Problem solving was Fitch’s favorite role

As Ann Fitch prepares to move on from her six years as executive director for the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC), she believes she will miss the challenges and pleasures of helping people and organizations solve problems.

“Big or small, there’s something good about helping find the solution,” she comments. “It gives a person a sense of accomplishment.”

She goes on to mention some of the questions she and Kristie Biehl, the chamber’s administrative assistant, have encountered. “Anything from a good place to take Grandma out to lunch to whether the acorns are still falling in Trowbridge Park,” she says lightly. “You might never predict some of the questions we get.”

Alongside the straightforward solutions have been some far more complex ones.

“Maybe someone is looking to sell their business, and wants help building an exit strategy,” suggests Fitch. “And of course we’re always looking for ways to make our community stronger and more resilient.”

Having originally taken on the role of executive director in September of 2018, Fitch submitted her resignation from the position effective at the end of December. According to Chamber President Elect Mikhail Rostislavovich, the nominating and search committee has seen 11 candidates from as far away as Oregon and from as close as St. James. A job offer has been extended and an announcement regarding Fitch’s successor can be expected any time.

He comments, however, that the Chamber is “going to miss her remarkable enthusiasm for our organization. We are so fortunate to benefit from the regional and statewide connections that Ann has made for our Chamber. Ann has certainly left her mark here, in the most favorable ways. She’s done an exemplary job, not only for the Chamber but for the City of Waseca.”

A lifelong Waseca resident and a graduate of Waseca High School, Fitch served as a member of the Waseca City Council for six years prior to taking on her role with the WACC. From her standpoint, her job serving the 200 member businesses is a continuation of that public service.

“The businesses and the city thrive together,” she comments. “I’m really proud that I’ve been able to help strengthen the relationship between local government and the

Chamber, and see it become robust.”

One example of long-term collaboration she offers is a “workforce development center” proposed to be located on the bottom floor of the Waseca County Public Services building at 1100 West Elm Avenue. At this time, preliminary plans have been developed and further work is waiting on news regarding a grant application.

“That seems well on its way,” she says of the project, “and it will be an exciting development for the community.”

The Chamber of Commerce has also written letters of support for numerous other projects which were seeking grant funding, including the two broadband initiatives bringing high-speed internet to unincorporated areas of specific county townships.

“Many of the impacts this organization makes are not always seen by the general public,” Fitch observes. “But we’re happy to take a supporting role.”

When asked how her position has forced her to grow, Fitch admits her writing skills have developed considerably over the past six years. “Communication is vital,” she comments. She has been called upon to compose writing for social media posts, for communications with Chamber members, and for reaching out to other agencies. Perhaps the most demanding task, she mentions, has been writing scripts for awards and acknowledgments. “It takes genuine effort to capture the character of an individual and help people see why someone was selected for an award,” she recalls.

Though she plans to stay in the Waseca community and even to seek out some roles she has previously not had time for, Fitch says one thing she will not miss about being the WACC executive director is the feeling she is always at work. “When you live in the community and work to advocate for it, you’re sort of always on the job,” she mentions.

As she prepares to leave her position, Fitch says there are a few things she wants to share.

First, she says lightheartedly, she will miss the phone calls she persistently receives from James Christiansen.

Second, she wishes to thank the members of the Chamber of Commerce and its leadership for their support and friendship across the past six years. She also thanks president elect Rostislavovich for his role as the “transition officer” leading the search for her successor.

She says if she were to offer her successor any advice, it is to be flexible, and even “ready for anything.”

“You may think you know what this job is like,” she suggests, “but it’s much different from what it may seem when you’re looking from the outside in.”

Finally, “I genuinely enjoy serving this community,” she says. “And I plan to keep serving it by volunteering in some other capacities.”