HORNBY: A fond farewell

Greetings, members,
It is with sadness and excitement for the future that I am writing to you all for the last time.
I have so enjoyed working closing with so many of you over the course of the past two and a half years. You have taught me so much about this community I love.
As I close this chapter in my career and move on to the next, I am excited to continue working with you in my new role. I will be taking over as the Resource Development and Marketing Director for the Boys & Girls Club of West-Central Wisconsin. I will be based out of Baraboo and will work with our club communities in Tomah, Reedsburg and Baraboo. I have served the Boys & Girls Club for the past nine years on their board of directors and through volunteering, and I am happy to be beginning a career there.
When you look back at the past several years, we have achieved so much together. We have grown our annual sponsors from 11 to 26; hosted several record-breaking golf outings; held a Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration featuring our painted pachyderms to draw focus to our vibrant arts community; grossed Chamber Bucks sales of a half million dollars; launched a community-wide brand, a new website, and new wayfinding signs; and created an Equity and Inclusion committee to change how the Chamber engages and represents the community it serves. We have networked, educated and collaborated. Most importantly, we have seen each other through a global pandemic that continues to make us stronger together.
It is easy to maintain a focus on our mission when we are supported by great members such as yourselves. As we plan ahead to 2022 and the events that we all look forward to, rest assured that the reins are in good hands with Shawna Marquardt as president and the leadership of your board of directors.
The members and staff are what I’ll miss most. I owe a great deal to those I have worked with: Pat and Sandy, and currently Ben, Marlie, Kristi and Michele. I will miss this team.
I am ever indebted to you all for the wonderful opportunities you have afforded me. I wish my successor continued success and you all the best in your businesses.
I look forward to staying involved as a Chamber Ambassador and seeing you all very soon.
Regards,
Darren Hornby