The Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are a committee comprised of men and women who represent the pride of the community and the Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassador program is part of the Chamber’s business outreach efforts. By giving of their time to help businesses grow and achieve successful results, Ambassadors contribute to the overall economic health and growth of the Waseca business community.
Dressed in their uniforms consisting of red jackets, they are the official greeters and goodwill representatives for the community. They welcome dignitaries, such as the Governor, with smiles and handshakes. Each month they present First Dollar of Clear Profit Awards or Progress Awards to deserving businesses who have made improvements to their businesses or started or acquired businesses within the community. They recognize investments in the community and demonstrate positive actions that can inspire others. They are professional liasions to the business community and strengthen the Chamber’s relationship to its members and the community. Because Ambassadors are active members of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, they provide an important member-to-member link, understanding and responding to member needs as only another member can.
Ambassadors dedicate time to interact with other business entrepreneurs, professionals, volunteers and other individuals on behalf of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors encourage members to become involved and help them to learn more about the Chamber programs and initiatives. Ambassadors take new members under their wing, foster communication between Chamber staff members and generally act as the eyes and ears of the Chamber in the community.
They host and sponsor special chamber events throughout the year such as luncheons, banquets, and social events. They hold an Ambassador Bash which is a social event and fund raiser.
They have twenty members and elect their own officers each year.
Here are the Ambassadors:
- Tom Piche, 4 Seasons, Chair
- Julie Oslund, Shady Oaks Nursery , Past Chair
- Bernie Gaytko, First National Bank, Treasurer
- Chuck Brenner, United Prairie Bank
- Brad Connors, iWealth
- Mike Connors, Lake Region Publications
- Tim Dennis, Kinder-Dennis Home For Funerals
- Kim Foels, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ed Frederick, Southern Research & Outreach Center
- Roger Goetz, DeRaad & Goetz
- Peggy Hildebrandt, Connors Plumbing & Heating
- Mike Kubat, Michael D. Kubat, CPA
- Lois Lenz, Lenz Lawn Care
- Andy Miller, American Family Insurance
- Paul Rongstad, Waseca Agency, LLC
- Theresa Sunde, Mediacom
- Larry Thompson, Roundbank
- Roberta Walker, Associate
- Kevin Walter, Ameriprise Financial
- Tim Wenzel, Winegar, Inc.
Ambassador Visits
Peak Computer Services – First Dollar Lenz Bus Service – New Owner – Kelli Lenz – First Dollar
Flying Time Taxi – First Dollar Award Waseca Lakes Association – Progress Award
Deml Ford – Progress Award Generations Antiques – First Dollar Award
Arabian Horse Times – Progress Award KCQ, Inc. – First Dollar
Sacred Heart – Progress Award Rent – N – Save – Progress Award
Energy Wave – First Dollar Compassionate Counseling – First Dollar
AURI – Progress Award Curves – Progress Award
Downtown Emporium – First Dollar Lau’s Meats – New Owner – Bruce Barrie – First Dollar
The Other Computer Shop – First Dollar Hyde Out Bar & Grill – First Dollar
Roots Awards
Lakeshore Inn Nursing Home Lenz Bus Service & Clemons Bus Line
