The Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce is welcoming a few new members to their board of directors, including a new president.
"I really enjoy working for the business community in town," said Andre Kruger, the chamber's new president. "I truly believe Humboldt is a great place to live, work, and raise a family."
Kruger was approached a week before the appointment by fellow board member Mike Yager asking him if he would be agreeable to being nominated. Since he has already being serving as vice president for two years, this nomination will be the start of a new term.
"I was astounded, I didn't think someone would even ask me," said Kruger. "Of course I welcomed the chance. It's a big change."
Also newly elected to the board was Dan Torwalt from Century 21 Diamond Realty, Ivan Yackel from Carlton Trail Regional College (CTRC), and Amber Biemans from Behiel, Will & Biemans law office. Kent Flavel from Conexus Insurance is also starting his first term as vice president. Flavel had served on the board as a director in the past.
"I want to do my part and help out by promoting and attracting business to town," said Torwalt. "I expect the first year to be a learning curve. I'll be a fly on the wall. I don't expect anything major, just to learn from the people already on the board and do what I can."
Torwalt isn't the only director expecting the first year to be a learning curve. Yackel may be president of CTRC, but this is his first time being a member of the chamber of commerce.
"I've had the opportunity to be a business owner several times in my life so this is an opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to Humboldt," said Yackel. "I'm looking forward to seeing a professional approach by the chamber in terms of how it gathers information, conducts its business, and plans out things."
Unlike those two, Flavel is an old hand at the chamber game. He served nearly two full terms on the board as a director some years ago and is now returning as vice president.
"I put some good effort in the first few years," said Flavel. "I learned what it was about, its challenges, and its opportunities. Now I'm going back on the board to further that."
Flavel said he enjoyed his time on the board the first time and he's looking forward to working with the other members this second time around. The title of vice president doesn't mean much to him, he said, because it's not like he feels any more special than anyone else.
"I would like to see the chamber continue to prosper, bring in new members, and bring more positive change for the community," said Flavel.
According to the chamber of commerce policy, members can only be on the board for one or two terms as a director, which means three to six years on average. Prior to Kruger, Jodi Smith from RBC Bank was president.
"It's a fresh set of eyes and different perspectives coming onto the board," said Kruger. "When you're new, you want to take advantage, see what you can do, and do better work than what's been done."
