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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jim Wickert, Rock Falls Chamber Board Chair, 815/626-0086

The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce moves forward into a new era with the selection of Bethany Bland as the President/CEO. Bland, the Member and Events Coordinator for the past seven years, replaces outgoing head, Doug Wiersema, who retires at the end of April.  At this time the Rock Falls Chamber is seeking a new Members & Events Coordinator as well.
"Doug's retirement from the Rock Falls Chamber is a big change,” said Bland. “He has invested seven years in this organization and his influence will not go unnoticed. With every change comes opportunity for growth. The Rock Falls Chamber Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are embracing that opportunity.”
Wiersema will be remembered for originating the Southern Loop Tourism Project, the Summer Cookout, and fielding programs like the Business Publicity Builder and Front Door Start Up. He was instrumental in starting the Chamber’s first website and bringing a youth member on as a Chamber Board member.
He credits Bland with playing a vital role in the growth of the Chamber. She pledges to continue toward their goal to build stronger, more valuable relationships with Chamber members. “This means we will trust our volunteers to be some of the most innovative, hard working, compassionate members of our community,” she said. “This means we will provide benefits for our members that have a viable return on investment. This means treasured events, like Hometown Holidays, will keep on growing and bringing pride to our residents. This means we will continue to be a valuable piece of the puzzle that makes the Rock River Valley one of the best places to Live, Visit, and Enjoy."

Recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 among young professionals in the Sauk Valley in 2010, Bland played a key leadership role in organizing many new and beneficial programs for members as well as events like Hometown Holidays, Spring and Fall Twin City Garage Sale Days, Staff Appreciation Luncheon, Golf Outings, Social Media Workshop, Bingo events, and more.
She resides in Rock Falls and graduated magna cum laude from Eureka College. Bland is co-owner of Amped Productions, a youth outreach organization that brings in rock bands and provides opportunities for area youth to develop job-related skills through an internship program. She is a volunteer for Crossroads Youth Center, Rock River Christian Center, and has been involved in the Louie Bellson Heritage Days Committee, the Community Improvements Committee, the Complete Count Committee as a part of the US Census, and the JobFest Committee, among others.


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