Business
La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce loses 2nd CEO in less than a year
Seven months after she was named CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, its board chair stated Wednesday that Beth Franklin will be stepping down.
Chamber board chair Joe Moua said Franklin’s last day would be May 15.
“Beth, who has served our community with dedication and vision, has decided to embark on a new path. While we will certainly feel her absence, we celebrate the lasting impact she has had during her time with us,” Moua posted.
“The Board is taking immediate steps to ensure a smooth transition,” he continued. “We are committed to maintaining the high level of service our members expect and deserve during this period of change. A search committee is being formed to identify our next leader who will continue the important work of supporting our business community.
“The Board remains focused on the Chamber’s mission and financial stability as we move forward. We appreciate your continued support and engagement as valued members of our business community.”
In October, Franklin took over for Neal Zygarlicke, who had led the chamber for 3.5 years.
She said in the chamber’s statement:
“Over the past six and a half years, it has been an honor getting to know our members, listening to their needs, and serving them. A highlight of my time at the Chamber was creating and growing the First Friend Newcomer Connection Program to meet a vital need for businesses in our region. The program earned national recognition among economic and community development peers and established and strengthened partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, and businesses across the region. That work has helped elevate all of us, and together, we’ve made Greater La Crosse a more vibrant place to work and live. As I depart, I’m especially grateful to our membership for trusting the Chamber with helping them grow their business, and their people. While I step away from the Chamber with a heavy heart after years of service, I am excited to pursue other interests.”
The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce mission states: “To elevate and strengthen the business community in order to enhance the La Crosse Area’s quality of life.”
It notes five priorities that include small business, advocacy, workforce, young professionals and community.
walden
May 8, 2025 at 2:43 pm
I was surprised to see WIZM run a story about the Chamber. It seems WIZM has some kind of vision problem that only recognizes politicians, government entities and non-profits.
Absent most days is that most hard working taxpayers go off to work at real companies that generate productive private sector jobs and tangible products. News flash: There really is a segment of society not dependent on the government. In fact it is the other way around…the government is dependent on the private sector for funding.