Civic Source provides a wealth of expertise which, combined with a proven track record, to help individuals, organizations and communities bring forth well-connected, savvy and motivated employees and community leaders. Through our programs we provide opportunities for people to work collaboratively on issues important to them.

The staff of Civic Source is uniquely qualified to develop and manage community leadership program curriculum; public policy development; regional economic development planning; seminar, event and group travel program production; group training and facilitation. The founders, Wendy Helgeson and Ellen Watters have a combined work history that gives them access to regional leaders in the public and private sector, elected and appointed officials, and non-profit executives throughout the Twin Cities, and other metropolitan areas nationwide.

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WENDY HELGESON

Wendy Helgeson has almost 20 years experience delivering meetings, incentive travel and community-focused agendas. Helgeson directed and staffed all ICLV community leader trips for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. These visits were successful programs to Denver, Seattle, Boston, Dallas, San Diego, Toronto and Atlanta. For 8 years Wendy has been instrumental in reviewing destination community issues, selecting and creating all session content while planning and implementing all logistics of 3-day program.

Helgeson worked at the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce for seven years. Wendy was the Vice President of Membership Development for the chamber. In this role Helgeson created, developed, produced and managed the Chamber calendar of events. Wendy led volunteer program committees and strategic planning for Chamber programs. Helgeson has established community relationships with business, non-profit and elected leaders.

Prior to the MRCC Wendy was at BI Performance Services for 10 years where she worked in the Incentive Travel Division. She held a variety of positions including Trip Director, Program Manager, Account Manager, Team Leader and Travel Division Trainer.

Wendy earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from Colorado College.

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ELLEN WATTERS

Ellen Watters has a broad background in civic issues having overseen a variety of civic leadership programs and policy development activities. Her background in regional economic development and public policy is extensive and she has a unique network of private and public sector resources to call upon for Civic Source.

Prior to Civic Source, Ellen served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. Her responsibilities included developing macro policies to attract and retain investment and working to ensure a climate conducive to growth.

Before joining the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce in 2002, Ellen served as President of the Midway Chamber of Commerce for nearly six years. Her earlier career was primarily in communications and fundraising, including as a public information specialist for Twin Cities Public Television, and later the international public relations/public affairs firm of Hill and Knowlton where she served in a variety of positions, eventually becoming Vice President of Media Relations. She later worked for a non-profit publishing company as Director of Development.

Ellen serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Episcopal Homes of Minnesota and on the board of directors of the High Winds Fund at Macalester College and the Northern Clay Center.

Ellen has a BA in Economics and Business from Macalester College.