As our Chamber heads into the final month of our current fiscal year, it brings a time of reflection. There’s no doubt it: This was a tough year for many of us. Aside from the challenges we all faced as a nation and world, our community lost a dear leader in Craig Whitney. I am so grateful for all Craig taught us, and the legacy he left behind.

But no matter how hard things were, there were still plenty of bright spots and reasons to celebrate. We rose above, and it’s a testament to our incredible staff, board, volunteers, members and community. To help reflect on this past year, I asked the #ChamberCrew to share the moments that stick out to them from recent months. These are our stories.

Alyssa Lakoduk, Professional Development Coordinator
In April as I was sitting and listening to this year’s Leadership CCI projects, I was just so impressed. This group has produced the strongest group of projects. The concept of the program is also amazing. We aren’t here to place skills into participants, and BOOM they are a leader and BAM, here are your new friends. It is just great to see people become engrained in the community and create genuine connections.

Amanda Huggett, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Getting the news we were an ACCE finalist for Chamber of the Year made all our work that much more worthwhile and immensely rewarding. I was so happy I cried!

Bobbi Jo Rehder, Events Coordinator
As a Denver Broncos fan, it was an honor to hear Peyton Manning speak, not to mention going into work on Sundays to cut out footballs for the centerpieces!

Casey Sanders, Manager of Membership
Listening to Jodi Duncan speak at women connect and the irony that Taylor Swift’s song “If I were a man” came out that morning

Darin Feir, Marketing Design Coordinator
Annual Meeting – Great energy for kicking off the new fiscal year, got to enjoy the program as a fresh Leadership attendee, and loved seeing Gate City employee’s special video messages. And bundtinis!

Darren Dunlop, Business Development Manager
My favorite thing has been doing Video Spotlights and Podcasts with our members. It’s been great diving deeper into their businesses and seeing what makes them and their companies excel.

Julie Doggett, Information Systems Administrator
I enjoyed reaching out to 296 members during our business shutdown. Connecting and listening to their needs and stories was really important.

Julie Yourczek, Office Administrator
Although the passing of Craig was a very difficult time for us, his memorial really stood out to me. Three different speakers/friends/colleagues speaking about Craig, each with their own relationship with him. Such differences in their speeches and each just fell into place. Great laughs and memories, a very nice memorial – one I will never forget.

Katie Mastel, Government Affairs & Advocacy Manager
Attending the MN Chamber’s Legislative Kick off event with the area MN Mayors, District 4 legislators, community leaders and Chamber staff!

Mason Rademacher, Public Policy & Workforce Development Coordinator
Spearheading our first ever Eggs & Issues webinar and having some GREAT individuals part of the event! Also the Business After Hours Game of Skills (bean bag challenge).

Mickayla Thompson, Member Relations Coordinator
All the ribbon cuttings and celebrations we’ve done this past year were so memorable. Getting to learn about all of our members and helping them celebrate their accomplishments has been very rewarding.

Tracy Meckler, Membership & Advertising Sales Manager
Working from home and looking back at my calls, I reached out to 655 members! So many were just happy to talk to someone willing to listen and help them with loan and grant information. It was great to hear that they noticed the COVID information we put out during that difficult time. I also loved having my furry co-workers by my side as well!

Tracy Powell, Director of Events & Programs
The video of Roger Reierson and Tom Dawson dancing that was played at the ChamberChoice awards luncheon. It was so much fun!  The part in the video when Roger does the ‘splits’ and his pants rip still cracks me up when I watch it.

Tyler Fischbach, Multimedia Marketing Coordinator
I have enjoyed our new Member Spotlight series, which has allowed us to hear interesting stories, learn important history and get an inside look at our member businesses around the community,