LANESBORO, MN — The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Executive Director, Melissa Vander Plas, is resigning from her role to pursue her life’s passion, as the new director of the Spring Valley Public Library. Vander Plas’s last day with the LACC will be Dec. 31, 2023.

Vander Plas began her role with the Chamber in fall of 2022, to provide support to the Executive Director. In the spring of 2023, she became the Chamber’s interim Executive Director and then accepted the position of Executive Director this past summer. She led the Chamber during a very busy tourist season, championing the Chamber mission of promoting Lanesboro and Whalan as the premier places to live, work and play in southeastern Minnesota. 

“The Chamber board and its members are sad to see Melissa go, but we are so happy she is pursuing her passion in library sciences. In the past 15 months, Melissa has helped the Chamber and community tremendously, by supporting events, helping thousands of visitors, and assisting members with their needs. In any role, Melissa is a huge asset and source of enthusiasm to the region,” said Alison Leathers, LACC board member. 

The Chamber will be hosting a happy hour to celebrate Vander Plas on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 6:30 pm at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro. Please join us.

The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director job posting will be forthcoming. Refer to lanesboro.com for updates.