GRAFTON — Malayna Struckman could be called Grafton’s party czar. As the tourism promotion/special events coordinator for the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce and Celebrate Grafton, Struckman is responsible for planning and implementing some of the community’s most beloved events. That includes the Giro d’Grafton, the Independence Day celebration, Food Trucks in the Park, Grafton GALA concerts and Fall into Grafton.
She also has the duties associated with the tourism promotion side of her job. That includes planning for and promoting events.
Struckman and her family moved to Grafton 14 years ago from Kansas City, Mo., and she has been with the Chamber since April.
We talked her to about the importance — and fun — of her job.
Q. What is the best part of your job?
A. The best part of my job is seeing how much the community loves the events that we have put on. Knowing that I have helped create memorable moments for people is rewarding. I enjoy meeting new people, collaborating with chamber members, co-workers and vendors.
I have only been with the chamber since the end of March, so I haven’t experienced all of the events yet. When I first started, I helped with the planning of 53024 Zip Code Day. It was a great event and we are currently discussing the chamber’s 50th birthday next year.
I love seeing how much the Grafton community enjoys the events that Celebrate Grafton provides. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Our office stays very busy from new residents coming in the office to ask questions to all the daily work to make an event successful. I design and post information on Facebook to let the community know what is happening and help market chamber members. After each event, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Seeing all my hard work come together and witnessing the joy of attendees is truly rewarding. It reinforces my passion for what I do.
Q. Are you working on any new events or activities that you’d like to share?
Currently, I am wrapping up details for the Fall into Grafton event on Oct. 12 in Paramount Plaza. Then I will be helping with the planning of the Christmas parade. Every event is new to me, so seeing them for the first time helps me know what we could do differently in the future.
I am also looking forward to planning for the chamber’s birthday next year.