Laura Hotvet - Executive Director of the Chamber
Our Program on April 23rd was Laura Hotvet the Executive Director of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce. Laura grew-up in the area and is the Daughter of Rotarian Ross McGlassen and Daughter-in-Law of Rotarian John Hotvet. Club member Marnie Wells and Laura attended the U of M together. Laura is also a Council Member of the City of Shorewood.
Laura is often asked, “How do you like your new job?” and she responds by saying that she is lucky to part of this great community and she loves her new job! With the merger of the Merchants Association with the Chamber there is going to be a lot going in Excelsior this year and Laura took the club members on a tour of this year’s events: *Luck O’ The Lake Marathon on March 16th brought 600 runners into Excelsior with 45 volunteers helping out and the event raised $15,000. *The Person of the Year was reactivated and held on April 19th with Rotarian Karen Frazier as one of the nominees. Myra Wong was selected the Person of the Year and the event gave area business and residents an opportunity to celebrate and reconnect with each other. *Art on the Lake was started some 33 years ago by Debbie Hart and has grown into a major event attracting over 140 artists. This year’s event will include food, music, and entertainment by the Grammy winning Okey Dokey Bros. and also feature a Bike Valet and a safe area for bikes. *The 4th of July in Excelsior is great! The Firecracker Marathon attracted 1500 runners last year. There will be the traditional fireworks with support from merchants, Rotary and area residents. There will be a fantastic Airshow and music this year by the Big Band Sound of the Wolverines 19 piece band and singer Kate Raddatz from American Idol doing the National Anthem. *Apple Days will be back for its 28th year with over 75 artisans with music by the Tim Mahoney Band. Our own Darel and Laverna Leipold are retiring and the community appreciates their leadership all these years. *The Farmers Market will be back again this year and will operate between 2nd and 3rd on Water Street in the middle of the street as not to restrict residents’ access to businesses. The kickoff is scheduled for May 15th from 2-6pm for an eight week trial period.
Everyone enjoyed Laura’s comments and kidded her that she should really be a member of our Club instead of the AM Club.