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.
Here are the Ambassadors:
- Tim Dennis, Kinder-Dennis Home For Funerals
- Brad Connors, iWealth
- Tom Piche, 4 Seasons
- Kim Foels, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ed Frederick, Southern Research & Outreach Center
- Peggy Hildebrandt, Connors Plumbing & Heating
- Mike Kubat, Michael D. Kubat, CPA
- Andy Miller, American Family Insurance
- Paul Rongstad, Waseca Agency, LLC
- Theresa Sunde, Mediacom
- Larry Thompson, Roundbank
- Tim Wenzel, Winegar, Inc.
- Kevin Walter, Ameriprise Financial, Chair
- Bernie Gaytko, First National Bank, Treasurer
- Jade Prins, Roundbank
- Tom Sankovitz, First National Bank
- Pat Wieseler, HyVee
- Marcy Buchele, United Prairie Bank
- Linda Grant, Healing Hands
Ambassador Visits - Spring 2012
Jeff Carlson - Mayo Clinic Health System - Progress Award; Celebrating Waseca Site 90th Anniversary
Erica Schroeder; Thrifty White Drug; Progress
Dr. Nick Navarro; Prairie Dental Arts - Progress
Randy Mairs; Precision Chiropractics and Wellness-First Dollar
Ambassador Visits - Winter 2012
Toby Jensen; Whitestone Cleaners-Roots Award
Peggy Kropinski-McDonald's; New Owner-First Dollar
Amanda Wanke-Agricultural Utilization Research Institute; Communications Director
Colony Court Memory Care and Care Suites - First Dollar Presentation
Doug Allerdings - United Prairie Bank - Market President
Mike Bartelt; Woodridge Interiors - First Dollar Presentation
Ambassador Visits - Fall 2011
- Spotlight Communications – Mike Petersen – First Dollar
- Hoehn Law Office – Dan and Kendra Hoehn - New Member/First Dollar
Brown Printing Volker Petersen, Gary Korogi, Wade Nelson Jack Johnson, Dean Veldboom; Member/Progress/Energy Star
- Greener World Solutions – Dan and Jenny Bulfer; Member/Progress
- Clear Lake Signs – Dan Nitz & Karen Felske; Member/Progress
- HydeOut Bar and Grill – First Dollar Presentation
- That Other Computer Shop, Steve Nusbaum – First Dollar Presentation
Lau's Meats - Bruce and Dawn Barrie; First Dollar Presentation
