For Carrie Fitzgerald, her job as Webster City Chamber director seemed like a natural fit, given her background in marketing and her natural people-skills.
A native of Riceville, she moved to Webster City from New Hampton about three years ago when her husband took a job as a design engineer at Electrolux. She was hired a few months later as the chamber director.
She received her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa.
But she soon discovered that social work might not be exactly what she wanted to do.
"I tried a couple of other things and got really involved in sales and marketing in Waterloo," she said. She worked for two different companies in Waterloo for 7 years.
"I was very interested when I interviewed for this position about the membership side of things," she said. "I worked for a buying group before and they had a membership base that was nationwide. So that kind of drew me to the Chamber."
Fitzgerald said she had learned a lot in her position with the Chamber and noted that she enjoyed the variety.
"I love the flexibility and knowing that there is something new everyday. There are so many different aspects to my job. From planning community events to working with membership services and benefits, to office tasks, and working on customer service and the community's image," she said.
"All of these different facets of my job really keep it exciting for me," according to Fitzgerald.
Providing good customer service to those she deals with every day and those who stop in for assistance is a top priority for Fitzgerald.
"I'm very customer service-oriented," she said. "I really try to make sure we can help provide information or assistance to those who need it."
This year, Fitzgerald will be focusing much of her time on membership. Membership recruitment was one of the top goals set at a recent meeting of the Chamber board, she said. This year will bring some exciting opportunities for members to learn from each other, according to Fitzgerald.
"We are working on some quarterly membership seminars. In April, we're going to offer a program called 'Talk of the Town,' and that will feature our local talent - our experts," she said.
The seminars will be offered on a variety of topics. One will be presented on coffee basics by Mornin' Glory Coffee Shop - sort of a "Coffee 101," she said.
"The Gingerbread House will do quilt tips and how to get started in quilting," she said. "There will be a whole variety of seminars on many different topics. "
"Webster City residents are invited, and we'll encourage people from surrounding communities to attend as well," she said. "We want people to get interested and excited about the things Webster City has to offer."
Fitzgerald is enthusiastic about the community when she talks about its future. She said the community has many wonderful amenities available to its residents - things that might also prove attractive to people and businesses looking to relocate.
"The Boone River and all it's recreational opportunities, and the trails through the city and the county, Kendall Young Library, Fuller Hall and the community theatre," she said. "The community also has a rich history that has been well documented and passed on to the next generations"
"I think we need to boast a little bit more about all of these great things," she said.
Fitzgerald said in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters, Lily and Maeve.
"I really enjoy spending time in the community," she said. "Shopping at the local businesses, and attending community events."
"I just like being part of the community," Fitzgerald said.
Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net, or call 832-4350.
