Lakeville Chamber hires new president, membership director
After a national search, a Lakeville businessman with years of experience leading a business organization has been tapped as the new Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau president.
Tim Roche, who led the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO for six years, will start in Lakeville on Monday, Aug. 4.
He replaces Todd Bornhauser in the leadership role he held for 14 years, and resigned from in June to seek other opportunities.
Roche, a 10-year resident of the city, said he is excited to start in the new position.
“Living in the community will provide me the opportunity to have a deeper knowledge of the business base in the area, and will allow me to shop more locally at Chamber member businesses and attend more community events,” Roche said.
Lakeville Chamber President Bob Curtis said they received about 15-20 applicants from around the nation, including Florida, Missouri and California and interviewed six applicants.
Curtis said the three who went through second interviews were excellent candidates, but Roche stood out because of his calm demeanor, experience, Lakeville residency and successes with the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce.
“He went into a chamber as ’08 hit,” Curtis said. “The economy was tanking, but he took the chamber and hung onto it. He kept it going.”
Also joining the Chamber of Commerce in the leadership role of membership services director is Penny Zurn, former owner, general manager and sales manager of the Manic Ceramic located in the Southfork Shopping Center.
Zurn, of Farmington, replaces Linda Rynda, who had held the position for 10 years before resigning this summer.
Zurn said in a news release she feels her background is a natural fit for this position.
“Having owned a business in Lakeville, I have an understanding of the value of the Chamber of Commerce,” she said.
Curtis said Zurn stood out because of her enthusiasm and presence.
“Walking into the room, she seemed to capture everybody’s attention,” Curtis said. “She has that type of personality.”
He said she also offered many fresh and compelling ideas for growing the chamber; they have a goal to bring the chamber’s membership from 450 to 500 by the end of next year.
He said both new hires bring excitement, energy and are excited about the possibilities.
Curtis also credited Bornhauser who has more than doubled the group’s membership (200 to 450) in his 14 years in leadership.
He credited Bornhauser for his dedication, networking abilities, and many new programs he developed.
“He’s always there for our business members,” Curtis said. “If you wanted someone on your side, he was your guy.”
Chamber Board Chair-elect 2015 Glenn Starfield said change is always difficult, but he believes new leaders will be able to pick up and carry the organization forward.
“It’s going to be one heck of a dynamic duo,” Starfield said.
Curtis said the Chamber’s future is “looking good.”
“The membership is being rejuvenated,” Curtis said. “We’re ready to get to that next level of 500 memberships. With our new leaders, it’s going to be a really good thing for the chamber and members.”
Reported: Sunthisweek.com
Tim Roche, who led the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO for six years, will start in Lakeville on Monday, Aug. 4.
He replaces Todd Bornhauser in the leadership role he held for 14 years, and resigned from in June to seek other opportunities.
Roche, a 10-year resident of the city, said he is excited to start in the new position.
“Living in the community will provide me the opportunity to have a deeper knowledge of the business base in the area, and will allow me to shop more locally at Chamber member businesses and attend more community events,” Roche said.
Lakeville Chamber President Bob Curtis said they received about 15-20 applicants from around the nation, including Florida, Missouri and California and interviewed six applicants.
Curtis said the three who went through second interviews were excellent candidates, but Roche stood out because of his calm demeanor, experience, Lakeville residency and successes with the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce.
“He went into a chamber as ’08 hit,” Curtis said. “The economy was tanking, but he took the chamber and hung onto it. He kept it going.”
Also joining the Chamber of Commerce in the leadership role of membership services director is Penny Zurn, former owner, general manager and sales manager of the Manic Ceramic located in the Southfork Shopping Center.
Zurn, of Farmington, replaces Linda Rynda, who had held the position for 10 years before resigning this summer.
Zurn said in a news release she feels her background is a natural fit for this position.
“Having owned a business in Lakeville, I have an understanding of the value of the Chamber of Commerce,” she said.
Curtis said Zurn stood out because of her enthusiasm and presence.
“Walking into the room, she seemed to capture everybody’s attention,” Curtis said. “She has that type of personality.”
He said she also offered many fresh and compelling ideas for growing the chamber; they have a goal to bring the chamber’s membership from 450 to 500 by the end of next year.
He said both new hires bring excitement, energy and are excited about the possibilities.
Curtis also credited Bornhauser who has more than doubled the group’s membership (200 to 450) in his 14 years in leadership.
He credited Bornhauser for his dedication, networking abilities, and many new programs he developed.
“He’s always there for our business members,” Curtis said. “If you wanted someone on your side, he was your guy.”
Chamber Board Chair-elect 2015 Glenn Starfield said change is always difficult, but he believes new leaders will be able to pick up and carry the organization forward.
“It’s going to be one heck of a dynamic duo,” Starfield said.
Curtis said the Chamber’s future is “looking good.”
“The membership is being rejuvenated,” Curtis said. “We’re ready to get to that next level of 500 memberships. With our new leaders, it’s going to be a really good thing for the chamber and members.”
Reported: Sunthisweek.com
