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CHAMBER HORIZONS
Official Newsletter of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 116 | ISSUE 12
Upcoming Chamber Events
Make every day...
Wake Up Alexandria! Friday, December 1 from 7:30-8:30 am Alexandria Covenant Church | 4005 Dakota St. Nonprofit of the Day: Douglas County Fair Board
“Better than Yesterday” was the Chamber’s 2023 theme, chosen by Board President Tyler Notch of Grand Arbor by Knute Nelson. The theme was built upon Tyler’s personal belief that we can never stop improving. As he started the year, he shared these words on how this theme relates to our community: “...it’s easy to see that our community isn’t satisfied with being just
another stop for people on I-94. Rather, we truly want to be a place where you can live, work, play, and prosper, both personally and professionally. This community continues to look at all obstacles, adversity, and challenges as an opportunity to grow. This constant strive for growth is at the core of my theme... I want to look back 10 years from now and see a community that is continuing to innovate, lead and collaborate for a better tomorrow.”
We will share many of the ways our Chamber, our members, and our community lived out this theme in our annual publication put out in conjunction with our annual celebration. Thank YOU for constantly striving to be Better than Yesterday in all that you do! ~ Tara Bitzan, Director, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
Save the Date!
Chamber Annual Celebration Monday, February 5, 2024 More details to come!
Member Webinar: ResortForward Software Demo (Details on Page 2) Tuesday, December 5 from 10-11 am Alexandria Chamber | Virtual Event Visit www.AlexandriaMN.org to register Wake Up Alexandria! Friday, December 15 from 7:30-8:30 am McCarten Design & Pinecasa Rentals Starling House: 519 6th Ave. W Nonprofit of the Day: Windmill Ponds Holiday Attire Contest! Member Webinar: Clear Answers about Clear Vision with Vance Thompson Vision (Details on Page 2) Thursday, December 21 from 12-1 pm Alexandria Chamber | Virtual Event Visit www.AlexandriaMN.org to register
Give the gift of Chamber Bucks! Consider giving Chamber Bucks for gifts or employee rewards this holiday season. Anybody can purchase Chamber Bucks and they can be spent at hundreds of participating Chamber member businesses! Chamber Bucks are available in any increment and are valid for 12 months. There are no fees involved - if you purchase $20 in Chamber Bucks, you pay $20! Best of all, Chamber Bucks keep dollars local. Order ahead by calling 320-763-3161, emailing info@alexandriamn.org, or order online at www. alexandriamn.org.
Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Horizons, USPS 330070, is published monthly by the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, MN 56308. Postmaster: Send address changes to
Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce | 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308 info@alexandriamn.org | 320-763-3161 | www.alexandriamn.org
Member Webinars Member Webinars are unique opportunities for members to host webinars and market their services through the Alexandria Chamber. The Chamber will take care of the marketing, set up the virtual meeting and handle the registrations for you! Webinars are open to the public and free to attend. To learn more, call 320-763-3161 or email info@alexandriamn.org.
ResortForward Software Demonstration
Reservation and Integrated Point of Sale Software built specifically for resorts and campgrounds. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 FROM 10-11 AM
Virtual event: Register at www.alexandriamn.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 FROM 12-1 PM
Virtual event: Register at www.alexandriamn.org.
Join Dr. Deborah Gess Ristvedt and Dr. Mathew Walker of Vance Thompson Vision as they discuss creating a positive patient experience, why Vance Thompson Vision invests in the most advanced technology, and surgical eye care offerings provided by the team in Alexandria.
Dave Olson Brian Schmitz
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Resort Forward co-founders Dave Olson and Brian Schmitz will give an in-depth walkthrough of the software features and answer questions. Some of the features shared during the demonstration include booking and managing new reservations, reviewing detailed reports, managing units, boats, and guests, setting up automated emails and text messages, sending payment links, setting up and managing guest invoices, integrations with QuickBooks, Airbnb, VRBO, and others; and working in the software’s integrated point-of sale.
