Kishman takes over at Mar-Mac Chamber
Ashley Kishman is the new executive director of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
Ashley Kishman has taken over as executive director of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce. She replaces Kristie Austin, who had held the position since 2017.
A native of Hillsboro, Wis., Kishman grew up on a dairy farm and later attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, earning a bachelor of science degree in broad area agriculture, with an emphasis in marketing communication.
A majority of her career has been in dairy nutrition and sales and marketing, and Kishman feels the skills she possesses translate well to her new position.
“One of my biggest skills is my work ethic,” she said, “and I have the ability to work with individual business owners. I have a passion and love for working with people.”
Kishman and her family—husband Ken and children Grant (18), Lauren (14) and Gavin (10)—moved to the Monona area several years ago. They operate a family farm and also raise Labrador retrievers.
Being close to home was one of the draws of the Mar-Mac Chamber position, Kishman said.
“The biggest thing is being part of the community where you live, promoting the community where you live,” she shared.
Kishman looks forward to meeting with the local business owners and helping to grow the McGregor-Marquette Chamber’s goals and vision.
She hopes to use her agricultural ties to build a connection with the chamber in that area.
“And I really want to capitalize on the campgrounds and get those people into the communities,” Kishman added.
As a mom, she feels it’s important to promote the family aspects of Marquette and McGregor and the attractions the towns offer.
“It’s all about spending time together and still making it fun and affordable,” she said.
