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When I began working at the Press 13 years ago, there were a few relationships that I quickly had to figure out.  I knew I had to have a working relationship with our printer as well as our delivery company. I knew I also had to keep in good standing with the post office.  In the community, there were a few relationships that come with the territory that I had to learn from experience.  One of those was the Chamber of Commerce.  Back then, the chamber was located in the front office of the Press, how’s that for close?  Back then, Brenda Palmquist was in charge of the chamber and she extended the olive branch.  I had no idea what a “Chamber of Commerce” even was.  Within a month or two, Brenda had me on  the board and I have not left since.

In the years to come, Brenda saw other opportunities to help the community.  Soon the board was interviewing future candidates for the position of Exutive Director.  A local realtor named Tangi Schaapveld ended up with the job.  Over the years Tangi has taken the job and ran with it. She has championed our community as a whole as well as small businesses.  For those of you who think the position of executive director would be a job of glad-handing and good will,  I am here to tell you, there is not a person who has put more of their personal time and effort in than Tangi.  We (sadly) joke that Tangi actually makes about 60 cents per hour when you take into account the hours she actually represents the chamber.

Over the years, Tangi has become a good friend.  No, a great friend.  She has been my sounding board and I think I have been hers.  We have laughed, cried, yelled, you name it we have shared it.  It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to Tangi.  No, she is not moving or sick.  She is stepping down as director.  Luckily, as a community we will still reap the benefits of her love for the community because she is helping with the ABC grant.  

Tangi - I thank you for all of your time and efforts in trying to make this a better community.  You are truly appreciated.

Remember this weekend has a couple of things going on.  Saturday is the grand opening of Midwest JetPack in Lindstrom.  We ran some great coupons for flight specials in last week’s Press.  We will place them on our Facebook page, make sure to present them to redeem.  The opening runs all day with a community bonfire in the early evening.

Sunday, you are invited to Praise Fest.  Praise Fest is a music filled day spent with friends listening to local praise bands on the beautiful grounds of Lindstrom’s First United Methodist Church.  Please see page 20 for all the details.  It promises to be a great time, I hope to see you there!

We don’t usually run photos on page 3, but I have to show you something that I feel is very important.  A week or so ago I wrote about how God touched some readers’ hearts and they felt they wanted to help the homeless.  Well, if you glance below, you will see just how much donations have been given.  I am speechless.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep it coming.

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