River Falls chamber director resigns

By Sue Odegard

"I've really grown attached to River Falls. Working in this community has been wonderful. It is especially great to know how involved its citizens want to be," said Tricia Hinckley, director of the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

That is one reason why Hinckley's decision to leave her job was so difficult. On Monday she began employment as community development director and zoning administrator for the city of Zumbrota, Minn. There are others.

"I'm impressed with the amount of time people will devote to this community," she said. "The volunteers are awesome. They spend hours and hours to ensure that events will be fun and exciting. Many of them contribute their time to other organizations as well, so that even it makes their service more meaningful."

The chamber is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors. Marilee Steltzner of the River Falls State Bank is president.

"Tricia has been phenomenal," Steltzner said. "She is conscientious and motivated. She has remarkable maturity and stamina. She is truly going to be missed."

Hinckley, 24, was born in St. Charles, Minn., and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1993. She earned her bachelor in business administration degree from UW-River Falls in 1997.

From 1995-98 she worked as a teller and bookkeeper at First National Bank of River Falls. She began employment with the chamber in 1998, serving first as administrative coordinator, and later as director.

She and her husband, Ross, a juvenile probation officer for Goodhue County, are expecting their first child this spring.

"It's going to be an exciting year for us," Hinckley said. "I'm starting a new job and I hope to have my training completed before the baby comes."

Hinckley hopes to use many of the things she's learned while serving as chamber director in her new position as community development director.

"River Falls is in a unique situation right now," she said. "The community members are looking at expansion and growth while maintaining the unique atmosphere that is here now. The chamber is in a critical position to assist in the longevity of the values people feel are vital. It is important that the chamber work with city representatives and other organizations to realize a common goal."

Under Hinckley's direction, the more than 200-member chamber has sponsored several community events including: Business Showcases, Town 'n' County Day, River Falls Days, the Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet, Family and Senior Fair and Ambassador's Golf Tournament.

The chamber works to improve economic development and quality of life through education, promotion and leadership. It provides educational training for businesses and is instigating a leadership program - a 9-month series that will train participants to become community leaders.

"It will begin this fall," Hinckley said. "It will start with a retreat and continue with day-long classes each month. Topics will include: heritage and culture, education, business, and facilities and services. Group members will also complete a community service project."

Samantha Bluhm, who served as chamber director prior to Hinckley, is now the chamber's marketing director. Board members include: Eric Johnson, Eric Durhman, Steve Nick, Mark Sams, Jeff Hanson, Carmen Croonquist, Jim Letourneau, Shari Frisbie, Steve Weber, Kathy Christensen and Sarah Noonan.

"Volunteer time is getting to be a precious commodity," Hinckley said. "The chamber has some very, very dedicated members who have been involved for years - way before I ever came to town."

Applications for her successor will be accepted through Jan. 28.

"I think whoever replaces me should keep their eye on the big picture," Hinckley said. "Obviously it should be someone who values River Falls and is willing to do great things for the community."

Hinckley had some final thoughts two days prior to her departure.

"Working for the chamber has been a wonderful experience," she said. "It has given me the opportunity to work with and get to know a lot of people I might not have met otherwise. I would like to thank them for having such a positive impact in my life."

For more information on the chamber, call Bluhm at 425-2533.