Debbie Bauer, program director at Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI), got her start at the organization 25 years ago — for a position she never even applied for.
Looking for a job in the early 1990s, Bauer was interviewed for a company by someone who turned out to be the president of MACCI. Later, she received a surprise call from Marilyn Hardacre (former Marshfield Mayor) to ask her to interview for the administrative assistant position. The rest is history.
“It’s kind of ironic that I’ve been end up a job that I never even applied for, for 25 years,” said Bauer.
During her time as program director, Bauer has overseen professional programs for the workplace. In 2011, she breathed new life into a half-day office professional program by turning it into the Working Women’s Wednesdays luncheon and vendor show, held twice a year and drawing an attendance of between 250 to 300 women.
“That’s probably one of my greatest claims to fame,” Bauer said. “It’s something I always kind of wanted to do.”
New programs were added as well, like a recognition event for the Small Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Looking back on 25 years, Bauer is grateful for the support of local businesses.
“I’m really grateful to all of the businesses in this community who continue to support this organization,” she said. “If it wasn’t for their support, this organization couldn’t do what we do.”
