Fort Chamber announces staffing changes; Payne, Chisholm, Carey leaving

The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce has announced it will be undergoing staffing changes over the next few months. 

According to information released Wednesday, one of the chamber’s board members, John Payne, Nasco, recently resigned to take a position outside of the area. 

Additionally, after eight years serving as the chamber’s executive directory, Carrie Chisholm will be leaving her position “later this summer” according to the release, opting to spend more time with family. 

Also leaving is Tourism Manager Katie Carey, who will be moving into a position with the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the release stated. 

Within the release, Chamber Associate Director Anna Jensen noted that people are the organization’s greatest asset. 

According to Jensen, the chamber’s Nominating Committee is looking for an individual to fill the recent vacancy, as well as candidates to replace directors whose terms will expire at the end of this year. 

“As we have a representative board, we are looking for leaders in the manufacturing, retail and service sectors of our business community. If you have a desire to serve in this capacity, or would like to nominate someone for the committee’s consideration, contact Jensen before June 30,” the release stated, noting that the chamber is looking to introduce new directors later this fall.  

Describing contributions made by Chisholm, the release read: “Carrie has been instrumental in leading the chamber and her presence welcoming new members, overseeing and implementing new initiatives, and being a wealth of knowledge for our business community will be greatly missed. We know that she will continue to promote Fort Atkinson and the Chamber of Commerce.”
 
“I am so grateful to the Fort Atkinson Chamber family for trusting me with this organization, and for the opportunity to serve in a manner so closely aligned with my personal values. Thank you for your support and encouragement, and for your investment in leading this entity into the future,” Chisholm was quoted as saying in the release.
 
Describing contributions made by Carey, the release read: “For almost three years Katie has been promoting Fort Atkinson as a tourist destination and found inventive ways to continue to draw positive attention to our great community and businesses, even during a pandemic.”
 
“From working alongside an amazing staff and board of directors to building relationships with local business and community members, I am incredibly thankful for my two and one-half years at the chamber. Fort Atkinson is such an amazing community; I’m honored to have helped in sharing that with others,” Carey was quoted as saying in the release.
 
Addressing chamber members, the release continued: “While change can be unsettling, we are excited about the opportunities it presents; it is a great time to imagine what is possible. The board is taking advantage of a break in programming this July to develop some short and long-range action plans. We want to assess our members’ needs now and for the future, so we can implement services that ensure the success of our business community. We need your active participation and hope you’ll provide your feedback essential to this process. We also appreciate your patience as we navigate this transition and please know that the board is dedicated to promoting and maintaining a strong business community in the Fort Atkinson area as we have for over 100 years.”