Who's Who: Dena Kreitler

Executive director of the Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Kreitler, 33, was born and raised in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. She currently lives in Weingarten, Mo., with her husband Dean and four children, Kayla, Hanna, Serena and Clayton. She is a 2000 graduate of Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau. She has been with the chamber for almost 10 years. "My main job is to promote the business community as a whole, whether that be retail, industrial, commercial, or tourism. Our office is the door to our community. Whether you're just visiting, looking to expand your business, or possibly relocating, our office has the information that you need," she says.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: In the next five years, says Kreitler, "I would love to still be at the Chamber of Commerce. This type of position just doesn't stabilize; it continues to grow and develop with each board of directors and each new member. As a one-person office, many of the activities and projects that our chamber does, are solely done by one person. Although I have an outstanding board of directors and many wonderful volunteers, they do not work within our office on a day-to-day basis. So if I had one wish, I would love another staff person to share the multitude of duties that our office encounters."

On making a difference in her community, Kreitler says, "My goal is to promote Ste. Genevieve to the fullest.We have so much to offer in our small community and bringing attention to our lovely town is always an ongoing process. Our goal as a Chamber of Commerce is to make Ste. Genevieve a better place to live, work and play!"

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "Dena has worked for our chamber of commerce for the past nine years. She is a one-person office and she manages the office with much professionalism," wrote Mary Grass, who nominated Kreitler. "This past year was one of the busiest years for our chamber, undertaking the Tour of Missouri bike race. With this huge event, Dena still managed to run the office smoothly for the rest of our events ... As well as keeping the office in line and on track. We couldn't ask for a better director in our community and we are very proud that she has worked for us for nine strong years."

Kreitler is on the Tourism Advisory Board and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri board. She is the district ambassador for Southeast Missouri for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She plans the Fourth of July Freedom Celebration and Fireworks display at Ste. Genevieve's city park, as well as a youth Christmas party called Santa's Holiday Bash. The event is free to all children who live in the community. In the past eight years, it has grown to include over 600 kids. In 2008, Kreitler received the Distinguished Service Award from the Ste. Genevieve Jaycees.