Reflecting on 10 Years

Written by Kathleen Privette

We can all relate to the popular phrase “time flies” – especially after you have children, and you watch the years pass by and fade together. Time also flies when you blink and realize you have been in your career for the past 10 years. Working takes up much of your life, so it is important to do what you love.

In April, I celebrated a decade at the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

I remember vividly the call to accept my first position – in my first job out of college into the real world – as the Administrative & Events Assistant. Little did I know that 10 years later, I’d be successful in the same organization, in a job I absolutely love, with people I truly appreciate, and in a totally different position as Director of Events.

After ten years at the Chamber, it has been fun looking back at some highlights of my career:

People celebrating on a zoon call

1

Celebrating milestone years for many events and programs, including the 150th Anniversary of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

People taking a photo at an event

2

Cutting nearly 700 ribbons for member celebrations.

People taking a photo at an event

3

Executing and attending over 600 events.

Reflecting on 10 years Photo

4

Graduating from Leadership Duluth in 2014.

People taking a photo - reflecting on 10 years

5

Advocating for countless projects important to our community and our region during each Legislative session.

People sitting at a picnic table outside

6

Supporting incredibly talented Ambassadors who dedicate their time to the Chamber and our members.

People standing in a driveway in front of a lake

7

Working alongside the Chamber’s Board of Directors to accomplish a multitude of key initiatives each year.

People holding up groceries in a hallway

8

Supporting thousands of businesses and organizations in our community.

Reflecting on 10 years - meeting room presentation

9

Meeting talented and unique leaders daily.

News Station - reflecting on 10 years

10

Touring and visiting the organizations that support our local and regional economy.

Group of people on Zoom meeting

11

Navigating a pandemic and transitioning events and programming to a virtual format.

Group of employees outdoors

12

Transition to a new Chamber President.

13

Working alongside colleagues who have become family.

Happy family outdoors

14

And on a person note, getting married, buying houses, and welcoming two children into the Chamber family.

The list goes on.

I don’t think any other career would connect me to the organizations and people that make Duluth and our region great. Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life, isn’t that the saying? It’s true. Thanks to you, our members, for making this ride a good one.

I love what I do because of you.

I’m looking forward to those next 10 years, stick with me for what is to come next at the Chamber.

In appreciation and support,

Kathleen Privette
Director of Events

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the premier advocate for commerce and industry by facilitating interaction among business, government, education, labor, and the greater community by actively creating innovative opportunities for business to advance within local and global economies and encourages fairness in the political process by serving to help educate our members rather than endorsing or supporting political parties or affiliations.

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