Marilyn Danielsen looks forward to Wednesdays.

That’s the day the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors make their visits to local businesses.

“They do so many interesting things,” Danielsen said of the ambassadors, the social arm of the Chamber of Commerce, and a group she’s been a member of for three years. “We visit new companies that come into town and revisit companies that have been here a long time or are celebrating anniversaries.”

Danielsen was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on Oct. 22.

According to Dawn Freeman, president of the Chamber Ambassadors, Danielsen was chosen because of her dedication to the group. She attends all the ambassador meetings and chamber functions.

“She always attends with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye,” Freeman said. “It shows in her enthusiasm.”

Danielsen said she was surprised by the honor.

“My husband said I kept looking around to see who was getting the award,” she said with a chuckle.

Danielsen works at 4 Seasons Travel. She got involved in the Ambassadors when the opportunity presented itself. “All businesses (that are chamber members) have a chance to be represented in the ambassadors,” she said. There are about 40 ambassadors.

She said she enjoys helping raise money for projects like the fireworks fund and attending groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings.

Danielsen said she’s lived in Albert Lea most of her life and it’s interesting to see all the changes in businesses over those years.

“Albert Lea is a great place to live and work and raise kids and grandkids,” she said. “It’s just a great place to be.”

She also enjoys the social aspect of the Ambassadors.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends through it,” she said. “It’s a real honor to be picked.”

Danielsen is also a member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary, TTT, PEO Sisterhood and the Albert Lea American Legion Auxiliary. She’s also active in her church, Ascension Lutheran.

She and her husband, Bill, have two children. Daughter Staci lives in Albert Lea and son Brendan lives in Burnsville. They also have four grandchildren.