Meet Our Staff
Chamber Staff
Julie Lunning
PRESIDENT
Julie Lunning
President of the Chamber and Visit Greater St. Cloud since September 2021 Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud since 1998
Focuses on: Working with the Board of Directors to achieve the overall goals of our Chamber; managing the government affairs program; leading and managing our staff.
In my free time I enjoy: cooking – it’s hard to get me out of the kitchen.
Fun Fact: I have a recreational pilot’s license.
What the staff says: “Julie has a great perspective to offer based on her genuine personality.”
“Julie is loyal, fair, super fun, extremely nice, does not control you, and always recognizes your efforts.”
“ I love the variety, pace and intensity of my job. Chamber volunteers, members and staff are some of the most interesting, talented, and fun people in central Minnesota. ”
— JULIE LUNNING
Emily Bertram
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Emily Bertram
Director of Marketing & Communications at the Chamber since 2022 Marketing Manager at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2016
Focuses on: Writing and editing communications efforts, managing social media, editor of Business Central Magazine.
In my free time I enjoy: camping with my husband and two daughters, hiking with my dog, and Sunday afternoon football.
Fun Fact: I was the editor of my high school newspaper.
“ I come from the world of digital marketing and social media, but my heart has always lied with communications. I love telling stories, being helpful through words, and sharing all that our members have to be proud of. ”
— EMILY BERTRAM
LAURA WAGNER
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS
LAURA WAGNER
Special Events Coordinator for the Chamber since August 2019, Director of Programs & Events since April 2022
Focuses on: Creating and coordinating special events to meet the growing personal and professional needs of the companies and organizations in Central Minnesota.
In my free time I enjoy reading, board games, going to concerts, traveling, singing in community choir, spending time with friends and family
Fun Fact: I like crafts and make many things myself.
What the staff says: “Laura cracks me up with regular references to The Office. She has so many silly phrases that make me laugh.”
“Laura cares deeply about providing every member with the best possible experience we can provide. She has a gift for connecting with people.”
“ It’s exciting to collaborate with local business professionals to accomplish a goal or event. The community atmosphere and welcoming environment at the Chamber is incredible! ”
— LAURA WAGNER
ANTOINETTE VALENZUELA
MEMBERSHIP SPECIALIST
ANTOINETTE VALENZUELA
Membership Specialist since 2018
Focuses on: Introducing members of the business community to the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce through membership sales, orientation, support, and continued community and membership engagement.
In my free time I enjoy: spending time with family and friends, playing golf, watching football and exploring Minnesota.
Fun Fact: I snowboard.
What the staff says: “Antoinette’s happy disposition is contagious. She is always smiling and makes you smile with her.”
“Antoinette is passionate about helping others.”
“ I love that this position allows me to meet business owners from all over greater St. Cloud and to learn more about how we can help them achieve their goals. ”
— ANTOINETTE VALENZUELA
VICKI LENNEMAN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
VICKI LENNEMAN
Administrative Assistant/Network Administrator for the Chamber since 2002
Focuses on: Website maintenance, special event registration, and program support.
In my free time I enjoy: reading, counted cross stitch, baking, writing poetry, playing cards, and dominoes.
Fun Fact: I have cousins who medaled in the Olympics in curling.
What the staff says: “Vicki has a wealth of knowledge and helps me understand my job better.”
“I appreciate Vicki’s knowledge and helpfulness when I have website and computer questions.”
“ I enjoy working on the website, learning new things, and I love when I can come up with a way to make a job or function work better so I can work smarter and more efficiently, not harder. ”
— VICKI LENNEMAN
SHELLY IMDIEKE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
SHELLY IMDIEKE
Administrative Assistant since 2015
Focuses on: Customer and information services.
In my free time I enjoy: going for walks, crafts, volunteering, and any activities surrounding my four boys.
Fun Fact: My official name is Michelle. I have gone by the name Shelly since kindergarten when my teacher asked my parents if it was okay because there were three Michelles in my class.
