<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598977972140.jpeg" alt="Renee Duxler. Photo courtesy Salina Area Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Renee Duxler. Photo courtesy Salina Area Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of Renee Duxler as economic and workforce development director. In this role, she will lead the chamber’s economic and workforce development department and the implementation of the Imagine Salina program of work. Imagine Salina focuses on two overarching initiatives; they are workforce development and business expansion and retention support.Most recently she served as the executive director for the Douglas Design District in Wichita, where she participated in urban planning and its effect on economic opportunity and development, civic pride and engagement, talent recruitment and retention, and community connectivity and access. She also has served on the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Planning Commission and was a 2019 graduate of Leadership Wichita. In addition, Duxler has experience in non-profit management and leadership, policy, and public relations.Duxler grew up in McPherson, received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and a master's degree from Newman University. She and her partner, Mark Anderson, are bringing with them three children ages 10, 12 and 14, and a border collie rescue named Scout.“Renee possesses a wide breadth of experience to our organization and community. Her experience in community building, strategizing, and talent recruitment and retention are perfect fits for the Chamber’s Imagine Salina initiative.” said Eric L. Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “In addition, the momentum and development of Salina is a direct testament to the ability of organizations in Salina to be able to recruit highly talented individuals like Renee and I’m excited for the future of not only the Chamber, but the community as a whole!” About Imagine SalinaImagine Salina is an initiative of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with more than 80 local private businesses. This is an initiative to recruit and retain talent and support both the quality and quantity of labor in Saline County while encouraging individuals to relocate to Salina for their new career opportunity. For more information visit <a href="http://www.imaginesalina.com">www.imaginesalina.com</a>.

Duxler economic and workforce development director