Pralle and Followwill Named Chamber Ambassadors of the Year

If you live in the area, and enjoy attending community events, it’s likely you’ve seen Dyanne Pralle and Sue Followwill around.

These two have poured years of their lives back into the community through their volunteer work as ambassadors with the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce — who recently named them Ambassadors of the Year.

Originally from Geneva, Dyanne Pralle and her husband owned and managed three successful car washes in the county for several decades — two in Hampton and one in Coulter.

Pralle, who first became involved with the chamber in 2009, said this type of work taught her the importance of staying organized, which she uses to her benefit when coordinating events for the chamber, everything from ribbon-cuttings to their quarterly coffees.

An event she is most proud of organizing: the annual wine walk, known as “Friday Uncorked,” which brings in hundreds of people every year.

Aside from all she does for the chamber, Pralle also serves on the Franklin County Fair Board Foundation, the Windsor Theatre board, the Franklin County Development Association board and the First Bank Hampton board.

"I do this to give back," Pralle said. "And to stay connected to the community."

Pralle said she appreciates the award and all that it represents.

"It's a recognition for all we've accomplished," said Pralle.

With an extensive background in outside sales, including at KLMJ Radio, Sue Followwill is undoubtedly a people person. The Belmond native uses this to her advantage when recruiting and collaborating with community members on projects for the chamber, which she’s been involved with for the last 15 years.

Not only does she currently sit on the board for the chamber, but she has previously served as the board president and contributed to several other chambers over the last 40 years.

"I am a strong believer in chambers," said Followwill. "They serve as the hub of the community."

Outside of the Chamber, Followwill also actively serves on the Franklin County Fair board, where she helps organize their beloved five-day county fair and manage the convention center.

When asked what this recognition meant to her, Followwill said it's nice to have others appreciate the work they've been putting in.

Currently, there are a dozen ambassadors who help the Chamber.

"The ambassadors are very important for the chamber because when there are things like quarterly coffees and ribbon-cuttings, they are the ones who are there," Followwill said. "These people really believe in the chamber. And when you believe in an organization, and what it stands for, you are more apt to do positive things for them."