Destin, FL, Jan. 22 - In early January, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new employees Wendy Schaefer and Elyse Cripps.

     On Jan. 3, Schaefer joined the Chamber as Information Specialist after a 20-year career in retail. Most recently, she opened and managed the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Destin Commons.

     “I’m very excited to join the Chamber team and have this opportunity to work with its members and the community at large,” said Schaefer, who relocated to the Destin area four years ago from Winston-Salem, N.C.

     Cripps began work as the Chamber’s Membership Consultant on Jan. 7.

     “I believe the chamber of commerce is a cornerstone in any thriving community and the Destin Area Chamber rises above the standard in organization and effectiveness. I am excited to be a part of such a successful Chamber, and I am looking forward to working closely with our local businesses and building great relationships within this beautiful community,” said Cripps, who graduated in May 2007 from Louisiana State University with a BLA in Psychology.

     While at LSU, Cripps worked in the network marketing business for global wellness company Nikken. Since graduation, she served as a customer service representative for a local shipping company.