Detroit Lakes Committees/Events

Your Chamber is Making it Happen!

You're invited to be part of the ACTION by getting involved in your Chamber of Commerce. It takes hundreds of volunteers working on many different boards, committees and task forces to complete the ambitious business plan of your Chamber. Listed below are several opportunities to become involved in your Chamber. We encourage you, an associate, or an employee, to serve on a committee.

Agri-Business: Chairman - Ken Shroyer (847-2674)
The Agri-Business Committee maintains a liaison with agri-business organizations, lends support in developing programs that assist the growth of the agri-business industry in our area, and highlights the role of agri-business in the region's economy. Meets monthly, 1st Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber.

Ambassadors: Chairman - Michele Baker (847-1306)
The Chamber Ambassadors extend a welcoming hand recognizing new businesses, expansions, new locations and new ownership. They make monthly calls that are featured in the Chamber newsletter. Monthly calls are usually scheduled the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Annual Meeting: Chairman - Carrie Johnston (847-2938)
This task force plans and coordinates the Chamber's Annual Banquet/Meeting held in May.

Arts & Crafts in the Park: Chairman - Renae Twigg (847-1317)
This committee plans, coordinates and oversees this event which was formerly sponsored by the Becker County Friends of the Library.

Economic Development:
Support the economic success of individuals and businesses by improving opportunities for growth.

Detroit Lakes Young Professionals:Chairman - Josh Hochgraber (847-1395) & Amy Jacobson (847-2121) This committee works with area businesses to educate and inform young professionals about their services as well as provide networking opportunities. The Young Professionals also provide community development opportunities by raising scholarship dollars for the area Community and Technical College. Meets monthly, 3rd Thursday, at various businesses.

Festival of Birds: Kelly Blackledge (847-2641) & Cleone Stewart (847-9202)
This committee plans, coordinates and oversees this event which brings birders from all across the United States to experience our unique birding corridor where the prairie meets both hardwood and coniferous forests. Meets as needed.

Fireworks: Chairmen - Mark Fritz & Mike Hutchinson (847-2171)
This task force plans, raises funds for, and produces the annual 4th of July fireworks display.

Membership Development & Retention
This task force develops membership programs to recruit and renew members in the Chamber. They most recently developed the Chamber Advantage new member benefits program, as well as the Chamber Advantage renewal incentives.

Promotions & Events: Chairman - Jill Mack (844-8518)
The Promotions & Events Committee (Retail) develops and coordinates community retail promotions that enhance and create an awareness of the Detroit Lakes area as the region's shopping hub for goods and services. Meets 2nd Tuesdays, 8 a.m.

Public Affairs: Chairman - Tom Thompson (847-0888)
This committee's purpose reflects the business community's viewpoint of local, state and federal government matters by developing pro-active stances on defined issue topics. It is also a goal to present strong advocacy of these positions and maintain a liaison with legislative bodies and governmental agencies. Meets Sept. - May as needed.

Street Faire at the Lakes: Chairmen - Mary Beth Gilsdorf (847-5665) & Sue Braun (847-9029)
This committee plans, coordinates and oversees this two-day event held on Washington Avenue in downtown Detroit Lakes. Meets as needed.

Tourism: Chairman - Carrie Johnston (847-2938)
The Tourism Committee develops and actively promotes the Detroit Lakes Region as a year-round tourism destination. Meets 1st Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.

WE Fest Shuttle/Info. Booth: Chairmen - LeAnn Erickson (847-9292), Dawn Olson (847-1679), & Kim Fuhs (847-5505).
This task force recruits and schedules volunteers to man the shuttle booth ticket sales & information booth. Volunteers receive WE Fest passes, shuttle tickets and t-shirts. Meets as needed.

If you would like more information about these committees or volunteer opportunities, please call the committee chairman or the Chamber at 847-9202.

Membership Directory/Buyer's Guide - This handy reference directory lists members alphabetically, categorically, and by who's who.

Chamber Staff

Kris Tovson
Chamber Staff
President		  
Jean Erickson
Chamber Staff
Office Manager
   
Cleone Stewart
Chamber Staff
Tourism Director
 Becky Johnson
Chamber Staff
Summer Customer Service		  

Board of Directors

 

Josh Hochgraber
Marco, Inc.
(218) 847-1395
Chairman
Term Exp. 2013
Cyndi Anderson
Mosaic Consulting
(218) 847-4257
Past Chairman
Term Exp. 2011
LeAnn Mouw
St. Mary's Innovis Health

Chairman Elect
Term Exp. 2012
Michele Baker
Bremer Insurance Agencies
218-847-8265
Director
Term Exp. 2013
Kristie Fritz
The Lodge on Lake Detroit
(218) 847-8439
Director
Term Exp. 2011
John Green
Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc.
(218) 287-0300
Director
Term Exp. 2011
Josh Hanson
Spanky's Stone Hearth

Director
Term Exp. 2012
Carrie Johnston
Becker County Museum

Director
Term Exp. 2012
Julia Okeson
State Bank & Trust
218-844-3000
Director
Term Exp. 2013
Sam Rufer
Pemberton Law Firm

Director
Term Exp. 2012
Cris Valdez
MN State Community & Tech. College
(218) 846-3700
Director
Term Exp. 2011
Dave Welte
BTD Manufacturing

Director
Term Exp. 2013