Winstead Officially Named Executive Director of Hobart Chamber of Commerce

lisa-winsteadWith nearly two decades of experience at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Winstead was officially promoted to the executive director position earlier this month.

A lifelong Hobart resident and Hobart High School graduate, Winstead said she is “excited” to play a continued role in helping the Chamber grow and add new members.

“Things are working out great, there is a whole new energy here at the Chamber,” she said. “I’d love to see us grow and get a lot of new members from Hobart and all over Northwest Indiana. We’d also like to see new businesses come to Hobart and be successful here.”

Winstead began at the Hobart Chamber in July, 1997 when she was hired as an administrative assistant - a position that eventually turned into assistant to the executive director. She then served as interim executive director for some time before she was voted to the full-time post on June 5.

“She has earned it,” said Dee Bedella, president of the Hobart Chamber board of directors. “Lisa has already brought in new customers, is well-liked and a strong force for us.

“It’s also good to have someone from the community represent us.”

The Hobart Chamber has about 350 members and is “growing strong,” Winstead said - adding in her hopes of reaching 450 by this time in 2017.

“We have a lot to offer our members,” she said. “We are growing, but are still small enough as to where you are not going to be lost in the shuffle. With some of the larger Chambers, it’s easy to feel lost with so many other members.”

Some of the newer Chamber partners include Brickie Gyros, which will have their grand opening ribbon cutting on July 2 and Sun Belt Rentals, a company that rents out large equipment in Northwind. Von’s Victorian Tea Room is also expected to be a perfect spot for a bite to eat in downtown Hobart once they open.

Chicagoland Popcorn, which plans on opening soon across the street from Albanese Candy Factory, is a new member outside of Hobart. They will be part of the 15-20 percent of Chamber members located outside the city.

Monroe Pest Control, REGIONAL federal credit union, St. Mary Medical Center and Struck and Van Til are some of the numerous members that have been active for years, Winstead said.

Some of the larger Chamber events include the August 17 Pig Roast, which is part of the Lakefront Festival; a new event called BoozFest, which will take place at the Radisson and reach out to local craft brewers and the yearly Chamber Golf Classic, which was held at Innsbrook Country Club earlier this month. The Chamber also has monthly breakfasts and luncheons, which offer “tremendous networking opportunities,” she said.

Winstead graduated from the College of Court Reporting and spent seven years as a court reporter before taking some time off for family. When she looked to return to work at court, she said someone informed her of a position at the Hobart Chamber and since it “was good hours and close to home,” she applied for it.

“I haven’t looked back since,” she said. “I always loved what the Chamber did, but didn't realize everything they did. We do so much now and work well with the city to promote our businesses.”