Tabitha Swensen is all settled in to her position as the new director of the Wells Chamber.

As 2021 comes to a close, most might agree it has brought a whirlwind of changes, both good and bad.

One definitively good development is the addition of a new Wells Area Chamber of Commerce director.

Tabitha Swensen, who is from Minnesota Lake and currently resides in the country outside Minnesota Lake, officially assumed the position on Oct. 4 of this year.

Swensen brings some relevant skills to the job, including a degree which will surely come in handy through her work.

“I graduated from Alexandria Technical and Community College with an associates and applied science degree in communication art and design,” Swensen shares.

She first discovered the opening for a Wells Area Chamber of Commerce director through Lacey Hassing, owner of Lacey’s Catering in Wells.

Swensen read a post on Hassing’s Facebook page announcing the position, and took interest.

“I like all the activities they put on for the community,” Swensen says, “and I wanted something (a position) where I can still enjoy time with my kids.”

Swensen and her husband, Mike, have two children: a daughter, Eva, and a son, Lane.

It seems Swensen’s children helped her realize first-hand the value of the activities which the Wells Area Chamber of Commerce helps make possible.

“I enjoy taking my kids (to events), and want others to have the same experience,” Swensen explains.

She adds she hopes to keep the community spirit alive through her work as Wells Area Chamber of Commerce director.

When asked which aspect of the job she is most passionate about, Swensen answers, “The events, and making it fun for the community.” 

Swensen has already had a busy start to her new position. She has currently helped the Chamber put on both the Business Trick or Treating event and Wells Does it Bright since starting work in October.

The Business Trick or Treating event took place on Oct. 29 of this year, and gave locals the opportunity to trick-or-treat in downtown Wells at participating businesses.

Wells Does it Bright, meanwhile, brought holiday merriment, rather than tricks and treats, to downtown Wells. The event took place a few weeks ago on Nov. 19, and offered a variety of festive activities, including a free movie, horse and trolley rides and food trucks, to Wells residents.

Though putting on both events, as well as being a mother to her two children, has kept Swensen busy, she still finds time to pursue her favorite hobbies in her spare moments.

“I enjoy spending time with my kids and family,” Swensen notes, also adding, “I like crafting, hunting, and fishing.” 

An additional activity Swensen has enjoyed recently is exploring Wells with her family.

“We enjoy going to the Wells Bake Shop for donuts,” Swensen shares, “and going to the different parks when it is nice out.” 

Swensen clearly enjoys spending time in the community, and does not seem to want to leave any time soon.

“I do not have any plans of leaving the area,” she confirms, when asked if she sees herself remaining in the Wells area for the forseeable future.

It will be exciting to see what other events Swensen helps make possible for Wells families. It seems her time as Chamber director is off to a fun, if busy, start.