Northfield Chamber Director Steps Down

 Executive Director Kathy Feldbrugge has submitted her resignation effective at the end of April.

Announced Monday at the Chamber's board meeting, Feldbrugge said she is not retiring, but merely looking to take on another challenge in her career.

“I feel as though I have one more stop left in my career and I’m looking for a new challenge to energize me,” she said. “This was a very difficult decision for me. I knew if I was going to make a career shift, now was the time. I grew up in this Chamber. I’ve seen its highs and lows. I’ve come to love this community and the businesses it nurtures. I’ll miss my leadership role in the Chamber, but I’m looking forward to my next challenge.”

Feldbrugge spent 31 years as the Chamber's director.

“On behalf of the members of the Chamber, we thanked Kathy for her tireless work and guidance to the business community. Thirty-five years of service in Chamber work—all but four of them with the Northfield Chamber—is a wonderful feat," said Chamber President Rick Estenson. "We will be looking for ways to express our appreciation to Kathy in the days ahead.”

The Chamber board will meet again later this week with Feldbrugge to begin an executive director search and explore the ingredients of a smooth transition, Estenson said.

The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that promotes the Northfield area and the local business community. 

As Feldbrugge looks ahead, she said she does not yet know what her next challenge will be.

“I’ve always been 100 percent committed to the Chamber’s success and the vitality of the business community in Northfield,” Feldbrugge said. “I couldn’t maintain that commitment while at the same time looking for my next career move so I decided this announcement was the best for all involved.” 

Estenson also said the Chamber is moving full speed ahead.

“Although Kathy’s departure will leave a void,” he said, “it also creates opportunities, which is true with any transition.”

He said the Chamber Board remains “committed to improving the business climate in Northfield and we are aggressively seeking ways to enhance the Chamber’s value to its members.”

Businesses and individuals interested in joining the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce are invited to call 507.645.5604 or visit online at www.northfieldchamber.com.

Be sure to follow Northfield Patch on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter, which sends you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.

Editor's note: Information provided by .