A farm girl from Glencoe. FFA. 4-H. The whole 9-Y.
She left home to attend South Dakota State University. Triple major. Triple threat: that hydra of agriculture, public relations, and communications. Agripublicom.
But goats, cattle, and rabbits soon faded from the farm girl’s ambitions. She fell in love with the com third of her coursework. Sharing information. Building relationships. Supporting, representing, and interweaving networks of inestimable value between the stars of a mercantile constellation: local businesses.
“I got involved with the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce while I was in college, and was promoted to outreach director there,” said Kirsten Bebo, née Barott. “I began working with the chamber in nearby Volga soon after. That experience and my newly earned master’s degree helped me get my foot in the door at an advertising firm, which was trying to increase its footprint in Edina at the time.”
Naturally, the trained chamberist’s first move was to volunteer at Edina’s chamber. There she let it be subtly known that she would very much like to work for a chamber; if not Edina’s, then perhaps one belonging to some other equally good city.
“Somebody told me the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce was hiring,” said Kirsten. “It couldn’t have been a better fit! A sleepy farmtown turned cradle of industry, full of town pride, with a prestige I could sense even as a young girl looking up at that iconic water tower from the highway.
“I’m not just grateful to Pat MulQueeny for bringing me on as relationship and events manager five years ago, and later promoting me to director of the same. I cannot imagine a better chamber president to shadow; one with almost three decades of experience, who has facilitated so much of his city’s growth, helped countless small businesses weather the troubles of 2020, and taught me the power of staying power in an industry notorious for high turnover.
“I also thank Pat for letting me wear so many hats. On any given day I’m planning and hosting events, meeting with key stakeholders in businesses of all shapes and sizes, keeping tabs on local legislation, and, of course, serving our members.
“They’re the best part of my job. Sometimes they only want a sympathetic ear. Sometimes they hope to connect with someone who could become their biggest client. Sometimes they haven’t yet met the person who can help ramp their business up to the next level, and just need that crucial introduction. I’m here for all of it! And I take satisfaction knowing that everything I do is part of ‘the rising tide that lifts all ships,’ as I like to put it.
“Though I confess to loving organizing our events almost as much. Our Entrepreneurs Bootcamp, which teaches aspiring industry leaders everything they need to accelerate their journeys, is great. So too is our Of the Year Awards, where we celebrate the businesses and professionals that make Eden Prairie the golden light of the southwest metro. But my favorite of all is the Everything Spring Expo, which has gradually evolved from a home, landscape and garden event into one that encompasses everything spring related. We recently added a farmers’ market and kids’ attraction, and will continue expanding the program every year.
“I’ve watched both kinds of chambers in action. The balls-and-chains, which only hold their communities back; and the powerhouses, which do so much more than support local businesses. They have a ripple effect that attracts employers, opens new restaurants, increases tourism, keeps taxes lower, and, ultimately, puts more money in everyone’s pockets.
“I have been blessed to work for a powerhouse – the powerhouse – for the past five years. Here’s to as many more as the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce will have me!”
At the end of each day Kirsten returns to her home in the country, where she assists her family’s goat mitigation business, and denies any responsibility for her husband Alexander’s flock of 46 chickens. The farm girl. The farm. Never truly separated. EPChamber.org