Fromstaff reports

Bringing a personable, positive attitude to Austin, former weekly newspaper publisher and Austin native Sandy Forstner has been named as the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director.

Wednesday, April 12, 2000

Bringing a personable, positive attitude to Austin, former weekly newspaper publisher and Austin native Sandy Forstner has been named as the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director.

Rod Nordeng, the Chamber’s search committee chairman, announced the selection today and the Chamber’s board of directors approved Forstner’s selection this morning. Forstner will start work May 1.

Forstner, a 1972 graduate of Pacelli High School, will replace Monica Boyken, who resigned this spring to spend more time with her family.

Nordeng indicated that the search committee implemented a structured and effective recruitment process for the position. Members of the search committee were: Scott Felton, Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co.; Mike MacLean, Hormel Foods Corp.; Lori Wradislavsky, McDonald’s; Lynn Koch, Farmers & Merchants Bank; Bonnie Mogan, Bonnie’s Hallmark; and Carla Johnson, KAAL Channel 6.

"Sandy is a personable individual and I think with his background and business experience, he will be good with membership," Felton said. "He’s very positive and very involved and will be a good fit in the role as executive director."

Forstner, a 1976 graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, has worked in the weekly newspaper business for more than 20 years. He served two terms as president of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce and was a member of that organization’s board of directors for several years. He was also a member of the Stewartville Jaycees, Stewartville Lions Club and the Stewartville Sportsman’s Club.

"I’ve always believed in community involvement, and the vital roles all civic organizations play within a community," Forstner said. "I was very impressed with the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, its search committee and its programs. Austin has a well-deserved reputation for friendly people, strong industry and an attractive business climate.

"I look forward to the opportunity of working with the Chamber, all of its members and others within the community in promoting Austin," he added.

Forstner and his wife, Pam, plan to move to Austin after their youngest son graduates from Stewartville High School in June. Pam is employed by the Stewartville Chamber of Commerce as its secretary-coordinator.