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Community pride and involvement is a consistent theme when talking with the Chamber's May Employee of the Month. The board of directors were able to surprise Chamber president, Amy Wobbema, owner of Transcript Publishing, with this month's award. Wobbema started her professional career in New Rockford in 2006, and thus began her journey with the New Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Wobbema's involvement with the Chamber, her business and many other community events is what stood out in her nomination. "Amy Wobbema truly deserves this award. I don't think people realize everything that girl runs, between her business, the community and her family," said New Rockford resident Chelsea Swart.
Wobbema bought the New Rockford Transcript in December of 2015. Through her work at the newspaper, she gets to highlight new businesses. "I feel like I'm pulling double duty with work, and the Chamber, by featuring new businesses and helping them find customers," she said. "When I became president of the Chamber in 2018, my goal was to start building and adding events and programs that would benefit our local businesses."
When Wobbema bought the business, she said she knew that she would spend the rest of her professional life in New Rockford. She exclaimed that in that time she wants to do everything in her power to see the community grow.
"We have fantastic businesses and owners here," Wobbema said.
When asked why she enjoys her work with the Chamber, without missing a beat, she said, "It's easy! I started and continue to be active because I want to see New Rockford prosper!"
"In earning this award, I feel like I'm accepting this on behalf of the Chamber board for all of the work they've done over all of the past years," said Wobbema.
The Chamber has a small board and group of volunteers. Current members of the board are Ardyce Snyder, Kelly McKnight, Colleen Hagen, Jeanette Perleberg, Tiffany Schaefer, Annette Duda and Amanda Hegland.
"It's really amazing what we can accomplish with our small group," Wobbema said. "We had the same size group when I started, and we've kept adding programs and events to try and market the community."
Wobbema has been involved with the coordination of the July 4th celebration, city wide rummage sales, Santa Day, and the Chamber Banquet just to name a few.
When asked what her favorite event to work on through the Chamber is, without hesitation she said the 4th of July!
"It's my favorite time of the year. I remember celebrating the 4th in New Rockford since I was a kid, coming to the parades and derbies," Wobbema said. "I'm surprised by the amount of effort the community puts in. I want to continue helping the Chamber make this a great event to ensure there is a celebration for people to come back home to for years to come."
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to contact Wobbema about any events that will be taking place over the holiday weekend, so they can be added to the marketing materials that will be released soon.
Wobbema reiterated that she would love to see more Chamber members come to the monthly meetings. The Chamber is actively looking to fill an open board seat. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 12:00 noon at the Bakers Dozen.
The Chamber of Commerce is continually seeking nominations for the Employee of the Month award. Wobbema was one of the driving forces to bring the employee of the month program to New Rockford. She said they originally modeled the program after the Carrington Chamber program. She noted, "businesses can't thrive without quality employees. This program is a small way to help grow the community by recognizing and celebrating New Rockford and the welcoming place it is. It's fun to celebrate great people every month!"
To nominate someone, go online to http://www.cityofnewrockford.com/chamber and download a form to complete and return to the Transcript office, or fill out a nomination card on the bulletin boards at local businesses. Email nominations are also welcome and should be sent to [email protected].