Waseca Chamber welcomes visitors

The newly renamed Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (WACCT) held an open house Sept. 9 to introduce area residents to its new location and its expanded name and priorities. The new office is attached to the Suburban Furniture store on North State Street. More than 60 interested area residents attended. There were cookies, fudge, lemonade and plenty of smiling faces inside. Outside, a light rain saw more than one person running to the door trying to stay dry. 

 

Inside, a service counter which would normally be staffed by WACCT executive assistant Kristie Biehn was instead occupied by a smiling Mikhail Rostislavovich, president of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, ready to shake hands in welcome. He started the tour in the conference room saying the new space has “more room, more office space and better accessibility, We can lend the conference room to anyone who needs to talk about tourism; both it and us are always here when they need it.” When asked about the organization’s former location at 210 North State Street, he said it is now available to interested renters. Of the WACCT, he said, “We moved here in the early part of July and absolutely love it.”

 

Next on the tour was the community room, which offers a dining table and extra storage space. All guests were offered refreshments and had a chance to admire photographs of local attractions hung for display. Among the modern-day photos were vintage pictures showcasing changes that have taken place to local streets and buildings, and progress that’s been made and hopefully continues.

 

Theresa Sunde was there, Waseca Chamber Ambassador, she’s the one responsible for the Waseca Chat on Facebook. In Rostislavovich’s words, “So far [the Chat] has been very well attended and community oriented.” She was welcomed as she started her tour.  

 

Organization president elect Jodie Thompson was also present; Since 2018, Thompson has served as a Waseca Area Chamber Ambassador and is also an active member of the Waseca Area Chorale and the Waseca Area Lions Club. Thompson chairs the WACCT membership committee and is a member of the workforce development committee. Said Rostislavovich, “She’s brought in 17 more members since January 1.”

 

Robin Dulas, executive director for the Chamber, has more than 25 years of experience as a church administrator: “I bring expertise in financial management, organizational leadership, event planning, and effective communication. My passion for fostering connections and creating meaningful experiences extends beyond my professional role into my community involvement. I am an active member of the Waseca County Fair Board and the Holiday Lights Committee. “Family is at the heart of everything I do. My husband, Jay, serves as the Waseca County Sheriff, and we are blessed with three daughters and a granddaughter. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, reading, and pursuing creative projects like diamond art.”

 

Each tour ended back at the entry room; there were flyers and brochures for new and existing businesses. 

 

The leadership team for the Chamber includes President Mikhail Rostislavovich; President Elect Jodie Thompson; Vice President Dr. Jay Bulfer; Treasurer Heath Miller; Board Secretary Katie Gonzalas; and directors Jamie Beckstrand, Jessica Klinger, Aaron Omtved, Shannon Kuball; Executive Director Robin Dulans and Executive Assistant Kristie Biehn.