As the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce prepares for its next chapter—entering its 100th anniversary year—it does so at the top of a new page.
With Dirk Webb, its CEO/ President, retiring later this month, longtime local businesswoman Dana Wells has been named the organization’s new interim Executive Director.
You know Wells as the operator of Levee Liquors and Gas and Sunshine Coaching Group as a certified professional experience coach. She’s working beside Webb in the month of September in a transition period before he officially retires on Sept. 30, following the Chamber’s annual Gala on Sept. 19.
“When the Chamber called, it was like Mom calling you home, asking me to fill Dirk’s big shoes,” she said of what she clearly says is an interim role.
“They’ll be interviewing for a CEO/President. I’ll wait and see if it’s a good fit,” Wells said. “Dirk has built something significant and stable with a great team that frees up my role to be very member-centric.”
Wells brings familiarity to both the city’s business community and the Chamber, where she’s a former member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“I look at this role at seeing what needs to be done. I’m tasked to look for growth opportunities, find ways to improve programming and increase member value and find opportunities to expand corporate partnerships.
Chamber Board Chair Lisa Bertossa said Wells brings “valuable knowledge of our organization, membership, and community to this leadership role.”
“Dana brings to the position a strong familiarity with the Chamber, its membership, and its role within the community. Through previous service on the Chamber Board, she has firsthand knowledge of the organization’s mission, programs, and commitment to supporting local businesses while fostering a strong and vibrant business environment.”
Wells says she’s excited about working to help St. Cloud’s businesses as much as the Chamber itself.
“St. Cloud is a great place to start a business,” she said. “We want those new businesses to think about joining the Chamber.”
(See next week’s News-Gazette for a special feature on Dirk Webb as he prepares to transition into Grandpa-hood.)
