Jalane Sauer, former executive director of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2003, will return to lead the organization following Cherie Sonsalla’s departure.

Sauer, who recently worked as the foundation development manager at Shorehaven, has extensive community involvement, including serving on the Board of Directors of Moonlit Movies for 18 years and coordinating Oconomowoc Kids’ Fest for 26 years, according to the Oconomowoc Enterprise.

Jeff McCarthy, president of the chamber’s Board of Directors, celebrated Sauer’s return to lead the chamber.

“Jalane is exactly the type of person we were looking for,” McCarthy told the Enterprise, “She is passionate about the growth and vibrancy of Oconomowoc and is well connected within the community. I know she’ll do an excellent job of leading us for years to come.”

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Sauer echoed McCarthy’s excitement, saying that while she wasn’t necessarily searching for a job, “after seeing the exciting things happening at the chamber, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

Sauer is set to start her first day as the returning executive director in late July.

Meanwhile, Sara Ninmann has also been hired as the director of community events at the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, where she will oversee new responsibilities, including Chili Fest, summer beer gardens, and Fall Fest starting in 2025.

Ninmann, previously president of the Downtown Oconomowoc Business District, will leverage her experience to manage these events, while the district will continue to run smaller events like Ladies Night Out and sidewalk sales. The chamber will also continue hosting the Summer Farmers Market, an annual golf outing, the Yellow Brick Road 5K Race, a job expo in partnership with Oconomowoc High School, and various networking and educational opportunities.

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