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Chamber chief enjoys singing, promotes volunteerism
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Updated: February 25, 2013 6:14AM
GLENVIEW — Betsy Baer, Glenview Chamber of Commerce executive director, enjoys being involved in the community.
Baer, raised in Glencoe, and an Evanston resident (30 years), is proud to be a member of the Evanston St. Matthew’s Church choir to this day. Baer’s husband, Bob Fish, is a Skokie teacher and their son, D.J., is a University of Vermont junior.
Hear Baer, a 1973 New Trier H.S. graduate, sing in the video interview with Karie Angell Luc. Also visit www.glenviewchamber.com.
Meet Betsy Baer, a Ripon College of Wisconsin alum who graduated early (1973 from college), finding her childhood roots felt at home raising a family on the North Shore.
Q. So Betsy, you have quite the history here on the North Shore…
A. I am North Shore born and bred. Grew up in Glencoe, Went to New Trier, although we don’t talk about that too much in Glenview (jokes here). I moved to Evanston right after college.
Q. Betsy, tell me about this amazing building under a spectacular vintage patina roof (Baer is standing outside of the west door of the chamber headquarters).
A. This is an amazing building, owned by the Glenview Park District. It was built in the 1890s (part of a nursery company). We now use it for different not-for-profit organizations that need space.
Q. So you’ve completed a full year as director. Has it been rewarding?
A. You know, I have not stopped running. I think it’s neat because the business community is at the cusp, of beginning this move upward, so we’re just coming out of feeling, oh, gosh, everything’s just awful, and seeing some glimmers (economy) so it’s neat to be a part of that. So I’m pleased about that. I’m not a half empty person. I’m definitely a half full person.
Q. What’s your New Year’s resolution?
A. Oh gosh, you know, I don’t know…I don’t usually make them, because I usually break them. I think that if I were looking at it from a business standpoint, I don’t know if it would be a resolution or if it would be just a continuation. When I came on, I’ve only been here just a little over a year and the chamber, the members of my board, are really, well, it’s a neat group of people. They’re really fun and they’re nice. And they’re really, really committed.
Q. Volunteerism and punching in to a community. Your thoughts?
A. I think (there’s value in) involvement beyond ourselves. I sing in the choir (Evanston church). I love…I LOVE choir music! It’s so much fun.
Q. Can you sing?
A. I can, I can…(starts singing here). I’m a choir gal. I love it. I love it. It makes my little heart sing.
