Sara Niemi – President, Head of the Lakes United Way
What is your role at your organization?
I am the President at Head of the Lakes United Way, a nonprofit located in Duluth that strengthens communities by connecting people and resources.
Why would you encourage an organization to
become a member of the Duluth Area Chamber
of Commerce?
Joining the Duluth Chamber of Commerce has so many wonderful benefits. I would encourage an organization to become a member because joining can help people and businesses build local relationships, increase credibility and visibility, access marketing and networking opportunities, connect with community leaders, stay informed about business issues and advocacy efforts, and gain access to training, mentorship and workforce resources while becoming more involved in the local community.
Why did you choose to become a Chamber
Ambassador, and how has it benefited you
and your employer?
I have held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations throughout my entire career. Becoming a Chamber Ambassador gave me the opportunity to meet with others outside of my normal work realm and make connections I otherwise might not have. I have also been connected to wonderful learning opportunities and had the chance to support the community in more collaborative and unique ways.
What do you love most about our community?
What I love most is the balance of incredible natural beauty with a welcoming small-town atmosphere, while still having access to larger-city amenities and attractions. There’s truly something here for everyone, and I feel fortunate to call this community home.
Todd Mell – Director, Project Planning and Development,
Kraus-Anderson Construction Company
What is your role at your organization?
Director, Project Planning and Development
Why would you encourage an organization to become a member of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce?
Joining the Chamber connects your business to a collaborative network of local leaders, clients and community partners while increasing your visibility and credibility in the region. It provides access to advocacy, business development resources and opportunities to help shape the Duluth business community.
Why did you choose to become a Chamber
Ambassador, and how has it benefited you
and your employer?
Being a chamber ambassador provides the opportunity to engage with our local community members, leaders and businesses through meaningful engagements, including ribbon cuttings, St. Louis County Days at the capital and so much more. Our organization has benefited simply by staying active in our business community while building meaningful relationships with community members and organizations.
What do you love most about our community?
I love being surrounded by people who work hard every day as they strive to make Duluth and our region the place we all want to live, work and play!
Judy Seliga-Punyko – Independent Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Inc.
What is your role at your organization?
My role in Mary Kay Inc. is as an Independent Senior Sales Director. I’m also still an independent beauty consultant, providing for my clients their skin care, glamour and suncare needs.
Why would you encourage an organization to
become a member of the Duluth Area Chamber
of Commerce?
I became a chamber member back when I was still involved in education as a PTSA president along with Mary Kay Inc. I felt it was a good fit to promote my business but also to inform the business community about schools and education.
Why did you choose to become a Chamber
Ambassador, and how has it benefited you and
your employer?
I became an ambassador because it’s rewarding to celebrate business openings and milestones as successes for our community. We have become good buddies as a group and supportive of each other. It’s a positive environment to be part of.
What do you love most about our community?
I love the Duluth community and being in a small town within a larger city. Being able to go to the grocery store, post office, hardware store, YMCA and know someone or make a new friend makes living here a wonderful place to reside.
Hunter Bergerson
Licensed Agent/ Producer, J3 Insurance
What is your role at J3 Insurance?
Licensed Insurance Producer
Why would you encourage an organization to become a member of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce?
I would encourage any organization to become a member of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce because of the meaningful impact it has on both business growth and community development. After participating in Leadership Duluth, I gained a deeper understanding of the Chamber’s role in strengthening our local economy and fostering connections. During the past four years, the Chamber has played a significant role in helping my business grow and succeed. The connections, support and dedicated people within the organization have been invaluable. It’s truly an outstanding resource that any
organization would benefit from having.
Why did you choose to become a Chamber
Ambassador, and how has it benefited you and
your employer?
I chose to become a Chamber Ambassador because I wanted to stay actively involved in the community and continue giving back through volunteering. After seeing firsthand the value the Chamber provides, I reached out to find ways to remain engaged, and becoming an Ambassador was a natural fit.
What do you love most about our community?
There’s a strong sense that we’re all working toward the same goals and supporting one another along the way. Whether I’m attending a networking event, groundbreaking or ribbon cutting, I consistently meet friendly, approachable people who make others feel genuinely included. Networking can feel intimidating to many, but in our community, it’s a completely different experience. The environment is so positive and inviting that it often changes people’s perception of what networking can be.
