Frankenmuth

I t's a common struggle heard with many local businesses this year... hiring and keeping employees. Well, your local Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau has certainly had its share of transition over the last year as well. While change is sometimes difficult, we welcome the change at every opportunity to learn and grow. I can now add that it has also been a good opportunity for us to share what we do with others, even if they aren't with us long. It opens their eyes to our mission and the many good works we do for the community. As the leader of this fine organization, I have recently become aware that while telling the story of Frankenmuth to others is something we are extremely proficient and practiced in, we have fallen short in telling our organization's story to our community. What does the Chamber & CVB do? It is more than you may realize and certainly more than I can put into one article. In fact, as we've begun to train our new staff members on the organization and all the various roles and responsibilities not only for their position, but for their new teammates as well, a new manager that started with us just a few weeks ago was quite surprised. "I've lived in Frankenmuth for 34 years and had no idea all that went on behind these doors. All that it takes to bring people to Frankenmuth and then help them along the way," said Debbie Varley, Office & Visitor Center Manager. The team is incredible. From the front desk representatives that greet over 30,000 people and answer some of the more bizarre or repetitive questions every year, to employing one of the most sophisticated marketing operations in Michigan tourism. Everyone wears many hats in this fast-paced environment to accomplish an aggressive program of work set out annually by the Board of Directors. Here's a glimpse into some of the people that make it all happen and just a bit of what they do for the community. Inside the Chamber & CVB 10 B Y J A M I E F U R B U S H

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