Photo Courtesy of the Kalona Chamber of Commerce

The Kalona Chamber of Commerce has a new friendly face in the office. Heather Kemp has joined the Chamber as an office assistant. Kemp, a Kalona native, has been working with staff for a year as a volunteer. Kemp will be in charge of updating events on the community calendar, helping guests in the lobby and has plans for taking on more responsibilities as the position evolves. Kemp spoke recently with KCII news about her role, what she enjoys and what has her most excited. “My mom had the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast west of town. People would call her after the Chamber was closed. My dad actually called her ‘Edia-Pedia’, if she didn’t know, no one would know. I kind of inherited my love of Kalona. I’m at the window, being a friendly face, telling people about places to go here in town, selling tickets, running the cash register. I enjoy seeing people. Sharing my love of Kalona and the community here. There are so many hidden treasures. I have lived here almost my whole life and I came back because I love the people here. They are always finding more things to do for the people. There is just always something neat to see and explore.”

She will spend time in the Chamber Office on Thursdays and Fridays. You can hear more from Kemp on Wednesday as she joins us on the JJ Nichting Company In Touch With Southeast Iowa program.