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Est. 2014

Braatz parts ways with Rochester chamber

Judy Braatz's tenure is over at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. News on Braatz's sudden departure was first reported Thursday afternoon by the Post-Bulletin's Jeff Kiger. 

As of this afternoon, her photo and contact information is no longer listed on the organization's website. Chamber President Rob Miller did not respond to our request for comment. Braatz is not speaking publicly about her departure at the advice of her attorney.

Braatz — who served as the membership development director — had been with the organization for 24 years. Braatz was perhaps the most visible face of the chamber. As one member told me this afternoon: In many ways, "she was the chamber."

Her parting ways with the chamber follows two other high-profile departures from the organization. Both Julie Fiesel and Julie Brock left the chamber this past spring.

While few details have been provided regarding the employee shake-up, word on the street is the internal culture has been deteriorating for months as a result of Miller's leadership. 

The chamber now employs 12 people, including Miller.

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