HOISINGTON — Stacey Bressler, who has worked the last 26 years as the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president, starts a new chapter in her life by moving on to Fayetteville, Ark. after the first of the year, which is where her mother and sister live.
She’s not sure what she’ll do yet, but plans to look for a job, possibly trying a different career, but keeping her eyes open.
Bressler’s years at the Hoisington chamber have been fulfilling. “I’ve enjoyed working with volunteers. I’ve met so many people that have become dear friends along the 26 year journey.”
She has enjoyed being involved in the community, learning about the community, and is thankful for the opportunities she has had with the chamber.
“Both personally and professionally, I’ve developed so much over the years,” she said.
She’s made memories as well.  “After 26 years, I’m leaving with lots of memories. I’ll always cherish the memories for the rest of my life.”
Her career with the chamber has spanned nearly three decades and the changes have been enormous. The biggest changes were after the 2001 tornado hit Hoisington.
“I’m proud how people stepped up and rebuilt,” she said. “We came through this together and kept going strong.”
“We just kept pushing forward,” Bressler said. “It’s all because concerned individuals came together.”
Since the 2001 tornado, there was a drive to regain what was lost and gain more for the community.  The hotel has been built, a pharmacy is in town, the Hoisington Activity Center was built and new businesses have come to town.
“There have been a lot of working partners,” to get these efforts accomplished, she said.  “I feel proud that I had a part of it.”
She is also proud of the growth of the Labor Day celebration and appreciates of the volunteers who made it happen, including the hard working board of directors.
This move will represent a big change for Bressler who has lived in Kansas all of her life. She grew up in Hays, but moved to Hoisington in January, 1982 and married Troy Bressler.
Her husband, Troy, passed away one year ago, and Stacey said she had no family left in the area.
Stacey plans to take some vacation time and possibly enjoying her hobbies. “I love golf,” she said. Besides golf, she enjoys walking and doing yard work, including mowing and planting flowers.
She has five children and five grandchildren.
“I wish Kristi (Lovett, the new chamber administrator) all the best,” she said. “I want everyone to support her.”