The Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce’s new tourism director brings a wide range of experience to the position.
Jeff Anderson worked for non-profit organizations in Wausau for seven years, where he was responsible for recruiting volunteers, raising funds and organizing events.
As the tourism director for the chamber, he will promote the area to a variety of groups, including business travelers, tourists and those in search of a destination for their weddings.
Anderson will also help plan local events that draw people to the community, including Strawberry Fest and Hometown Days.
He comes on board as the chamber prepares for several new events in 2012, including a winter festival, which is slated for January, and a blues festival, planned for next fall.
Anderson said several regional bands are already booked for the blues festival, to take place at the Indian Crossing Casino on the Chain O’ Lakes.
“I’m jumping right in,” he said of his new position. “I’m also looking for new opportunities, trying to build the draw to the area.”
Anderson noted that tourism is the third largest industry in Wisconsin and that it is vital to maintain Central Wisconsin’s thriving tourism sector.
His background working for non-profits meant he represented the organizations within the community, and he says that experience will lend itself well to his work here.
“I enjoy working with diverse groups of individuals and working with the community and with a lot of people in different ways to promote the area,” Anderson said.
He grew up in the Madison area and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His area of concentration was in forest recreation.
Chamber President Terri Schulz, said Anderson’s background and education are the perfect mix for a tourism director.
“He has a great perspective on how the non-profit world works and what tourism is,” Schulz said. “With this understanding, he knows what it takes to make the two work together to accomplish our goals.”
Economic development is a strong goal of the Chamber’s and tourism is a driving force in our area in economic development. We are happy to have Jeff as a part of our team.
“I’ve been looking for an opportunity to pursue my career field,” Anderson said. “This is exactly what I was looking for.”
He and his wife Melissa relocated to the area about a year and a half ago and have a son named Mason.
Anderson enjoys boating, golfing, fishing and camping.
“My family and I are excited to be part of the Waupaca community, and I look forward to working with community members and businesses to promote Waupaca,” he said.