The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual State of the Chamber breakfast on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the West Wind Supper Club, bringing together local business leaders, public officials, and community members for a morning of networking, celebration, and strategic vision-setting.

The breakfast began with a warm welcome from Dr. Sheri Marnell, Chair of the Chamber Board and Director of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center. Marnell recognized board members in attendance and highlighted the collaborative spirit that has driven the chamber’s success. “We love feedback,” she said, encouraging guests to share both praise and suggestions with board members and staff.

The spotlight then turned to the chamber’s new leadership, starting with Rosa Magnus, the newly appointed CEO of the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Although just days into her role, Magnus emphasized her deep appreciation for the community’s warm welcome.

“I’ve already felt the sense of connection and collaboration that makes River Falls so special,” she said. Drawing on her 26 years of nonprofit leadership, Magnus expressed her excitement for the Chamber’s future and her commitment to building strong relationships with members, partners, and residents. “This work is only possible because of partnerships,” she added.

Marnell also extended appreciation to Megan Hausch, the chamber’s Event and Program Manager, who served as interim director during the transition and played a crucial role in maintaining momentum.

“She kept us organized, on track, and prepared for this next chapter,” Marnell noted.

Incoming Chamber Board Chair Keith Gunderson took the stage next, focusing on the organization’s strategic direction. He highlighted the Chamber’s five-pillar strategic plan—Grow the Chamber, Tell Our Story, Be the Voice of Business, Steward Resources, and Strengthen the Economy Through Tourism. Gunderson emphasized that the plan, first developed in 2022, is more than a roadmap—it’s the foundation guiding every decision and program. “We want to be proactive rather than reactive,” he stressed, adding that the chamber will continue to evaluate and evolve the plan as the community and business climate change.

Following Gunderson, Hausch delivered a comprehensive overview of chamber operations, strategy, and community impact. In her presentation, she placed the local Chamber’s work in a national context, referencing recent research that shows 81% of U.S. adults view their local chamber as a trusted partner in economic growth.

Hausch highlighted the Chamber’s intentional shift from a transactional mindset to a relationship-driven model. “Membership isn’t a statistic—it’s a partnership,” she said, urging attendees to think beyond numbers and focus on mission-driven engagement. She cited numerous examples of members stepping up to support festivals, events, and community initiatives—not for recognition, but because they believe in River Falls.