Frankenmuth

Office & Visitor Center Manager Debbie Varley is just getting acclimated to her new role that insures our visitor center is a clean and welcoming place for anyone to come for questions or resources that will make their Frankenmuth experience better. Public restrooms? We've got them. Menus, brochures, event information, coupons and yes, maps! (People love maps!) She delivers event information to the local hotels and keeps the Dodge Road Visitor Center – the rest area just before Clio heading North on I-75 – fully stocked with Frankenmuth & Great Lakes Bay Regional information. She helps keep our board & committees functioning with her meeting planning and administrative support. She also manages an incredible team of front desk and maintenance personnel. Sales & Community Relations Manager Lydia Wilder travels all over Michigan and sometimes across the country to represent Frankenmuth with group and corporate travel planners, encouraging them to bring their business to Frankenmuth. She also assists groups that are already booked with necessary services such as welcome packets, planning their itinerary or even an official welcome. She will also be working to learn from and build relationships with our many event organizers this year as we focus on how to help sustain some of our incredible assets in the community that are ever-changing and run primarily by volunteers. Membership & Programs Manager Kaylie Johnson organizes all things membership, from changes in contact information and business services to billing. She also plans and coordinates many membership programs from educational and networking events to social or fundraising functions such as our Annual Meeting and Golf Outing. She works hard to ensure members get the most from their membership and are knowledgeable and engaged with the opportunities the Chamber provides! She also works with the Promotion's Committee on programs intended to help build relationships between our locals and the business community. Some of these promotions include Peppermint Perks, Small Business Saturday, Friday Fun Nights or the new program that'll be launched in 2020 called Frankenmuth Certified! Question: What's the funniest question you've been asked about Frankenmuth? Debbie Says... "A visitor was inquiring about what time the shops and restaurants closed. Then asked if any of the bars stayed open later than the restaurants. Then asked what time the Frankenmuth gates closed!" Question: What's your favorite part about working for the Chamber & CVB? Lydia Says... "My favorite part about working here is that I get to travel around promoting our beautiful town! It is so much fun being able to connect with tour operators, meeting planners, and other visitors all across the state and country. I love hearing the stories of those who have been here, as well as, being able to introduce Frankenmuth to those who have not. There is something very rewarding about selling Michigan's Little Bavaria to others!" Question: What's different about working here than anywhere else you've worked? Kaylie Says... "I get to boast to my friends and family about where I work everyday. When I was a child, we would take road trips to Frankenmuth twice a year, and now I am lucky enough to work here with this incredible team and our members, and also organize various programs for them throughout the year. This job is unlike any I had before, and I love it!" 13 If you are celebrating an anniversary, remodel or another important business milestone, please be sure to let the Chamber of Commerce know by emailing membership@frankenmuth.org so we can help share your good news as well! Flip to page 26 for a list of upcoming member events.

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