The Albion Economic Development Corporation welcomed its new CEO and President, Debbie Kelly, during a community reception held on November 12 at the historic Ismon House. Running from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, the event drew over 50 guests throughout the evening.
The reception carried a warm, conversational atmosphere as attendees mingled, shared stories, and enjoyed a welcoming fall-themed setup . Rather than a formal program, the evening naturally evolved into personal introductions as Debbie made her way through the room, meeting community members one by one. Her goal for the night was simple: to listen, connect, and begin understanding Albion’s needs, hopes, and opportunities as she steps into her new role.
A diverse mix of guests – including the mayor, several city council members, local contractors, small business owners, organizational leaders, college faculty, and curious community members – helped make the evening feel like a true community gathering.
Debbie expressed excitement about getting to know Albion more deeply and emphasized her commitment to helping uplift the city and supporting residents, businesses, and organizations in meaningful ways.
The Albion EDC extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening special. Special appreciation goes to Teri Nelson and Barb Lange, who prepared the beautiful spread of curated refreshments and seasonal decor, and a special thanks to Bruce Nelson for his hard work and dedication while serving as volunteer interim director throughout most of this year.
Albion Life Today 