2025 Chamber board election features 5 open seats

By George Althoff
Executive Director

Are you interested in taking a more active role in the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce? If so, here’s your chance. Five seats on our Board of Directors will be up for election later this year. The following positions will be decided by a vote of all eligible chamber members:

At-Large – One At-Large position will be filled. Three incumbents are eligible for a second term for this position – Teddie Szydlowski from Community First Bank, Merry Lynn Riek from WCCU Credit Union, and Nellie Schmitz from Next Level Creative/Con Amici. Two other At-Large representatives have served two terms and are not eligible for re-election – Shawna Marquardt from Madison College and Tara Zitzner-Moy from Baraboo State Bank.
Last year, the Board of Directors voted to reduce the size of the board from 17 to 11 directors. That reduction will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Per our bylaws, the board is comprised of directors representing Agribusiness, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Professional, Retail, and Tourism; the City of Baraboo hotel industry; the Village of West Baraboo hotel industry; the Ho-Chunk Nation; and two At-Large directors.
A director’s duties include participation in the monthly board meetings (third Monday of each month) and service on at least one of our four standing committees. Directors also are encouraged to take part in Chamber events such as the annual dinner, golf outing, Oktoberfest and our monthly After 5 business networking events.
If you would like to be considered for any of the five positions up for election, please fill out the nomination form and send it to me at director@baraboochamber.com.
If you have questions, please drop me an email or call me at 608-356-8333. The nomination deadline is Nov. 8. The full slate of eligible candidates will be approved by the Board of Directors at its November meeting. Ballots will then be sent to all members within three business days.

Agribusiness – This position is currently vacant.

Manufacturing – This position is currently held by Christian Herrild of Teel Plastics. He has served two consecutive three-year terms and is not eligible for re-election.

Professional – This position is currently held by Stefanie Wagner of Cross, Jenks, Mercer & Maffei. She is completing her first term and is eligible for a second term.

City Hotelier – This position is currently held by Julie Hearley of the Ringling House B&B. She also is eligible for a second term.

Many thanks to all for Oktoberfest effort
There are many people to thank for helping make our 3rd annual Oktoberfest possible. The performers, our Fest Royalty, the food and beverage vendors, Circus World staff, and, of course, dozens of volunteers. Mother Nature served up some nasty weather, but the several hundred people who attended had a grand time. A special thank you to four people who were instrumental in making it happen – Tourism Committee members Shelley Mordini, Julie Hearley, Nellie Schmitz and Beth Anacker. Oktoberfest will be back next year – bigger and better!