Algoma Area Chamber Staff Member Robyn Harper nominated for 2026 Governor’s Tourism Service Excellence Award

Harper has served as the Chamber’s Online Media Manager since 2014, promoting the Algoma area and strengthening its reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination. Through consistent collaboration with chamber members, nonprofit organizations, regional partners and visitors, Harper’s work has supported measurable tourism growth and increased community engagement throughout northeastern Wisconsin.

Before Harper began working with the chamber, she was a self-employed web and graphics designer. She said this experience helped to prepare her for her role with the chamber.

“Web and graphic design are very relevant to online media management as they are all essential elements of a cohesive and successful online presence. These disciplines ultimately work toward a common objective: to attract and engage a target audience to promote a brand, product, or service,” Harper said.

It was this work that directly led to her employment with the chamber.

“A referral to the chamber’s executive director at the time by a visitor center volunteer who worked for one of my web design clients drew me to this position,” Harper said. “Social media was in its ‘toddler stage’ back then, so it was a great opportunity to learn as the platforms developed and find out how it could benefit the chamber, our members, our residents, our potential visitors, and the area as a whole.”

Harper said while no day looks the same as an online media manager, she monitors both the chamber and chamber members’ social media accounts daily in order to share as much information as possible with chamber followers. Social media plays a vital role in both spreading information and connecting those sharing and reading it.

“The chamber’s social media presence and website act as a conduit between our members and those who would do business with or volunteer for them,” Harper said.

It also provides a level of accessibility for those who may not be able to visit the chamber or visitor’s center in person, giving real-time updates on the area’s events.

In addition to monitoring social media and the chamber’s website, Harper also crafts and sends weekly newsletters to members of the chamber, helps to develop the Friendly Algoma Visitor guide, works with the Tourism and Promotion Commission on marketing campaigns and ads, analyzes statistics to see what is and isn’t working and pivot accordingly and coordinate with other chamber members and followers to monitor events, which vary based on the season.

“All of this contributes to awareness of all we have to offer here for locals and potential visitors alike,” Harper said.

The summer season is a hectic one for Algoma, with cruise ships docking and dozens of events from weekly Concerts in the Park to the Soar on the Shore Kite and Beach Festival.

Harper said one of the challenges of working as an online media manager is keeping up with the ever-changing rules and tools of social media.

Updates can change how users can interact with or share content, and such changes can happen suddenly and with no warning.

Despite these challenges, Harper said the job is a rewarding one as she sees the fruits of her labor firsthand when the community comes together.

“Robyn’s work ethic, professionalism and collaborative approach make a real difference every day,” said Executive Director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Bradley Kautenburg, . “This nomination reflects not only her dedication, but also the strength and hospitality of the Algoma community.”

The Governor’s Tourism Awards are presented annually at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism (WIGCOT), one of the nation’s premier state tourism conferences. WIGCOT brings together chambers of commerce, visitor centers, and destination marketing organizations to explore emerging trends, research, and tools that drive local economic impact.

The 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be held March 15-17, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. Attendance at the awards dinner requires conference registration through Travel Wisconsin.

Additional information about the Governor’s Tourism Awards is available on Travel Wisconsin’s website.

Harper said merely being nominated is an honor, and she is proud to further the Algoma community’s success as both a tourist destination and home to her neighbors.

“[I hope] to continue to help the Algoma area put its best foot forward, increase awareness of all the great things we have to see and do here, help our members take advantage of all that the chamber offers, work with area chambers and visitor centers to promote this entire area and help make a genuine connection between our members and those who live, work and play here,” Harper said.