Page 1 - Nov18 Outlook

November 2018
What’s Inside . . .
Riverland offers new
OutLook Anderson Memorials
program ............... page 2
wins award .......... page 3
New members ..... page 4
Marie Fryer recognized
for Lifetime
Achievement ....... page 6

Sandy Forstner to retire at end of this year;

Elaine Hansen named new Chamber Director

The Board of Directors of the Austin Area Chamber of Com- “I want to con-
merce announce a transition in leadership, this December. Elaine gratulate Elaine on
Hansen will take over as Chamber Executive Director, effective her appointment and
January 1, replacing Sandy Forstner, who announced his retire- the Chamber Board
ment after serving the Chamber for over 18 years. on their selection,”
Hansen, a long-time Austin resident and non-profit leader, Forstner added. “The
will join Chamber staff, December 10. She will work with Forst- Chamber will be in
ner and other staff members during a 3-week transitionary peri- good hands under her
od. Forstner’s last day with the Chamber will be December 31. leadership. We have
“The Chamber is excited to have Hansen join our organiza- great staff and they
tion,” noted 2018 Chamber Board President William Budion. will be a huge asset to
“We look forward to her leadership as we continue to move our her as she moves for- HANSEN FORSTNER
Chamber forward and enhance our service to the business com- ward. I want to thank
munity. We have a solid foundation in place and a great team of all our members for the privilege of serving this organization for
staff members that will continue with us through this transition.” so many years. It has been an honor.”
Hansen was selected from a field of 30 applicants for the Other staff members plan to continue with the organization.
position. A resident of Austin since 1994, she has served a varie- Valerie Schewe is the Office Manger. She leads the Ladies Night
ty of non-profit organizations throughout her career. She was Out and Business Education committees oversees Chamber ac-
Member Services Manager for chambers in Illinois and later counts and technology. Jeanine Nelson is the Member Relations
Austin during the 1990s. She moved on to serve the Mower and Major Events Coordinator. She leads the Chamber Ambas-
County Chapter of the American Red Cross as their Executive sadors, Leadership Austin and the Freedom Fest committees.
Director for 20 years. She also worked for Austin Public Schools Kristen Olson is the Chamber’s Community Concierge, helping
before assuming her most recent position as Senior Development to recruit new employees and their families to the community.
Coordinator for Gerard Academy. She also leads the Community Receptionist and Human Re-
“Austin is a marvelous community and my home,” stated sources committees. Collectively, these three employees have
Hansen. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the nearly 30 years experience in the Chamber profession.
Chamber board, staff and members to help grow Austin.” She For more information about the Austin Area Chamber of
added that she looks forward to meeting with community Commerce, visit www.austincoc.org or stop into our office at
businesses and leaders in her new role. 329 N Main St, Suite 102, Austin, MN 55912, 507-437-4561.

It’s time for Christmas in the City!

Over 60 Chamber members will participate in four major events that are part of
Christmas in the City, and dozens more will open their doors for a variety of other
activities during the holiday season. All events are coordinated and promoted by
the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce with the support of its member sponsors.

Major events include:
Christmas in the City Kickoff, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, November 23
Christmas in the Northwest, 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 27
Christmas in the Southwest, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, November 29
Christmas in the East, 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 4

The complete calendar of events for this year’s Christmas in the City is inserted in
this edition of The Outlook. It is also posted online at www.austincoc.com.