“The Board of Directors is extremely pleased to welcome Kurstin to the staff at the Potsdam Chamber,” says Potsdam Chamber Board President Kellie Hitchman.

“Her previous experience in program promotion and creating opportunities for collaboration between multiple organizations are great examples of the many skills which will be an asset to the Chamber and our membership. She is extremely outgoing, creative and has already demonstrated her willingness to work hard for our members” says Hitchman. “Stowell enters the position with optimism and diligence as she dives head-first into the planning of the 52nd Annual Summer Festival.”

“Though this is a busy season for the chamber, my acceptance of the position at this time has allowed me to really understand and appreciate the contributions that our local businesses, organizations and community members make to the town.” Stowell adds. “Seeing the generosity of these people as they give to this wonderful event makes me even more ecstatic to be able to give back to them through the chamber.”

Stowell comes to the chamber from the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, where she worked as an assistant program manager for the Horizons Youth Clubhouse in Massena. She has an associate of science degree in early childhood studies from SUNY Canton. She is a Brasher Falls native and a Parishville resident and said her proximity to Potsdam has allowed her to "understand the vital role the town makes in the North Country."

Stowell says “Potsdam brings about a small town ‘Welcome Home’ feeling, while still offering the shopping, services and entertainment of a larger population. That is what I love about this place.”

Kurstin hopes to build strong connections with and between the members. She emphasizes that the office will be open for regular office hours and should feel like a warm, welcoming place for anybody in the Potsdam area. Her largest goal at this time is to remind members that they are valued and that their memberships come with benefits that they should be receiving entirely. She plans to work hard to make that happen.

Hitchman adds “I encourage current and potential members to reach out to Kurstin to see how we can support their business.”

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce’s current office hours are 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday.