It is with mixed emotions that I announce to you that I will be stepping down from my position as the Chamber President. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the Chamber through the last two years of change and growth. It is an exciting time to be in West Allis and West Milwaukee and it has been an honor to make a difference in our communities.

Since I've started, we've witnessed the growth of Summit Place and Miller Park Way. We're witnessing the continuing transformation of the Six Points area and the new development of the Laidlaw Bus properties. We've led the way in showcasing our Farmer's Market. We're leading efforts to bring community groups together to strengthen community events.

All of these efforts reflect the strength of our communities and commitment of its businesses and citizens. I am proud to have been a driving force behind many of these efforts and will continue to find ways to help our communities move forward. In January, I will begin a new journey of personal growth when I take the helm of the Variety Children's Charity of Wisconsin. I am excited about leading this chapter of the oldest Children's Charity in the United States and fulfilling its mission of serving disabled and disadvantaged youth in our communities. I am sure that I will find ways to partner the efforts of Variety with the good work our Chamber. I know the new President of the Chamber is well-known in our communities, has been an active participant in the Chamber for a long time, and will be wonderful in this new role.

I hope you will all join me at the Holiday Charity Benefit for my last event as Chamber President.


NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT: DIANE BRANDT
The Chamber’s new president is Diane Brandt, who lives in West Allis, and has been a dedicated community member for years. She is married to Victor and has a daughter Natasha, 22 who was the Chamber’s first “Miss West Allis Chamber of Commerce”. Natasha was recently married to GM3 John Rossa who is in the United Sates Navy. He is based out of Hawaii and the newlyweds are living there.

Diane comes to the Chamber from Icon Insurance Services, Inc. Icon Insurance is a family-run business specializing in business insurance; they are committed to providing prompt and personal attention with quality insurance products. They will be celebrating ten years in business in June. Many of Diane’s clients are Chamber Members.

Diane has been active in the Chamber for nine years. She has served on the Board of Directors as well as Chair of Member Services Committee, and as a member of the following committees: Sales & Marketing, Business Expo, Golf and Ambassador. She was recognized as the Chamber Citizen of the year in 2005. Diane has been active in and supports the West Allis Rotary, Downtown BID Promotions Committee, West Allis Charities, The American Cancer Society, United Way and the MAAC Fund.

Diane says, “I will miss working at Icon Insurance, and I intend to keep in touch with many clients, (many who are Chamber members) but I am excited about this change in my career. I promise to enthusiastically lead the Chamber’s further growth and development.”