Wauconda Area Chamber names executive director

WAUCONDA — The Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce has named Laura Ferris as the Chamber’s new Executive Director.

Ferris comes to Wauconda after serving as the executive director for the Richmond/Spring Grove Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Sparta, Wis., where she resided with her son who is now a 22-year-old U.S. Marine, Ferris has a degree in interior design, 15 years experience in real estate, and has been a sole proprietor of a bar & grill.

Ferris looks to continue to call upon her entrepreneurial background so as to be a resource to the Chamber’s business owners and managers.

Recently, Ferris received a Browning Scholarship to attend the Fall Conference for the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, returning with a broad perspective of best practices to produce forward momentum for the chamber and its members.

“With proper strategic planning and implementing gradual advancements, our chamber will provide our members with the networking, marketing, education, technical skills, and support that they are asking for,” Ferris said.

The Wauconda chamber has already introduced “Chamber University,” which partners with the College of Lake County’s Workforce and Professional Development Institute to bring a higher level of training to its members.

“In today’s fast paced lifestyle, time is a valuable commodity and creating more efficient and easily accessible information is a priority for me,” Ferris said.

Currently, the chamber is researching a more user friendly website, mobile apps and QR codes to strengthen its communication, marketing and information hub.