Clear Answers about Clear Vision
CO-FOUNDERS
DEBORAH RISTVEDT, DO
MATTHEW WALKER, OD
Welcome! November new members Adler Ranch Weddings and Events Marlys and Kurt Steidl 320-760-8314 6001 County Rd. 42 NE info@adlerranch.com www.AdlerRanch.com Friends of Christmas 320-815-3184 christmasinalex@gmail.com www.ChristmasInAlex.com
Pincasa Rentals Courtney Childers and Kari Ziesemer 320-370-0904 pincasarentals@gmail.com Taco John’s 320 763-7885 1702 Broadway St. tj9667@echosinc.com www.TacoJohns.com
The Arts Collaborative Chalsey Falk theartscollaborativemn@gmail.com TheArtsCollaborativeMN.com
Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!
Committed Caregivers. Heartfelt Hospice. “We couldn’t have done it without Knute Nelson Hospice.” - Kathleen Schwantz-Dahl, daughter of former hospice patient Is hospice right for your loved one?
2 Chamber Horizons | December 2023
Wake Up Alexandria
Special thanks to our 2023 sponsors Alomere Health and Knute Nelson for sponsoring the Spring Speaker Event held in partnership with Alexandria Public Schools, Lakes Country Service Cooperative, and Horizon Public Health featuring Carlos Whittaker on ‘How to be Human’.
Wake Up Alexandria is a networking event held the first and third Friday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 am at a Chamber member location. A dollar gets you in the door, with all proceeds donated to a 501(c)3 nonprofit Chamber member.
LGC Biosearch Technologies for sponsoring the Fall Luncheon featuring, Dr. Will Miller, who shared strategies for mental wellbeing and building a community of support.
November Hosts
Innovative Builders for serving as the Duffers Delight Title Sponsor, and to all businesses who served as green, tee, swag bag and team sponsors. Walmart Supercenter for serving as the New Member Sponsor by providing frames for new member certificates. Pot of Gold sponsors, listed in all Wake up Alexandria eBlasts, website, and at Wake up events. Bremer Bank for serving as the Chamber Buck Sponsor. Our media partners, KXRA-KX92-Z99 Radio and VoiceOfAlexandria.com, KIK-FM & COOL-FM, K-Lakes Country/ KLKX-FM, Echo Press Newspaper, and Senior Perspective.
C.I. Construction | November 3
1910 42nd Ave. W, Ste. 300 Nonprofit of the Day: Alexandria Area Hockey Association Since the 1940s, C.I. Construction has specialized in design-build construction and construction management. The company’s construction experience, in-house design capabilities, and experience with a diverse range of procurement methods ensure that goals for quality, budget, schedule, and scope are realized.
Big Ole Coloring Contest Winners! In October, the Chamber conducted a Halloween coloring contest featuring a picture of Big Ole dressed up as a bagpipe player for Halloween. The contest was for anyone ages 1-12. The Chamber received nearly 80 entries. All participants were entered into a drawing and 3 winners were pulled at random to receive a free Big Ole plush doll. This year’s winners included Olivia, Diego, and Taylor. Watch to see what Big Ole will dress up as for next year’s Halloween contest!
Creative Touch Boutique | November 17
504 Broadway St. Nonprofit of the Day: Alexandria Dollars for Scholars Creative Touch Boutique offers home décor, unique gift items, women’s and children’s clothing, and accessories. The inventory features a modern, inviting style that includes signs, florals, vases, seasonal décor, and the latest fashion trends.
Coloring contest winners included (left to right) Olivia, Age 9; Diego, Age 11; Taylor, Age 9
Better Women’s Health. Alomere offers you the most comprehensive Women’s Health care in the region. Working seamlessly together, our midwives and OB/GYNs offer a full-spectrum of care for a lifetime of wellness.
December 2023 | Chamber Horizons 3
Membership Team Volunteers on the Membership Team visit new member businesses to welcome them to the Chamber. They also serve as liaisons, supporting new members with introductions, information, and education on membership benefits.
November Visits Lakes Country Service Cooperative is a public, nonprofit membership-based organization dedicated to providing innovative services to schools, local and state government agencies, philanthropic, arts, faith-based organizations, and community nonpofit agencies.
Lakes Country Service Cooperative Mary Philipe, Communications Generalist
Mary Kay by Luna is an independent beauty consultant representing Mary Kay products and services. Luna’s specialties include overall skin care solutions, mother-daughter parties, facials, corporate gifts, virtual parties, and more.
