Company
Jake Joy, Jake Joy Drywall
Jeff Meland, Databae Systems
Amy Olinger, ALO Realty Advisors
Ashley Rambow, Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors
Donna Ryan, Glenwood State Bank
Greg Steele, Viking Bank
Bruce Strandskov, Rose City Sign

GOvernment Affairs

The Government Affairs committee offers a proactive voice for the local business community on governmental issues, strives to facilitate communication between government and the local business community, informs the business community on legislative issues that impact the area, and makes recommendations to the Chamber Board of Directors regarding issues that impact Chamber members.

team members

Tara Bitzan, Chamber Liaison, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Kelly Jenzen, Chamber Board Liaison, Johnston Law Office
Kreg Anderson, Chamber Board Liaison, Alexandria Aviation
Mike Doyle, Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
Nicole Fernholz, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
Tom Jacobson, The Law Firm of Swenson Lervick
David Kent, 3M Abrasive Systems Division Plant
Ryan Rooney, Runestone Electric Association
Rick Sansted, Alexandria Public Schools
Michael Seymour, Alexandria Technical and Community College
Angie Urman, Knute Nelson
Carl Vaagenes, Alomere Health
Steve Vrchota, Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management

Finance Committee

The Finance Team creates and reviews financial policies to keep the Chamber solvent and growing. Continued financial excellence depends on sound fiscal planning, which includes measuring internal controls, assisting with reserve and cash management, maintaining proper cash handling at events, monitoring Chamber Bucks policies, and planning audits. Additionally, the group advises the Board of Directors in dues analysis and asset protection. These activities are conducted by a highly skilled volunteer group of Chamber members with individual and collective strengths in banking, investments, budget management, financial planning, organizational management, and cost accounting.

Team Members: Nicole Klimek, Hilltop Lumber; Matt Gilbertson, Viking Bank; Tyler Notch, Alexandria Shooting Park; Andrew Rickers, Bremer Bank; Del Mari Runck, Individual Member.

Personnel Committee

The Chamber’s Personnel Committee provides guidance and support to the Executive Director and Executive Board of the Chamber by serving as a resource and providing parameters/guidelines in the areas of human resources, benefits and compensation, policies and procedures. The committee assists with and/or offers guidance in the areas of hiring/terminating, employee handbook, human resource forms, evaluations, benefits, and serves as a liaison to Chamber staff.

Team Members: Deb Moorman, Alexandria Industries; Lynn Arnquist, Alexandria Technical & Community College; Sharlo Meyer, Aagard; Wendy Steidl, Tastefully Simple; Rachel Jahner, Central Specialties, Inc.