Middleton resignation from Chamber of Commerce sends shockwaves through city

Following her announcement on Facebook of her resignation, effective upon her replacement, by Chamber of Commerce Director Sara Middleton, shockwaves went through the city. Business leaders who spoke anonymously to the Eagle expressed their concern that Middleton was almost irreplaceable. And in comments on Middleton's post, including by local business owners and leaders of the business community, the reaction was both an outpouring of gratitude for all Middleton had done, accolades for a job well done, and an outpouring of support for her following her dreams.

First to weigh in was Amber Carver. "This sounds like the best, most healthy decision for you. I wish you all the best in the next thing, whatever that is."

"Congratulations and Good luck! You did an excellent job as Chamber Lady," Jana Wilson O'Rourke wrote.

"Thanks to you,Sara, for all your hard work for Eagle Grove," wrote Connie Wilson, "Good luck with whatever is in your future!!

"The BEST CHAMBER LADY EVER!! You will do great with whatever your next chapter is," wrote Niki LaRue Asche.

"Good luck Sara," wrote Vicki-Lanny Parrott, "you will be great at whatever you do. You did a awesome job as Chamber Lady!

"Passion, commitment, and drive equal success," advised Tom Niederhauser of Gramma's Attic. "Wishing you all the best."

"This town has gained so much from your hard work," wrote Phyllis Larson. "Good luck to you in your future!"

"Thank you for serving Eagle Grove," wrote Amy Cooper. "May God bless you in your new adventures!"

"Your impact will be felt for years to come," remarked Tammy Hill. "Looking forward to the next chapter of you!"

Barb Thompson Dooley offered her best wishes, adding, "TY for all you did for Eagle Grove!!!"

"Congratulations on your change. It sounds like it will be wonderful," wrote Angela Wesselink, "I want to thank you for all you have done for Eagle Grove. Your service has been outstanding and we have been so lucky for the time you have shared your talent with us. You will be missed."

"Very grateful for your strength, leadership, & kindness within this role & as a human in general," wrote Mollie McGrath, "You have made such an impact in so many lives & it’s been so wonderful to watch you flourish! Thank you for everything! I know you’ll continue to changes lives & continue becoming the best you."

"Can’t wait to see what you do next Sara! You kicked ass for Eagle Grove and I know you will rock in your next chapter," enthused John Bregoli. "Way to be bold and do what’s right for the soul. We got your back all the way! Rock ON!"

"Congratulations and good luck on the next chapter," wrote Elaine Schope, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love and hard work for this community! You are amazing!!!"

"Well I have to say this, you have done more than any other director," Merry Conaway commented. "Your shoes will be hard to fill!

"Ahhhhhh…." Jennifer Christ Schild wrote, saying as much with that written version of a heavy sigh as in words. "I love that you are doing what is right for YOU. Decisions like this can be so easy to see yet SO DANG HARD to do. You have done an incredible job as chamber director and I know whatever is next up for you will be just as amazing."

"It has been amazing to watch you soar like an eagle for EG," wrote Maggie Wright, "you.have given and driven us with incredible energy and love! Thank you, Sara! I suspect whatever you put your talents to will find us bragging that we know you! May you thrive !!!"

"Sara you have done an incredible job," Pat Kirstein wrote. "You deserve to change course and do something that touches you. Good luck. You will be a success in whatever you do."

"Good for you. Being the best possible version of yourself is the best way to serve your community and be there for your family and friends," wrote Tammi Duckert. "Good Luck to you on your next chapter."

"I love that you are taking the time to do what is right for you and listening to your body and soul," remarked Felicia MacDonald. "You have done amazing things in this role and will continue to do more amazing things in what role(s) you focus on next."

Those who've known Middleton the longest also weighed in, including one of her middle school teachers. "You are one amazing and talented woman," wrote Jill Nerland, "and I’ve known it since the day you walked into my study hall in 7th grade in your high top “burps” converse and your California sweatshirt. Whatever you do, girl, you’ll move mountains, and do it in a fabulous creative style."

Cadence Stephens credited Middleton with inspiring her to pursue her own passions. "You've done so much for the community and were one of the people to get me to step out of my comfort zone in the music field, which is part of the reason that's what I'm going to college for," Stephens wrote. "I couldn't be more grateful for you and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."

What other business leaders said on background, Tiara Paul of Red Head Tribe Logos wrote on the record. "You can’t be replaced," Paul said, succinctly summing up the reaction of many chamber and business leaders this reporter has spoken to.

Leaders in other aspects of city life also weighed in. "You have been an amazing asset to Eagle Grove! Thank you for everything you have done for our community," wrote Nicole Verbrugge of the Eagle Grove School District. And referencing Middleton's leadership through the COVID-19 crisis, Verbrugge added, "I am so honored to have worked along side you on some items, and during the hardest time for our business community!"

Even leaders from elsewhere in Wright County weighed in on the news of Middleton's resignation. "That position isn't for the faint of heart, and you rocked it," remarked Ali Disney, former Director of the Clarion Chamber of Commerce, who shifted to launching her own local business as well. "Congrats on your decision... I am sure you will be missed in the job but still involved in a different way... The love for your community doesn't just disappear when you walk out the door... I may be speaking from experience."

There was much, much more reaction to Middleton's resignation than just the sampling which is highlighted here. Across the board, the consensus of the community was clear; though all were happy for Middleton and excited and confident about her next chapter, there was also a common theme of certainty that Middleton is leaving very big shoes to fill, and will be a very hard act for the next Chamber Director to follow.