Suzie Kenner is the Executive Director of the Tourism Division of the Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (and of the Chamber). Since 2009, she has been promoting the City of Devils Lake, mostly in the leisure market, as a top hunting and fishing destination, growing tourism to become the #2 economic driver for the community.

She joined us on Shovel Talk to share actionable tips and strategies that community leaders can use to grow their tourism sector. Listen to learn how to execute a media event, analyze tourism data, and grow your primary tourism sectors.

Rachel Kreikemeier Executive Director of Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) joins GSA Executive VP, Bethany Quinn, to discuss the innovative ways NGage is building childcare capacity in Gage County, Nebraska. From Babysitting Clinics to forming a nonprofit, NGage is leading in the childcare space. Listen to learn from Rachel and their organization.

Justin Sommer, Executive Director of Preble County Development Partnership, joined Bethany Quinn, Executive Vice President of Golden Shovel Agency, on Shovel Talk to discuss 2024 priorities and how economic developers can make an impact in their communities.

Justin began his career in economic development on the workforce side and worked for the City of Piqua and the private sector before becoming the Executive Director in Preble County. His diverse backgrounds prepared him to ‘solve the puzzle’ and tackle big challenges like developing sites, building residential homes, and attracting more workers - all goals he has for 2024. All of those projects take time and persistence. “I wanted to be a baseball player when I was a kid. If someone had a .300 batting average they are likely to get into the hall of fame because they’re really good. But that also means that they missed 70% of the time,” said Justin. “In economic development, we are going to be told no a lot. You need to keep stepping up to the plate and taking a swing, because eventually you’ll make contact.”