Suzie Adams, new manager of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, said her first months on the job will be a learning experience.

Adams assumed her Chamber duties Monday, Feb. 11. She succeeded Rene’ Danley, who assumed a management position in Lincoln. Adams and her husband, Josh, have lived in Auburn about two-and one-half years. However, Adams said she is familiar with the Auburn area, having grown up in Nebraska City.
“I’m learning things about what is going on in Auburn. I’m meeting people, including a lot of new faces. The next few months, I will try to get out and meet Chamber members and introduce myself. I want to make a personal presence that I am here and we always have an open door,” Adams said.
She said among her goals are to bring more visitors to Auburn, have more people come to Auburn and learn about its businesses and to encourage people to shop in Auburn.
“We have more than you would think a small town should have. We want to promote a good relationship between the businesses and the community,” Adams said.
“I like that the business community is always changing and growing. It’s great that this size of a community is attracting new businesses all the time,” she commented.
Adams hopes to increase Auburn Chamber of Commerce membership.
“One of my priorities is making sure the businesses in the community have an ally with the Chamber of Commerce. I’m here to work with the businesses and promote their presence in the community,” she said.
During her first days as executive director, Adams said she had met a few Chamber members and others who stopped by the office.
“A lot of people in the community have come in. I greatly appreciate it. Anyone who has questions or tips, I’m willing to listen,” she said.
Learning about Auburn events also occupied her early days on the job.
Adams said she likes the Nemaha County Avenue of Flags displays at Auburn Legion Memorial Park during patriotic holidays.
“That’s the best thing,” she said.
“I’ve been going through brochures to make sure we have accurate information to give out to people,” Adams said.
She also plans to work with representatives who promote tourism in Auburn and Nemaha County.
“If we promote things within the county, that in turn will help promote things within the city,” she said.
Adams said her previous experience attracted her to the role as Chamber manager.
“I’ve lived in the community and worked with a lot of kids. I thought with my experience in retail, government and government-type agency, I could form a good relationship and help promote the town. I worked in a city hall and similar agency before. There are some things that are similar, but definitely some things that are different,” she said.
Adams is a Nebraska City High School graduate and has a degree from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo. While in college, she completed an internship at the Missouri State Capitol for a state representative during a legislative session. Adams also worked in the Lancaster County treasurer’s office and as an account clerk at Nebraska City’s City Hall. The past two years, she served as a substitute teacher in Auburn. Her family owned a business 17 years so she has some retail experience.
“I like small towns. They have a nice pace to them, not the hustle and bustle of the big city,” Adams said.
“I would like to say that we are very excited to have Suzie as our new chamber manager.  Her extensive background will be a great asset to the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, all of our members, and to the community of Auburn, as well as other local communities,” said Ryan Jones, Auburn Chamber of Commerce president.