Schroeder takes the helm at Huntingburg Chamber

Sara Schroeder will lead the Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce as the newly appointed executive director.

Schroeder contacted the chamber board soon after Elizabeth Wertman announced she was resigning in January.

“When I saw the chamber position was open, I got excited,” Schroeder said. “In the 17 years I have lived here, this is one of the most exciting times. We are on the cusp of some really big stuff happening and I want to be a part of that.”

The 39-year-old mother of four decided with her public relations background, the position would be a great fit.

The chamber board of directors agreed.

“With the resignation of Elizabeth Wertman, our chamber director, we were very fortunate to have had two very qualified applicants to select from and to make the turn around time very quick,” Al Mihajlovits, board president, said. “Sarah’s background in public relations and grant writing brings to us something that we were looking for.”

Schroeder grew up in St. Meinrad and graduated from Heritage Hills High School before completing a degree in public relations through the University of Southern Indiana in 2002.

“I immediately felt it would be a good fit for my degree,” Schroeder said. “This also really felt like a good match for me and for my family and I really want to be part of it.”

Schroeder hit the ground running with a few directives already outlined as well as one of the county’s most successful events, the Gardengate Jazz and Wine Festival, coming up in April. Organizers have been meeting regularly and Schroeder already joined them at their most recent meeting.

She is energetic and enthusiastic in getting her feet wet and begin talking with members as well generating additional members for the chamber,” Mihajlovits said. “We look forward to a strong and long relationship with Sara and the board is excited to have her as our new director.”

Her immediate goal is to concentrate on the existing members of the chamber as well as expanding that membership which currently sits at about 130 members. To do that, she plans on going out and meeting with businesses one-on-one to build relationships. She also has some ideas for spotlighting local business members in the future with a write up on the chamber website and in the newsletter.

“I want to find out what our businesses are needing from us,” she said.

Schroeder and her husband John have been heavily involved in the youth sports programs in Huntingburg through their four children, Sam, 13, Reid 11, Emma, 8 and Max, 7.

“I am excited about getting out in the community and meeting people to find out all that this community has to offer,” Schroeder said. “And then I am excited about sharing it.”