Chamber assistant Katie Oksness has been on the job for only two weeks and already she knows it’s a good fit for her interests.
“My kids are growing up here, and I wanted to be part of what’s happening in Luverne,” she said at Monday night’s Chamber After Hours event.
“Everything in the community revolves around the Chamber. … I had no idea all these things were going on.”
For example, Oksness said she’s looking forward to the Luverne Loop dedication and Roll On Luverne bike lending promotion on May 16.
“I’m working on a scavenger hunt for the kids where they’ll each have their own lanyard to wear on the bike path,” Oksness said. “But first we have to get through the Citywide Spring Rummage Sale next weekend.”
Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere first introduced Oksness in her April newsletter.
“Katie will be responsible for many of the Chamber, resident and visitor services along with supporting the work of many of the exciting projects that are happening in our community,” Lanphere said.
“One of the big projects that the Chamber will be working on is updating the Chamber website to provide greater interactive services for our members, and Katie will be very involved in that process. Katie will also be an integral part of the social media strategy that the Chamber will use to promote members and community events.”
Oksness said she’s enjoyed her first two weeks on the job and she’s grateful for Lanphere’s leadership.
“She’s super patient with me,” Oksness said. “She’s been great to work with.”
Oksness, daughter of John and Sharon Oksness, Luverne, graduated from Luverne High School in 2001. She has three children, 14-year-old Ava, 12-year-old Marcus and 5-year-old Kyler.