It’s been a good year for the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, and they’re just getting started. Earlier this year, the Chamber’s 33rd annual golf outing was their most successful of all time. They plan to expand their sponsorship and marketing opportunities for 2026, and they will continue with their full schedule of monthly member meetings, network opportunities, and other events to offer ways members can stay engaged all year.
There are new faces on the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce staff this year who will be heading up this busy schedule. In the spirit of getting to know the Chamber’s new staff, they have answered some icebreaker questions to introduce themselves to the community.
Without further ado, here’s introducing the new Plainfield Chamber of Commerce staff.
Tim Weigel, Executive Director
What is your favorite thing to do to relieve stress?
“Taking my Golden Retriever for a walk in my neighborhood with my wife.”
What’s your game plan in a zombie apocalypse?
“I don’t believe in zombies but probably in prayer.”
How many hours early do you get to the airport and why?
“Whatever MyTSA app tells me!”
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
“I’m too boring – very little is done spontaneously.”
What does your perfect Saturday look like?
“Spending it with my family and friends.”
Nichole Schmitt, Events Manager
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
“My family’s first trip out West to explore the National Parks was unforgettable. Going from the green forests of Rocky Mountain National Park to the red-orange desert of Monument Valley where you feel like you’ve landed on Mars was surreal.”
What is a skill you’ve always wanted to learn and why?
“Playing wooden spoons. I have no idea why, but I think they would be fun to know how to play around a campfire!”
What is the best decade for music in your opinion?
“The ’70s, no contest! Give me Kenny Loggins, the Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Blue Öyster Cult, and the Cars any day. I love classic rock, though I guess it might be considered “oldies” now — and especially anything Yacht Rock. I even have a super sweet captain’s hat that I break out for those concerts!”
Are you a dog or cat person and why?
“I’m 100% a dog person, especially when it comes to big breeds. My Cane Corso and English Mastiff are part watchdog, part snuggle monster. They’ve given my kids both joy and plenty of responsibility. Character building at its finest!”
What makes you laugh the most?“My “porch time” with my friend and (lucky for me) next door neighbor Robyn. I enjoy talking with her about all the things, which always leads to us laughing until our sides hurt.”
Riley Trosper, Member Engagement Manager
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
“I’ve started taking my kids on a “Tour of Christmas” where we find 10-12 family holiday events to attend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Where did you go on your last vacation and what did you do?
“I went on a weekend trip to Florida with my husband, and we swam in the ocean at Cocoa Beach.”
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
“Find and restock Little Free libraries around town (and grab a few good reads for myself!)”
What is your favorite season and why?
“I love autumn because the falling leaves remind me of the verse, ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.’”
What is your favorite movie of all time?
“Angel Has Fallen”
Lesli Kottkamp, Administrative Assistant
Lesli Kottkamp, Administrative AssistantWhat’s your best childhood memory?
“I was raised on a farm where we had cattle, and we raised corn and beans. My fondest memory is being able to ride in the combines during harvest or ride on the hay wagons while bailing hay.”
What’s something that’s on your bucket list?
“I would love to be able to take an Alaskan cruise.”
What is something interesting about you most people do not know?
“Something interesting that not a lot of people know about me is that I live on a farm where we raise Hereford cattle, and if I needed to, I can still help out giving vaccinations, washing the cattle, etc. Honestly, I now leave that up to my kids and husband! And I love mowing grass.”
Do you have a hidden talent and what is it?
“I can still twirl a baton. I competed as a child and would also twirl at halftime during our football games when I was in high school.”
What is the best concert you’ve been to and why?
“Even though it’s been a while since I’ve been to an actual concert, I would have to say Garth Brooks when he was in Indianapolis.”
