Meet the Chamber Staff: Katie Rauber!
Welcome to our blog dedicated to Katie Rauber, our exceptional Chamber Executive Director who is celebrating her first year anniversary with us! Join us as we delve into Katie's journey, achievements, and the impact she has made on our community. From her innovative leadership to her passion for fostering local businesses, we'll explore the remarkable contributions Katie has brought to our organization and beyond.
1. Katie, can you share a bit about your background and how you came to be the Executive Director of Wahpeton Breckenridge Area Chamber of Commerce?
I was born and raised in Breckenridge, but college took me to Brookings, South Dakota State University, and eventually to the Twin Cities where I worked for an employment newspaper as an Editor and Production Manager and US Bank as an Event Planner. Family brought me back to the Twin Towns and I wanted to find a position that I could reconnect, give me a challenge, and offers the flexibility to fulfill family, faith, and sport obligations.
2. What inspired you to work in the Chamber of Commerce field, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Confession time – I didn’t know what the Chamber of Commerce really did until I started at the WBACC. It took some convincing, but I eventually recognized the opportunity to be an integral part of my hometown.
What I enjoy most about working at the Chamber is the camaraderie I’ve developed with my team as well as reconnecting with all the business owners and community members. My 10-minute grocery store runs turn into 45-minute chats with people I see at the store. It’s fabulous!
3. What are your passions outside of the Chamber of Commerce?
I love the sport of figure skating. I’ve just celebrated my 40th year as a skater and have brought that passion back to Wahpeton/Breckenridge. I am now teaching lessons at Southern Valley Figure Skating Club during the winter months. I must confess, falling hurts a lot more now than it did when I was 14!
I also love to travel. My husband is from Europe, so we try to get back there every couple of years to see his family. We then try to mix in a new country we haven’t been to before. It keeps traveling exciting.
4. How does the Chamber of Commerce collaborate with local businesses and the community to promote economic growth and development?
The WBACC collaborates with local businesses and the community to promote economic growth and development through several initiatives.
- Quarterly Events: These events are designed to encourage participants to shop locally. By organizing regular retail events throughout the year, the Chamber boosts local businesses' visibility and drives foot traffic to their establishments.
- Chamber Chats: This is a monthly networking event held on the 4th Thursday of each month. Chamber Chats provide opportunities for local business owners and community members to connect, share ideas, and forge partnerships. Networking events like Chamber Chats foster collaboration and innovation within the local business community, contributing to economic growth.
- Borderline Chalkfest: Bringing in chalk artist from around the country, Borderline Chalkfest showcases 3-D chalk art that transforms the streets of Wahpeton into a kaleidoscope of color. This free family-friendly event brings in well over 3000 visitors to the Wahpeton/Breckenridge area.
5. Looking ahead, what are your goals and visions for the future of the Chamber of Commerce and the local business community it serves?
I want the Chamber of Commerce to be the “google” of Wahpeton/Breckenridge. My goal is to maintain the Chamber as a vital asset to the local business community, continually demonstrating its value and significance. While expanding our membership base is a goal as well, my vision extends beyond mere growth. I envision the Chamber becoming an indispensable cornerstone of the Twin Towns, further ingrained in our community than ever before.