Board of Directors Elections
At its December meeting, the Board of Directors held its annual election of officers for the coming year. Keith Gunderson, representing the River Falls FFA Alumni, was elected Chair-Elect for 2025 and will assume the role of Chair in 2026 and 2027. Sheri Marnell of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center will continue as Chair for 2025. Ryan Leitch of Leitch Insurance will serve as Treasurer, while Heidi Hanson of Swinging Bridge and Kelli Burrows of UWRF were elected as At-Large members of the Executive Committee.
Reflecting on 2024
As we close out this year, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication of our Board, committees, volunteers, and staff. Their hard work has made 2024 a year of significant progress and success. Here are some highlights from what we’ve accomplished together:
- Led the Greater St. Croix Legislative Days.
- Met with our Wisconsin State Representatives, State Senator, and Congressman Derrick Van Orden.
- Hosted the second Workforce Summit in partnership with Family Friendly Workplaces, attended by 100 regional business leaders.
- Launched an updated version of rfchamber.com.
- Held a three-part Rise & Lead personal leadership series.
- Planned the rebranding of Bacon Bash to Bacon & Blues Fest, supported by a Wisconsin Department of Tourism Grant.
- Developed a new member guide, revamped the membership section of our website, and introduced a digital onboarding process.
- Created a plan to refresh the Work River Falls website and support it with a $10,000 social media campaign. This site will serve as a portal for those looking to start or advance their careers in River Falls.
- Added new events, including the Santa Claus Run, livestreaming for the parade, and online Chili Crawl voting for River Dazzle.
- Celebrated the 50th anniversary of River Falls Day with expanded entertainment offerings.
- Launched a new membership tier, Rise & Connect, to serve micro-businesses.
- Hosted over 20 chamber coffees, business breakfasts, leadership lunches, and business after-hours events, providing members with numerous educational and networking opportunities.
- Continued our strategic efforts to streamline and modernize operations, focusing on impactful transformational programming, and offering greater membership value for all businesses.
- Completed a staff transition for the Marketing & Communications position.
- Produced a new Experience River Falls visitor guide.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we gear up for 2025, we are committed to building a Chamber that’s ready for the challenges and opportunities of the next decade. One exciting focus area is Artificial Intelligence (AI)—we aim to provide our members with education and resources to navigate its impact. Don’t miss our first AI Rise & Learn (formerly Business Breakfast), featuring CVTC President Sunem Beaton-Garcia.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate a milestone—our 70th anniversary of promoting, advocating, and supporting local businesses!
Shop Local This Holiday Season
With the holidays in full swing, remember the power of shopping locally. Gift cards from local businesses make thoughtful, last-minute presents for friends, family, and anyone you’d like to thank—teachers, delivery drivers, daycare providers, salon staff, and more. When you shop local, you’ll also skip the stress of shipping delays while giving back to our community.
Thank you for making 2024 a remarkable year. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!
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