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Clintonville chamber director resigns

Wittman heads to Fox Cities

By Erik Buchinger


Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Wittman resigned from her position, effective Friday, Dec. 21.

Wittman accepted a position as the new director of talent and K-12 relations at the Fox Cities Chamber and Regional Partnership.

Wittman

Wittman started at the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce in May 2017 after working in economic development through Appleton Downtown Inc.

Wittman said she does not know who may be the next chamber director but trusts the board will look for someone with energy and enthusiasm to continue the work she started.

“I hope that the Chamber will continue to build on my vision of Christmas Week,” Wittman said in an email. “Last year I wanted to add an annual tree lighting ceremony, and we were able to do that this year. We had over 100 attendees, and we already have more ideas for 2019. This is an opportunity to really show community pride, and one of the most memorable moments of the evening was seeing the fourth graders put their homemade Christmas ornaments on the tree.”

Wittman said among the things she is proud of is the chamber brought in 28 new members from Marion, New London, Shawano, Appleton, Manawa, Wittenberg and Clintonville in the time she was employed.

“Our events have been on the rise as well,” Wittman said. “We’ve seen more sponsorships and more attendees than ever.”

Wittman said the chamber has done a good job of opening up communication among the chamber, local government and public school system.

“We have been consistently working together to make sure we understand the needs of our area,” Wittman said.

Wittman talked about what she learned on the job.

“When you work at a Chamber, you need to have the heart of a non-profit, but the brain of a business,” Wittman said. “Like any other job, it takes resiliency to do what’s right. Being able to work in a setting that changes every day, problem-solve at a minute’s notice and do this with a good disposition and smile on your face means everything.”

Wittman’s advice to the next chamber director is to listen to the businesses in the area.

“Take care of your businesses. Listen to them,” Wittman said. “Learn everything about this community, get involved and know that working hard, being hopeful and optimistic is the key to success.”

Wittman said she will miss the hardworking businesses around the community.

“I will definitely miss speaking with the business members and residents who have stepped up in their efforts to rebuild our community,” Wittman said. “I was honored to be a part of the Clintonville Experiment, the city of Clintonville’s plan commission, the tourism commission and work on the Downtown Revitalization Plan. I was also the chairperson for the reconsideration committee at the Clintonville Public School District as well as on the board of directors for the Wolf River School to Work Program (youth apprenticeship).

“I wish Clintonville and the surrounding areas a very happy and prosperous 2019,” Wittman said.

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