Mary Kay by Luna
Angelica “Luna” Rivera Independent Beauty Consultant
Chamber Partners Platinum Alomere Health Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center Bell Bank Bremer Bank First Western Bank & Trust Glenwood State Bank Holiday Inn of Alexandria Viking Bank Walmart Supercenter
Gold
Alexandria Clinic, A Service of Alomere Health Douglas Machine Duininck Concrete Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Henry’s Foods Knute Nelson Network Center, Inc. US Bank
We appreciate your support!
Silver
3M Abrasive Systems Division Plant Aagard A’BriTin Catering Alexandria Industries AmericInn by Wyndham Sauk Centre AmericInn Lodge & Suites Alexandria Brenton Brother’s Market Elden’s Fresh Foods and Downtown Floral Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical
Garden Center, Inc. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Heartland Orthopedic Specialists Hilltop Lumber Horizon Public Health Massman Neighborhood National Bank Pike & Pint Grill Sanford Health SolarGen of Minnesota SunOpta Super 8 of Alexandria Tastefully Simple Widseth Winning Edge
Be Seen SAFELY for All Your Rehabilitation Needs Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Call 320.762.6079 or visit our website at: alomerehealth.com/services/rehabilitation 4 Chamber Horizons | December 2023
Ambassadors The Ambassadors are volunteers who extend the public relations arm of the Chamber. They attend business open houses, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings; welcome new businesses to the area; and commemorate relocations and major remodels. They are out making business visits the second Wednesday of every month.
November Visits ArtisTree Café is a new community art space located at 2020 Fillmore St. in Alexandria. Visitors can choose from a variety of comfortable and functional settings to inspire and support their art. A menu of food and drink options are also available.
ArtisTree Cafe - New Business Jeanne Tanksley, Owner
Bon Jo’s Boutique & Tanning was purchased by Denise Drown. Since taking over, she has made some updates to the logo, signage, and interior, and brought in some new lines. Bon Jo’s offers a variety of women’s products.
Bon Jo’s Boutique & Tanning New Ownership Denise Drown, Owner
Dawn’s Quilt Shop opened Dawn’s Quilt Shop Retreat Center in its upper level above the store. The retreat center offers a large space to work on sewing/crafting items for groups of various sizes, and furnished apartment spaces with full kitchens.
Dawn’s Quilt Shop - New Addition Dawn & Todd Gieseke
as and m t s i r h C Merrypy New Year Hap
The Laundry Basket is a new laundromat located at 2310 S Broadway St., Ste. 100, across the parking lot from Cub Foods. It has a variety of machines that fit load sizes of 1 up to 8 at a time. It also offers many soaps and softeners for purchase.
The Laundry Basket - New Business
Kaia Vatnsdal, Daughter; Marie Vatnsdal, Owner
“Good Neighbors You’ve Come to Trust”
(800) 246-7630 • www.wcsanitation.com December 2023 | Chamber Horizons 5
Thanks for sharing your ornaments! A total of 24 businesses brought in ornaments for the Chamber Christmas tree this year! The ornament selected as the most creative/unique (pictured), was submitted by Oak Park Campground. The business was awarded a free Chamber email blast. All other entries were placed in a random drawing for a free Chamber email blast. Those winners included Well & Company, PLLC and Colorful Seasons Garden Center. The tree was part of the Parade of Trees presented by the Runestone Museum and Legacy of the Lakes Museum.
Business Buzz Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) has several current points of pride. It was again named one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Institute’s Price for Community College Excellence, a recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges; the Legends Volleyball Team finished 3rd in the 2023 NJCAA Division III Volleyball National Championship in Cedar Rapids, IA; and President Michael Seymour and Vice President of Advancement & Outreach Jeff Wild recently attended the Governor’s Trade Mission in Australia to explore opportunities to develop a study abroad pipeline to attract students to ATCC. To include your business news in the Chamber Horizon Newsletter, email information to Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org.
ArtisTree Cafe celebrates grand opening with a ribbon cutting ArtisTree Cafe held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 2 to celebrate its grand opening. The new space at 2020 Fillmore St. (previously Quality Printing) is a community art space for artists of all levels. Visitors can choose from a variety of comfortable and functional settings to inspire and support their art. An in-house soda fountain and café are also available with a variety of drink and food options. Private space will be available for classes, meetings, parties, and more. Ribbon Cuttings are a service offered by the Alexandria Chamber. To learn more, email info@alexandriamn.org or call 320-763-3161.
6 Chamber Horizons | December 2023