What the staff says: “Shelly loves helping people and the joy it brings her seems to come out of her pores!”
“Shelly is personable, friendly and helpful to visitors and staff and a wonderful asset to the Chamber.”
“ It is a privilege to work for an organization that works hard to support businesses and their employees. ”
— SHELLY IMDIEKE
Visit Greater st. cloud Staff
RACHEL THOMPSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RACHEL THOMPSON
Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021
Sales Director since 2015
Focuses on: Marketing, operational management, and public relations.
In my free time I enjoy: trying anything new to me: exploring a trail I haven’t been to before, checking out a new event, or discovering a new favorite menu item.
Fun Fact: I have two daughters who share my passion for St. Cloud adventures.
What the staff says: “Rachel’s attention to detail and positive attitude lifts the entire team.”
“Rachel is incredibly passionate about the tourism and hospitality world, and it shows in her dedication to constantly improving things for the industry. As a leader she is understanding, hardworking, and very creative.”
“ The St. Cloud area has so much to offer travelers and event planners, from event space and services, to the arts, local shops, and miles of trails, it is a privilege to be able to help increase the economic impact of travel in this wonderful destination. Visit Greater St. Cloud is a team of hard-working and creative tourism advocates that I am proud to be a part of! ”
— RACHEL THOMPSON
MIKE JOHNSON
SPORTS & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
MIKE JOHNSON
Sports & Special Events Manager, at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021
Focuses on: Working with sports organizations to host tournaments and other events in the St. Cloud area.
In my free time I enjoy: attending sporting events, concerts and checking out local craft breweries.
Fun Fact: I can drink a half liter bottle of water in one second.
What the staff says: “Mike offers a depth of experience from the sports industry coupled with the passion to help all his clients.”
“One liners and punch lines are Mike’s specialty”
“ Bringing people to St. Cloud from outside of the area to experience the great venues and attractions we have. ”
— MIKE JOHNSON
NIKKI FISHER
DIRECTOR OF SALES
NIKKI FISHER
Director of Sales, at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2004
Focuses on: Showcasing St. Cloud as a premier destination to host large scale conferences. I work with event planners who have 250+ attendees to find a venue, coordinate hotel blocks and plan activities for them to see and do while they are here.
In my free time I enjoy: board games and movies!
Fun Fact: In 2001, I was named Miss Congeniality during the Hutchinson, MN Water Carnival.
What the staff says: “If don’t know Nikki yet, give it a few minutes and she will be your new best friend. She is kind, driven, and will go to lengths to make sure her clients have an unforgettable experience in Greater St. Cloud.”
“Nikki has an infectious laugh that brings a smile to everyone in the office!”
“ My favorite part of my job is not only representing the community, it is that every day is different and there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing attendees have a great time at events held in the area. ”
— NIKKI FISHER
CRAIG BESCO
SALES MANAGER
CRAIG BESCO
Sales Manager; at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021
Focuses on: working with meeting and convention planners for associations and other regional, Midwest, and national organizations.
In my free time I enjoy: being out on the water, fishing, campfires, playing with my dogs, and hockey
Fun Fact: I am the youngest but the tallest in my family.
What the staff says: “Craig approaches everything with a can-do attitude”
“Craig’s friendly and funny personality is great to work with.”
“ I enjoy working with all different types of groups. ”
— CRAIG BESCO
LYNN HUBBARD
MARKETING MANAGER
LYNN HUBBARD
Marketing Manager; at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2022
Focuses on: Manages the social spaces as well as all media placements, content creation, email marketing and more to promote Greater St. Cloud as a fun place to visit.
In my free time I enjoy: Learning new things, playing cards, and eating.
Fun Fact: I’m a wife and mother to three young children, I coach a high school varsity dance team, and I’m a full-time student – I’m busy!
“ My job is so cool, I get to tell people about all the cool things to do, see, eat, and drink in the St. Cloud area. I love that I get to create content that gets people excited about St. Cloud. ”
— LYNN HUBBARD