STEERING COMMITTEE

Aimee grew up in No. St. Paul and graduated from UW Madison with a degree in Interior Design. She worked in the corporate world designing spaces and selling office furniture for 15 years before she decided to open a yarn store in 2009. Darn Knit Anyway is located on Main Street in Stillwater. The business has grown over the years and has expanded to include a robust online store as well as a Maker's Lounge. Throughout her 14 years on Main Street she was the chair of the Stillwater Parking Commission and was on the board of the now dissolved Mainstreet Stillwater Independent Business Alliance. She and her husband are enjoying a recent empty nest now that their two kids are college bound. She lives in Somerset, WI.

Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Ambassador & community member involved as volunteer or committee member in many local festivities.  Excited to bring WSSC to Stillwater!  

More about Andre coming soon!

Ashley O'Neill is Stillwater local, along with her husband, Dan, and daughter, Josie. Ashley is the Vice President, Operations and Business Development of O'Neill Electric Inc. (Commercial, Residential and Industrial Electrical Contractor) as well as a co-owner of The Croix Group, LLC. – an office rental company in Stillwater. Ashley holds 17 years’ experience in roles ranging from Business Development and Management, Marketing, Executive Support and Planning, Project Management, Healthcare Operations, and more. In prior years involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Ashley served as a Board member for the Women's Business Bridge and most recently serves on the Steering Committee for the World Snow Sculpting Championship, as well as other various volunteer roles in the Chamber and other organizations in the Construction industry. Outside of running their business, time is spent raising traveling, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

More on Bert coming soon!

Carrie Higgs has worked with Cub since 2009, serving in many roles, most recently as the Director of Community Relations since 2018. She has worked through all of Cub’s footprint, emphasizing the importance of intertwining community and business through the Cub Foods experience. Recently Carrie presented at the Top Women in Grocery Conference about charitable work helping your community and building bonds within your organization. She is an expert in how to foster a giving culture and encouraging employees to get involved. Before Cub Carrie worked with SuperValu and Tires Plus after receiving her degree from University of Minnesota Duluth.

More about Chad coming soon!

I am a life long resident of the city of Stillwater, born and raised. My love for this town has guided me most my life. I have passed up many jobs and other opportunities outside of Stillwater, as part of my loyalty to our town. My wife Jen and I are very adventurous, constantly enjoying the wonderful activities, Stillwater has to offer. I have also spent many hours on the ball fields with my son Carter and daughter Charli. The St. Croix River seems to flow through all of our veins.

Chris has lived in the area all his life. He has been helping with World Snow since the beginning.

 Along with his full-time job, with Midstate Excavating, he has his own excavating company and is on the Lake Elmo Fire Department as an Engineer.  
 

Chris enjoys being active, especially in the outdoors camping, hiking and antique tractor pulls.

Chuck, along with his wife Judy, own and operate the Water Street Inn in Stillwater and the Cover Park Manor Bed & Breakfast in Oak Park Heights.  He also serves on the Oak Park Heights City Council, President of the Stillwater / Oak Park Heights Convention & Visitors Bureau, Member of the Stillwater Chamber Board and on Explore Minnesota Statewide Tourism Advisory Board. 

Originally from St. Croix Falls, WI, where I grew up on the St. Croix river with my immediate and extended families. The river and being near it is and has been an important part of my life.

I love all things with an engine, hunting and many outdoor activities. I am on the board for eRATicate Cancer Cruise, a non-profit where we raise money for Local  cancer patients, their families and caregivers. I have a passion for helping people and enjoying time with family and friends alike.

I am Retired Army after 21 years and I am proud to offer a Military/Police/Fire/EMS discount.

I highly value my relationship with clients and enjoy that I get to partner with them in reaching their personal and family goals. 
 

Cory grew up in St. Cloud as the youngest of 11 children and studied business at St Cloud State University. He has lived in the Stillwater area for over 24 years with his wife and two boys. They have owned Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop for 16 years and Gloria’s, their Soft Serve Ice Cream stand, for two years now.  During these years he has found it both enjoyable and fulfilling to help organize and execute events in Stillwater and is currently the President of Summer Tuesdays, Inc., which has been a market, music and movie event for over 22 years in Stillwater. That same organization also hosts Stillwater Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh- Off  and an annual food competition and fundraiser called Best Wings in the Valley. Recently Cory has joined the Stillwater Veterans Memorial Board as its Treasurer. 

Cory absolutely loves volunteering for World Snow with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation as it is a true collaboration of the arts, the business community and the City of Stillwater. 

