This month we start a new feature: Meet the Brainerd Let’s Go Fishing Board Members! 

Do you ever wonder who the LGF board is and just what do they do? Over the coming months we’ll introduce you to our board.

We are please to start this feature with our out-going President, Loree Besser! By out-going we mean she’s really outgoing for everything LGF but it also means she’s stepping down after many years at the helm and bringing back our successful chapter after a two-year hiatus. Rest assured, Loree will be on standby for all questions the board may have and as a consultant for our new president, David Brown. (More on David next month)

LOREE, ALL OUR LGF VOLUNTEERS SAY A GREAT BIG THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATION TO OUR CHAPTER!!!!

Here’s more on Loree in her own words . . . .

How did you learn about LGF?
I actually had a visit from two of the original LGF members. Jim Erickson and Steve Esser who explained that they were opening a Chapter in the Brainerd Lakes Area. I was on board from the start because the program would take seniors out on the lakes to fish or just cruise. Anytime a program can be offered to get seniors involved in their community was very important. Spending a day on the lake with their friends and have volunteers to help is a win-win.

When did you first join LGF and at what capacity?
I joined the Let’s Go Fishing-Brainerd Chapter as a volunteer First Mate on the pontoon in 2009. Also, I volunteered for the kick-off party to raise awareness to others in the community about the program.

When did you become a board member?
I was first asked if I was interested in being the Secretary. I said ‘no’ because I’m not a good person to take notes. I continued to volunteer as a First mate. In 2019, I was asked if I would be interested in taking a Vice President position. I said I would try it for a year. Then in 2020 COVID hit and we did not have a season. I felt it necessary to stay on in 2020, because I told them I’d give them a year and wanted to honor my obligation to the LGF organization. I saw how LGF impacted the seniors, Veterans, disabled individuals and other groups. Our guests experienced being in a pontoon on the lake with the sun, wind in their faces, remembering how they too spent time on the lake with friends and family. Joy, health benefits, making new memories and so much more.

Why did you become a board member?
Again, I wanted to honor my one-year commitment after no season in 2020. That first year after COVID 2021, we started out very quiet just running one trip four days a week on Gull Lake. It was a huge job contacting volunteers and organizations after not operating in 2020. The Board worked hard to get enough volunteers and organizations to sign up. Many senior communities, group homes and such were still following COVID restrictions and wanted to make sure their people’s health wouldn’t be compromised. I’m sure we can all remember how different things were. I didn’t want to see the LGF Brainerd Chapter fail our guests and the community. Helping others enjoy the great outdoors is a huge passion of mine and that drove me and the Board to working hard to have a season. Our President at the end of the season asked me if I would be ready to take over as President and I said ‘why’. He and his wife wanted to be closer to the grandchildren and were going to move south of the cities. So, I stepped into the Presidents role and we began planning for 2022.

What value do you feel the board brings to LFG?
A cohesive Board of Directors, working for the betterment of our community, guests and sharing ideas is a huge value to LGF. Communication and gaining ideas from other LGF chapters and business leaders truly strengthens our non-profit. The Board is responsible for strategic planning to ensure success and continued growth, so that our non-profit can successfully fundraise and be in the Brainerd Lakes community for a long time.

What value do you bring to the LGF board?
I worked in Senior Healthcare as an Executive Director so I had plenty of management experience. I knew how to organize people, set goals and provide the leadership necessary to manage a non-profit successfully. The Board of Directors were very instrumental in helping plan our 2022 season and decide how to proceed for the upcoming summer. Building a strong team is so important for success in growing the LGF organization. In reviewing, the 2022, 2023 and our results in 2024 we certainly accomplished our goals each year and are running numbers that match seasons 2017-2019. I’m very proud of the Board members, volunteers and our guests for helping us accomplish our growth and ensure continued success of Let’s Go Fishing-Brainerd Chapter.

What else would you like the LGF Volunteers know about you?
In my much younger years, I jumped out of a completely perfect airplane 3 times and lived. LOL! This was a time when you didn’t do tandem jumps but actually had to pull your own chute. I also ziplined in Ketchikan, Alaska in 2017. I’ve tried to go hot air ballooning but each time cancellations occurred due to the weather so this is still on my ‘bucket list’! Do I consider myself a daredevil- well I’ll leave you guessing at this point.