Earlier this week it was reported that Amber Fagan was no longer serving as the director of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Fagan was on vacation at the time and has now issued a statement regarding the transition.
After a great deal of thought, I am formally announcing my resignation to the public from the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier this year, I began consulting with a couple of other chambers and accepted a new professional position in May. My original plan was to resign at that time, but I was asked to remain through the summer events to help support operations, assist with training, and ensure a smooth transition. I was happy to do so because I care deeply about the organization and the community we serve.
When I joined the Chamber, I was initially brought in to assist with event coordination and business support and was soon asked to serve as President. At that time, the organization had fewer than $9,000 in available funds and was not in a position to fully support some of the community events that had become important traditions, including the annual fireworks show.
Over the past eight years, my focus has been on strengthening the organization, creating new events and revenue opportunities, growing sponsorships, supporting local businesses, and building stronger partnerships throughout the community.
Through the hard work of our board members, volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and community partners, we were able to grow the organization into a much stronger and more sustainable operation.
Today, the Chamber and Visitors Bureau have established a strong financial foundation, hundreds of thousands in investments, and reinvested significant resources back into the Indian Lake community. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping stabilize the Indian Lake fireworks tradition, with funding now in place to help ensure this community tradition can continue for years to come.
None of these accomplishments were achieved by one person. They were the result of countless hours from dedicated board members and volunteers, the generosity of sponsors and businesses, and the support of community partners and residents. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in what we were building and helped make it possible.
I am also thankful for the many relationships I have built throughout my time with the Chamber. Serving this community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. Public service is incredibly fulfilling, but it is also demanding, and I have reached a point where stepping back is the right decision for me both personally and professionally.
After serving on the board for the past six years, Michelle Grandi has expressed interest in stepping into this role. I wish Michelle nothing but success and am committed to supporting the Board and helping make the transition as smooth as possible.
To everyone who supported me, challenged me, encouraged me, volunteered alongside me, sponsored our events, attended our events, or simply believed in the work we were doing—thank you.
Eight years is a long time, and there have certainly been challenges along the way. But when I look back, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.
It has been an honor to serve Indian Lake.
I am proud of the legacy we built, grateful for the people who helped build it with me, and excited to see what comes next. ❤️
Michelle Grandi is currently the interim director until further notice according to the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
