Andresen Resigns as Sedalia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Lauren Thiel-Payne, Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce president, announced that Chamber Executive Director Debra Andresen resigned on Friday.

No reason was given, and we put in a request for an interview with Andresen, who served over 13 years as director.

In a lengthy facebook post last Friday night, Andresen had the following to say:

 After almost 14 incredible years, I wanted to share that I have officially left the Sedalia Chamber. It has truly been an honor to serve this amazing community, and over the years, I’ve made so many lasting friendships and connections. I will forever cherish the support and love I’ve received from all of you.

One honor I had was serving on the Whiteman Base Community Council. I’ve received so many heartfelt messages from Whiteman members expressing gratitude for the work I’ve done, and let me tell you—those words brought tears to my eyes. To know I made a difference means more than I can express.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and none of it would have been possible without the support of our community leaders, businesses, organizations, and amazing people like you:

• Growing our Sedalia Chamber membership from 250 to 390 members

• Creating the first and second annual Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival (shout-out to the chamber staff Chloé Stebbins and Khloe Shelledy for their tireless work!) the support that we received from the City Of Sedalia and Pettis County for this words cannot express the gratitude to both of those entities that helped make it safe and successful. 

• Continuing the Piccadilly Gala, which Connie Osborn Smith brought to Sedalia 13 years ago

• Helping create and participate in so many networking opportunities and events: Chamber breakfasts, Women’s Health Expo, Taste of Sedalia, Christmas Parade, Hispanic Festival, and so many more!

• Working with Sacred Heart Key club Students and Mykel Schlotterbeck organizing and delivering stockings to Whiteman Air Force Base. Seeing the faces of the Airman when they were delivered.

Also helping deliver holiday feast making sure our airmen felt supported when they couldn’t be home for the holidays

• Marking the streets for the Missouri State Fair Parade with Carolyn Crooker.

* Being involved with the Bomber Ball Auction, which helps airmen get home for the holidays

• And so many other wonderful moments too numerous to count.

The outpouring of love, texts, emails, and messages I’ve received since making this decision has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling. Thank you all for your kind words and support. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you, and know that I’m always here for our community.

I’m excited for what lies ahead and the new opportunities that God has planned for me. Thank you for the past 14 years—what an unforgettable journey it’s been!

Thiel-Payne noted that “Debra has been an invaluable part of the Chamber, and her dedication, leadership and passion for her community have made a lasting impact. While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for all she has done  to support our members and helped the Chamber grow over the last 14 years.

“As we move forward, the Chamber board will be meeting to discuss next steps in the search for a new director. In the interim, please feel free to reach out to me at (660) 631-1910 with any immediate needs or question.

“You can also email sedaliachamber12 @gmail.com with an Chamber-related questions and we will get back to you as soon as we can.”

The Chamber’s website lists 14 members on the board of directors. There are also six members listed on the executive board.