Right: When the holidays come around, the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is there to help promote Small Business Saturday festivities, such as the ping-pong ball drop. Shoppers scramble to grab a ball as the Chamber gives away thousands of dollars in prizes from local businesses.
A PLACE TO WORK, SHOP, PLAY AND INNOVATE
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utchinson is a regional hub that offers numerous opportuortunities, whether you’re looking to shop, find a job, or start a business of your own. Known as “Minnesota’s Manufacturing City,” Hutchinson offers a range of businesses from 3M, a Fortune 500 company, and manufacturing companies to home-based entrepreneurs, independent retailers and familiar chains such as Aldi, Target, Walmart, Cash Wise Foods, PetSmart and Menards. The Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is known for its moniker, “Minnesota’s Hometown.” It’s a tagline the Chamber uses to promote all the advantages this regional hub offers as a place for business and family fun. Hutchinson’s Economic Development Authority aims to drive job creation in the community. It also works to draw new businesses and help existing businesses grow to their full potential. Most recently, it was instrumental in the expansion of Midwest Industrial Tool Grinding Inc., another local manufacturer. Offices, industrial areas, restaurants, stores and hotels are found throughout Hutchinson. A large part of the city’s businesses are congregated along its two major axes — east-west State Highway 7 and north-south State Highway 15. The city’s crown jewel is its downtown district. The historic
“These are the businesses who support youth activities, donate to dozens if not hundreds of nonprofits, and create vitality in our community. We are a regional destination and our local businesses are key to the success and hospitality we enjoy.” Mary Hodson Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president
MARKETPLACE
Above: The city is home to new and growing business, as well as longestablished, family-run companies such as NAPA, which has been owned and operated by the Powell family for more than 50 years. Pictured are, front row, Jane Powell, Dee Powell and Bob Powell; back row, Tyler Powell, Craig Powell, Jake Powell and Scott Powell.
area has century-old buildings, including the Carnegie Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown is a center of entertainment. It features restaurants, live music, a restored art deco movie theater and Library Square, a popular site for gatherings.
