The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce was without an executive director for six months after the longtime director, Bob Wilson, left to pursue other adventures, and the Chamber Board of Directors ran things until a replacement was found in Lynsi Pasutti of Stuart.
Pasutti introduced herself this week to the Perry Kiwanis Club at their weekly noon luncheon meeting at the Hotel Pattee.
The new executive director of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling High School. She took a degree in environmental studies from an all-women’s college St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn.
Pasutti said planned to be a math teacher but ended up working in an art studio in Virginia and later spent three years as the marketing director of the Midwest Partnership Economic Development Group in west-central Iowa.
She said she has a passion for art and runs an art studio in Stuart on Saturdays.
Pasutti said she is getting acquainted with the Chamber office and membership. She said popular Chamber events will definitely continue, such as the Fourth of July parade, Friday Fest and the Farmer’s Market, and she will be working with membership to see what other events can be organized and hosted by the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce.
Members of the Kiwanis group asked about the car show, which was a huge success over the last two years. Pasutti said the car show is a good example of the importance of hosting several events downtown because this is the major congregation of businesses in Perry. Having events downtown helps to expose the area community to the businesses and services available locally, she said.
Pasutti said not all events will be held downtown, but some will be held at other venues, such as Pattee Park.
One major project the Chamber of Commerce is working on is creating maps that visitors can use and the Hotel Pattee can give out to guests. Pasutti said local artist Betsy Peterson has created a map that the Chamber will work into a format to be used by visitors to the community.
Chamber membership is another concern, and Pasutti noted that membership is open not only to businesses but also to non-profit groups and even individuals, with the membership dues differing for each.
Pasutti said the Chamber will hold its annual dinner April 10 at La Poste.
Welcoming Pasutti to the weekly meeting was 18-year Perry Kiwanian and Pancake Batter Mixing Expert Bob Nevitt.
