Interim executive director Marge Hamersly will oversee the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce until a chamber search committee hires a new executive director.

&uot;I would say it is a wonderful opportunity for the community to have new leadership in the convention and visitors bureau, the chamber of commerce, the mayor’s seat, school board, county commissioners and all across the board,&uot; said Hamersly. &uot;I think the community is poised for some very dynamic action.&uot;

Hamersly will oversee the chamber until someone is hired for the executive position on a full-time level.

Hamersly said that though she may only be in the position for about three months, that she plans to keep the chamber moving forward. &uot;The chamber is growing, membership is strong, it’s playing a vital role in the business climate of the county,&uot; she said.

While 60 to 90 days may not be a long time by some standards, Hamersly said there are many projects in which she will play a leadership role. &uot;That is a whole business quarter of a year, there are many things that will happen in that time,&uot; she said.

One such thing that she said the chamber will take part in over the next few months is the Blandin community leadership program, which is an event that works with people to develop their leadership skills.

A seven-year ambassador to the chamber, Hamersly knows the workings of the entity well. She also has leadership experience as the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.

&uot;I’m hoping that the whole chamber can move forward,&uot; said Hamersly.

Hamersly said she has no intentions of staying on as director. &uot;It takes a huge amount of drive and energy to be involved here, and though it is a wonderful position, I prefer the interim type,&uot; she said.