The mission of the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce is to be the principal representative of area business to ensure a favorable business climate and to promote economic development, a unified voice and a visible presence for all businesses.
Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement
2020 Officers
1-Year Term
Nichole Smith
President
Beth Clift
Vice President
Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett
Secretary
Neil Potter
Treasurer
Cameron Metz
Marketing Administrator
Cameron Metz has taken the role of Marketing Administrator for the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce. Cameron will be collaborating with the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce to foster a climate for business, residents, and visitors alike to connect, succeed and grow. In collaboration with the board, he will also manage online content to advocate for business, employers, and organizations within the community as well as assist the board in planning and executing events.
Board of Directors
2-Year Term
Nichole Smith
Culver's of Winnebago
Nichole got involved with the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce after graduating from Northern Illinois University in 2009 when her and her husband, Jimmy, became co-owners of the Culver's in Winnebago. Her parents opened the Culver's in Winnebago February 8, 1999 and she has been involved with the restaurant ever since. ``As a family restaurant, we strive to ensure our guests receive great service and great food while also serving our community in various ways. Culver's has been involved with so many different organizations and causes over the years, we love seeing the community come together and we are thankful we have been able to be a part of it.`` says Nichole.
While originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nichole grew up and went to school in Winnebago. She attended the Winnebago School District where she is now serving her second 4-year term on the School Board.
Jimmy and Nichole currently have four children, Tyler (7), Madison (5), Micah (4), Luke (1) and are expecting their fifth in February 2020!
Beth Clift
Angel Treasures II
Beth currently is Vice President of the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce; she is a principal representative of area businesses to ensure a favorable business climate and to promote economic development, a unified voice and a visible presence for all businesses. With this experience Beth has a strong understanding of working in a community to help the businesses grow, as well as maintaining a strong working relationship with the Village giving the residents of Winnebago a community to be proud to be a part of.
Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett
Winnebago School District #323
Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett represents the Winnebago School District #323. She is currently serving her elected 4th term as a Winnebago School Board Member. Elizabeth is currently the Secretary of the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce. She has been a Board Member of the Winnebago Area Chamber for over 10 years. Elizabeth is Past President of the Winnebago Area Chamber and has also served as the Vice President.
Elizabeth is the co-owner of Party Decorators Plus. Party Decorators Plus will plan and decorate for birthdays, baby – bridal showers, wedding receptions, retirement parties, and special events. They also offer Murder Mysteries to facilitate in people homes, as a family/friends get together or as a fundraising event!
Neil Potter
Citizen
Jill Gettle
First National Bank & Trust Company
Jill is a Winnebago native and joined First National Bank & Trust in February 2017. Jill brings more than 13 years of banking experience to FNB and currently serves as a Universal Banker at the Winnebago branch. Jill is responsible for day to day teller transactions, opening of accounts and consumer lending, while developing relationships and providing excellent customer service. Jill is currently enrolled in FNBT’s Leadership Development program to further develop and enhance her banking skills. Jill’s expertise and knowledge allows her to provide sound advice to customers and businesses to help them become financially successful. Jill currently resides in Winnebago. She joined the Chamber in 2018 wanting to be an active member in the community that she serves.
Justin Jones
Edward Jones
Justin has lived in the area for 34 years, he is married and has three children 3, 5, and 12. Justin works at Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor in the Winnebago & Pecatonica areas. He has been an investor and entrepreneur for over 10 years. In his spare time Justin likes to hang out with his family. They enjoy visiting the Wisconsin Dells water parks, hiking, sports, and eating good food!
“I want to understand what's important to you. I use an established process to help you build personalized strategies to achieve your goals. I will partner together throughout your life to keep you on track.” –Justin Jones
John Catron
Anderson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
John has been on the Chamber of Commerce board for 3 years. He is currently Internet Sales Manager at Anderson Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram on East State Street in Rockford. He began his career at Anderson three years ago in auto sales, before being promoted to Internet Manager last year. John has achieved a 5-star rating from DealerRater for Customer Satisfaction. He is also certified through the FCA (Chrysler Corp) training program. Previously, John was a salesman at Slumberland for over a decade. If you happen to be in the market for a new or used vehicle, contact John and he would be glad to help you in your search.
John grew up in nearby Stockton, IL where he wrestled and played football for the Stockton Blackhawks. He was also very active in his church. He and his wife Cheri have known each other since 3rd grade and were in the same graduating class, but didn't start a relationship until they were in their mid 30's. John and Cheri have now lived in Winnebago for the past 15 years, along with their children Austin and Alyssa and their furry kids (2 cats and a dog). He really likes the small town feel of Winnebago and likes how people are willing to help others when they need it. John's family really felt that community spirit in 205 when his wife went through breast cancer.
When John has free time he enjoys back-roading, fishing, and watching sports. Surprisingly, he also enjoys shopping at Hobby Lobby and watching Nicholas Sparks movies with his wife! He's a loyal (slightly obsessed) Wisconsin Badgers fan. Go Bucky!!
Julie Gasior
Winnebago High School
Hi, my name is Julie Gasior. I am a proud member of the Winnebago Community. I was born and raised in the Seward/Winnebago area. I spent my childhood growing up on my family dairy farm. At an early age I learned what hard work was, but then again I didn’t know it was hard! As I “grew up” I was grateful for the winters bedding down the barn, summers bailing hay and every day in between! My farming days taught me so many life lessons. One being that family and friends are what make up a great community!
That is why I work in this community as a STEP Coordinator/Job Coach for the students at Winnebago High School. I help students set goals and achieve them. My goal is to help my students get the experience they need to be successful once they leave WHS. I consider myself lucky to be a part of The CREW, STEP and RAISE programs that WHS offers. If you want to know more about these amazing programs, just ask! I would love to tell you more.
I’m married to Tony Gasior. I am so grateful that he was willing to live in this community with me. If you think that you have heard his name before you might have! Tony has been a part of the banking community since 2014. You will currently find Tony at German American State Bank in the Pecatonica Branch. Stop by sometime and say hi to him! You can say his wife sent you!
Together Tony and I have a beautiful, brown curly hair, blue eyed two almost three year old. Rosemary Alma Gasior aka Rosie, our amazing little girl. She is always up to something. I’m truly loving this age because she is always showing me all the new things that she is learning! I look forward to being able to raise our daughter in the same great community that has given me so much and I am thankful to be able to give a little back to make this a truly special place to live.
Denise Speracino
Winnebago Community Historical Society
Stephanie King
Citizen
