For Immediate Release – June 17, 2025

Contact:
Brian Otten, Marketing Director
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
715-848-5947 | botten@wausauchamber.com

Chamber's Kathy Peterson graduates from Institute for Organization Management

WAUSAU — The Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced this week that Kathy Peterson, IOM, Membership Director at the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Peterson completed 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management in the program. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

“It is an honor to be included among the graduates of the Midwest Institute’s 2025 class,” said Peterson. “The knowledge I received at Institute and the connections made there with peers from around the country have been instrumental in my growth as a leader in our community.”

“I am excited to implement new ideas and utilize new resources to strengthen our Chamber and our member businesses,” said Peterson.

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber and other non-profit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four week-long sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership, Institute participants enhance their own organizational management skills and add new ideas-to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Peterson joins President and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce Dave Eckmann, Ed.D., IOM as a graduate of the program. Marketing Director Brian Otten finished his second year in the program this month.

“As a five-star accredited chamber, the professional development of the organization’s staff is increasingly important as we engage our members and the community,” said Dave Eckmann, Ed. D., IOM, President and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. “I’m very proud of Kathy and her achievement of obtaining the IOM designation. As Membership Director, Kathy brings a high level of commitment to our membership, organization and the community.”

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy.

Caption PetersonIOM.jpg: Kathy Peterson, Membership Director with the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, graduated from the Institute of Organization Management in Madison on June 4, 2025. She is pictured, center, with Angie Whitcomb, IOM, President and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, left, and Institute Board of Regents Chair Jennifer Reiser, CCE, IOM, right.

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The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is the source for business information in the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The organization has earned a 5-Star Accreditation, one of only two chambers in the state with that designation. The Chamber strengthens member businesses and enhances the region by building business success. For more information on the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, visit us online at www.wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231.