Dave Junker is a 11 year Stillwater City Council member representing Ward 2 which includes most of downtown Stillwater. Dave worked for US Bank for 25 years and has been in banking for over 30 years mostly in Branch Management and Business Banking. Dave recently retired after working for Anytime Fitness Corporate Office in Woodbury for 8 years selling existing fitness clubs all over North America. Dave has been involved with many boards and commissions through-out Stillwater for 30 years. He is a former Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce President (2001, 2002). He is married to Libby Junker, they live in downtown Stillwater and enjoy fitness and golfing.

Doug Caywood spent over 30 years working for Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft.  After retiring, he started a consulting firm, (The NxGen Group, LLC.), focused on helping small and medium Manufacturers leverage leading edge “Smart Technologies & Manufacturing Practices” in their operations to increase competitiveness and environmental sustainability.  Doug is very passionate about Stillwater and is proud to be involved in creating unique experiences that highlight all that Stillwater has to offer.  Doug and his wife Donna have lived in Stillwater since 1994.  Donna works for Thomas-Grace, a national commercial construction firm focused in the retail industry.  They have raised four children who all attended Stillwater Schools.  

More about Ed coming soon!

Entrepreneur 360 Award Recipient from Entrepreneur Magazine as a technology leader known for innovation and web product development expertise with deep experience in Compliance, Security, Amazon Web Services & Cloud technologies, along with DevOps and Agile methodologies.

More about Gina coming soon!

More on Kelly coming soon!

Jen is an outgoing, ambitious, and motivated professional based in the St Croix River Valley area. Jen began her real estate career several years ago, following a 20 year career as a veterinary technician, and she has excelled in her career and has developed a strong passion for helping clients find their dream homes, along with helping clients market their homes properly in order to sell in a very competitive market. Jen brings a blend of dedication and expertise to the industry, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. Jen has been an active member and ambassador of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce for 13 years. Married for 12 years to her husband Chad, she is also a devoted step-parent to two wonderful children.

Beyond her thriving career, Jen enjoys an active lifestyle, including running, working out, and competing in horseback riding events. As an avid dog lover and a great friend to many, she cherishes the blessings in her life, always striving to embody a happy, rockstar attitude.

I grew up in So. St. Paul and went to college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. I have lived in the Stillwater area for 20 years with my husband and 3 children. Working part-time while raising my kids allowed me the opportunity to pursue my passion to volunteer and plan fundraising events for a variety of groups including Rutherford Elementary, Youth Advantage and Ponies Football. I began working with Discover Stillwater almost 5 years ago and have absolutely loved promoting our beautiful town. My primary responsibilities in this role are Events Calendar management, information distribution, social media content and creation, customer service and project assistance. I look forward to collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to provide the best experience possible for our tourists and our community.

Jennifer is a diligent leader with years of experience in service and guest experience. Jennifer values relationships and enjoys lending support to others. Working for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, she is passionate about serving the community and sharing all the wonderful opportunities we have to offer local residents, businesses and our visitors.

Jen grew up in Hudson, where she spent a lot of time boating on the St. Croix River with her family. She enjoys all things outdoors and is a proud mother of two children and grandmother to six grandchildren. Jen shares her home with two dogs, two cats, six chickens, and a horse. A passionate volunteer, she regularly dedicates her time to various organizations, including World Snow Celebration.

More on Jesse coming soon!

Kelly Stenerson is the Development and Community Engagement Manager for the United Way of Washington County East. Her role is to educate the community on the importance of philanthropy, while bridging relationships and fundraising for the many agencies that United Way supports. A life-long resident of Stillwater, Kelly is active with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and loves to contribute her time and talents with various local non-profit events. Kelly loves living in downtown Stillwater with her husband Christian and her black lab, Luna.

More about Paul coming soon!

Sydney recently graduated from Mankato State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a focus on Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. During her college years, she coached the local high school's diving team and traveled across southern Minnesota. After completing her studies, she returned to Hugo, Minnesota, to begin her career. In January, she embarked on a new journey with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce as their Event Coordinator. In her current role, Sydney is constantly learning and enjoys every aspect of her work. Her favorite part of being on the Chamber team is the guidance she receives from her fellow Chamber Staff.

With a degree in Marketing and Communications from the College of Saint Catherine and over 10 years’ experience in client focused, service and administrative positions; I thrive in high-pressure, fast paced environments. I support honesty, dependability, communication and community at the center of all my work. It is always my goal to work hard and always continue learning, while upholding myself to a high ethical standard. Outside of work I am a creative, artsy, outgoing individual and mother of three. Both individually and as a family I volunteer my time in the efforts of feeding the homeless and ending diseases. Seasonally; I sing Second Soprano with the River City Chorale. 

