Lisa Besemer was named 2023 Tourism Person of the Year. She was touted for all her service on boards and committees.

“I’m truly honored,” said Besemer. “Our town is beautiful with exceptional restaurants and many wonderful venues.”

Mary Henle spoke humbly after receiving the award for New Ulm Real Estate.

“I feel so blessed. It’s so wonderful to be part of a city who gives of its talents so wonderfully and freely,” she added. “We love to work hard and have fun too. Thanks to our staff for sacrifice, hard work and support. I love you all. Thanks to my team for their purposes and passions. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning. We madly love this town. Last but not least, thank you to my husband Kevin and son Michael.”

Lisa Besemer, right, was named 2023 Tourism Person of the year at the New Ulm Chamber Annual Meeting Thursday. At left is Chamber CEO Sarah Warmka.

Christensen Farms Public Affairs Director JoDee Haala said the company’s founder, Bob Christensen’s passion was FFA. He got two pigs at age 13 in 1974 and built a company that now had more than 1,000 employees in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Illinois and is one of the largest pork producers in the U.S.

“We’re uniquely positioned to produce some of the most sustainable food in the world,” Haala said. “We produce crops, feed livestock and restore the soil. By 2050, the world will have more than 9 billion people with a deficit of beef, pork and poultry. We are humbled and honored to receive this award.”

Former Chamber Chairwoman Erin Lafferty said the chamber couldn’t have done it without CEO Sarah Warmka’s leadership.

“I’d like to thank the staff for trusting me. Last but not least, thank my family and husband for all their support. And we truly appreciate all you members.”

Warmka said the Chamber is large and strong with over 300 members and more than 100 volunteers. Twenty-four Chamber members were added in 2022.

Christensen Farms was named 2023 Large Business of the Year. from left, Chamber Chairman Andy Lilleodden, Chamber CEO Sarah Warmka, Christensen Farms Board Chairwoman Mary Ann Christensenand Public Affairs Director JoDee Haala.

“Together, we’re making New Ulm better and stronger with 99,000 Chamber Dollars and 4,050 leadership development hours in 2022,” Warmka said.

Warmka said Chamber Vice President of Business Affairs Jenny Eckstein will retired May 1, 2023.

“She’s the glue that keeps the Chamber together,” Warmka added.

New Chamber staff in 2022 included Communications and Programs Specialist Kate Nelson and Visitor and Member Services Specialist Mark Schuelke.

Incoming Chamber Chairman Andy Lilleodden in his eighth year on the board, thanked the Chamber board for all its work, which he called “a selfless act that keeps the Chamber going.”

“It still amazes me all the networking that goes on,” Lilleodden said.

He mentioned the Chamber priorities as named by the board last October — communication, supporting economic growth, trending issue education, advocacy, convention and visitors board, partnerships with the City, EDA and others and networking.

For more information, visit www.newulm.com.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@