Michael Looft

NEW ULM — New Ulm Area Chamber President/CEO Michael Looft will leaving the position at the end of November to take over as Winthrop’s City Administrator.

Looft has served two years as Chamber President/CEO. He announced in an email Thursday he was leaving the Chamber President/CEO position at the end of November. In the email he thanked chamber members for giving him the opportunity to serve the community.

“The time in New Ulm helped build additional talent tools to help me in the future,” Looft said. “New Ulm is a prime example how communities should act and represent themselves.”

Upon approval from the Winthrop City Council on November 1, Looft will assume the position of City Administrator. His duties and administrator begin Dec. 1, 2021.

Looft said it was always been his goal to lead a community. As City Administrator for Winthrop he has that opportunity and says his experience in New Ulm will serve him well.

Looft said he will remain as Chamber President through the shopping opener. The Parade of Lights will be his last task as President.

He will also assist the Chamber Board in finding his successor. The Board is actively seeking a new President/CEO. The job is listed at the Chamber website at newulm.com. Interested applicants are encourage to send a resume and cover letter to chamber@newulm.com.

Looft said the Chamber President position was a great opportunity for a person who loves the community and wants to do some civic good.

“There are so many great things happening in New Ulm,” Looft said in the email. “The business community is creating active entrepreneurs for small business growth, investing in future workers with the new CTE center, and is active in retaining leadership with the Chamber leadership programs. Progress will continue with the help from great community-oriented businesses like yours. I look forward to reading about the great successes New Ulm accomplishes in the years ahead.”