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The Chisago Lakes area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Loretta Anderson has been named the 2012 Community Ambassador!  Each year, as part of the Celebration of the Lakes festivities, the Chamber recognizes an individual or family that has made a significant contribution to the quality of life within this community and helps to preserve our heritage.

Anderson has a long history of outstanding community service. As Manager of Community Relations for the Hazelden Foundation, she has a passion about the hope and healing that Hazelden offers individuals, families and communities impacted by the devastating disease of addiction. She has played a key role in bringing awareness into the community, through the organizations she is involved in and their volunteers.

Anderson has more than 40 years of experience in administration, volunteer management, corporate and community involvement.  She currently serves on the board of the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (past president), Rotary Club of Chisago Lakes (past president), Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation, Community Partnership with Youth and Families, and The Refuge Network domestic abuse services and shelter.  She held past board/leadership roles at the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administration, MARRCH School Section, East Metro School-to-Careers Partnership and St. Croix Center for the Arts.

In addition, Anderson continues to serve on a number of committees and task forces, partnering with business, education, law enforcement, drug court, health care, and non-profits to promote healthy and safe communities in Chisago County and surrounding areas.  She was the recipient of the 1999 Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administration distinguished member award and 2008 Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow award.  She attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, holds a Hamline University-volunteer management certificate and a mini-masters degree in volunteer management from the University of St. Thomas.

Loretta (Greene) Anderson has always lived in the Chisago Lakes Area, going back five generations. The Greene family emigrated from Germany in the late 1800's and settled on land that is south of what is now Highway 8, in Shafer. On her mother's side, the Nelson family emigrated from Sweden in about the same timeframe, and settled north of Highway 8. Both families still farm fields that have been in their respective families for more than a century.

Anderson raised her family here, and truly enjoys "making a difference" in the lives of her friends and family, and community. Her outreach extends beyond health and wellness, to the arts, the environment, parks and recreation, safety, education, religion, and other aspects of life. She is called upon to participate in numerous events and causes because she has a reputation for working hard, being very professional and getting things done.

Anderson will be formally recognized by the Chamber Friday evening, January 27, at the Celebration of the Lakes Balloon Pilots Reception and Chili Cook-Off at the Lindstrom Community Center. The public is invited to attend.

Please refer to the Celebration of the Lakes tabloid for more information about the 2012 Community Ambassador and the schedule of events. Or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com for more information.

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