Brooks joins Merrill Chamber as new Member Engagement & Office Manager

The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Sarah Brooks as the new Member Engagement & Office Manager. Brooks, who moved to Merrill 10 years ago when her husband completed his military service, brings management experience and a passion for small business to the position she officially began on March 20, 2025.
Brooks is no stranger to the business world. “Both my parents owned their own businesses growing up,” she said. “As a child of entrepreneurs, it holds a special place in my heart.”
That background has given her insight into the challenges local businesses face. “It’s not like these ... big box companies or these huge Fortune 500 companies, this is their livelihood,” Brooks said. “It’s make it or break it.” She said small businesses are also critical to the local economy. “It helps grow the community.”
Originally from northern Virginia, Brooks moved to North Carolina after marrying her husband Roger, who was stationed at Cherry Point in the Marine Corps. The family later relocated to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida before settling in Merrill, Roger’s hometown, 10 years ago.
The couple has 12-year-old triplets—two boys and a girl—who attend St. Francis School as sixth graders—Roger Brooks III, Ryan, and Rosaline.

Since moving back to Wisconsin, Brooks worked in management at Lowe’s in Plover and then as delivery coordinator at Burgener Contract Carriers for about six years, leaving there in January.
At the Chamber, Brooks will focus on strengthening relationships with members and enhancing engagement opportunities. Sarah will be the go-to person for Chamber members, helping them maximize their benefits, coordinate networking events, and provide assistance with day-to-day operations, a press release from the Chamber announcing the hiring of Brooks said.
“I am pleased to announce that we have filled the vacant position at the Chamber,” Chamber Executive Director Clyde Nelson said recently in an email to Board members. “I want you to join me in welcoming Sarah Brooks to the Chamber Family. Sarah, her husband Roger and the triplets ... live here in Merrill. Roger is a Merrill native and graduated from Merrill High School.”
When not at work, Brooks stays busy with her children’s sports activities. “We’re a big hockey family,” she said. “Two of my kids play hockey. One plays for Merrill Youth Hockey and then my daughter just switched this year to Central Wisconsin Storm, so she moved to all girls. And then my other son, he plays baseball.” Brooks said attending and getting involved in her children’s sports interests has helped her meet and get to know a lot of Merrill people.
Brooks also enjoys creative hobbies. “I’m a big rock hound,” she said, referring to her interest in collecting and polishing stones. “Like this necklace.” She gestured toward the pretty stone wrapped in wire hanging around her neck. “I made it. So I cut and polish various different rocks, primarily Lake Superior agates, and then I cut and polish them and then I can wire wrap them.”
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Stop in and meet the second Sarah in the office, the newest member of the Chamber staff. The Chamber office is located at 705 N. Center Ave. in Merrill. Brooks can also be reached via email at manager@merrillchamber.org.