More about Mark coming soon!

I spent the majority of my career in corporate retail. I was the proud Director for Target Stores. I got to spend my days guiding over 500 employees to serve our community, allowing me to flex my drive, execution, collaboration and leadership muscles to build a store that profited over 100 million a year. I opened Agent M insurance in 2020.  I have immersed myself in cultivating an environment of lifting people up.

Agent M is a community-focused agency servicing the  community.  We are a full-service  Insurance Agency licensed in 25 states.  We provide over 50 years of experience in customer service and the insurance field so you can rest assured that all of your Auto, Home, Life, Specialty, Umbrella, and Business policies are in good hands. -Life can be a free fall.  For a safe landing, let us be your guide.

Michael Wilhelmi is the Community Relations Manager for Xcel Energy in 50 northeast metro communities. Michael's experience is working with local government leaders in the St. Croix Valley. He has guided several projects through public processes and built a network of friends and business associates throughout the valley communities.

Randy has spent his entire career planning and producing activities and events designed to entertain, inform and sometimes educate people about places, other people and products they produce - University of Minnesota-Technical Communication. Advertising, Marketing, Festival and Event Production, Festival and Event Training, Association Management.
 

Randy brings a lifetime of experience that he loves to share with others. It was very purposeful to make his home in Stillwater and he has dedicated the second half of his life to participate in as many civic activities as possible.

Robin serves as the President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce where she began in 2016. Prior to that she worked twelve years in local and state government, 8 years in global consulting, and 6 years as a small business owner building a business from the ground up. She is a self-starter and team-player fostering collaboration, ability to multi-task, and to successfully work in fast-paced organizations. She has a passion for the community and has lived in Stillwater for over 33 years. Robin has two children and two grandchildren.

Sara grew up in a northern Minnesota mining town where she learned the value of hard work, the healing powers of the deep woods, and importance of a connected community. She loves a good challenge and is certain to push her physical and mental strength with unique challenges every year. Her family: Nathan, Astoria, & Elianah, fill her life with joy. Sara, along with her husband, have co-owned several Anytime Fitness Centers since 2005. She founded Look Good Naked Training which was later rebranded as Trumi Training. She and her husband launched the Trumi Franchise system. She was a virtual trainer for Wellbeats; a virtual fitness experience. In December of 2019 Sara ventured into the world of hospitality, by opening The Lumberjack, an axe-throwing bar, and in 2021 Mad Capper. Her and Nathan also own three vacation rentals in Stillwater.

Sara Morrison has been leading River Market Community Co-op as General Manager since February 2020.  Prior to that Sara was a farmer and ran The Backyard Grocery, a vegetable and grass fed beef farm that included a CSA, and wholesale accounts. She brings an MBA degree and a history of cooperative involvement to River Market. 

Scott is the Marketing Manager at Afton Alps. He has over 7 years of marketing experience in the ski and snowboard industry. Hailing from the Twin Cities, he spent the formative years of his career producing brand content and leading marketing projects at The House Outdoor Gear. He spent last season working as the Resort Content Specialist at Afton Alps where he specialized in bringing the resort's brand to life. Before that, he worked as a Videographer at Minnesota Bound. Scott is an outdoor enthusiast who loves spending time with his girlfriend and two golden retrievers. Some of his hobbies include photography, making music, running and snowboarding.

More on Sean coming soon!

Proud to be the communications manager for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.  My role at the Chamber allows me to bridge business and community through marketing of our members, mission and events.
At the Chamber, I am also Chair of the Women's Business Bridge, the largest gathering of women in the St. Croix Valley - currently 100+ women business professional members - who connect, learn & grow each month!
I put a creative twist on marketing, branding, and social media, to engage our audience!

Tim Siegle began as CEO of First Resource Bank at the start of 2020. Tim was previously the Chairman and CEO of United Valley Bank (Cavalier, ND), where he joined in 1996. Under his management, United Valley Bank grew from $40 million in total assets to over $450 million. Siegle is a Director for the Bank Holding Company Association and is a prior President of the North Dakota Bankers Association.

I am a local Independent Insurance Broker with over 17 years experience as an insurance agent.  Specializing in Auto, Home, Life, Business.  I love to meet with people to review their current insurance coverage, explain they benefit from it and make any suggestions to insure all of their needs are met.
I live here in Stillwater with my wife and three daughters. We spend most of our time traveling for volleyball, soccer and softball.
Proud supporter of American Cancer Society's Relay for Life along with Stillwater Pony Athletics.  I am also a member of Stillwater Elks #179.

More on Trevor coming soon!