Lead, connect, and collaborate for a thriving community.
CHAMBER HORIZONS
Official Newsletter of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 2
the
Survivor Way
Join us at the Chamber’s Spring Luncheon as we explore our survival skills!
APRIL 22 SERVING: 11:15 AM SPEAKER: 11:45 AM
Upcoming Chamber Events Hoffman was the last member of the Espada Tribe and last woman standing on Season 21 of CBS Survivor Nicaragua. That experience and others inspired her to share her message of positivity, determination, and confidence. She is the author of ‘Your Winner Within’ and ‘Write Yourself a Note.’
BROADWAY BALLROOM 115 30TH AVE. E, ALEXANDRIA $30/TICKET OR $250/TABLE OF 8
GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY:
Want to market your event? Add it to the Douglas County Community Calendar. It’s easy! Visit www.AlexMNCalendar.com and click “ADD AN EVENT.” Qualifying Chamber member events will be included in the Events at a Glance eBlast, reaching more than 1,400 emails weekly! For more information, contact the Chamber at 320-763-3161 or info@alexandriamn.org.
As we struggle to survive life’s challenges, we must remember that challenges allow us to get out of our comfort zone and move beyond self-limitations. It’s how we choose to overcome challenges that makes us who we are, and our strength in times of difficulty that proves our character! Holly Hoffman will share her experience of being on a reality show while encouraging us to think about how we live our lives. She will share 6 words to help us take on challenges and teach us that adversity is not as much about contending with problems as it is learning about who we are.
Market Your Events!
Register online by April 11 at alexandriamn.org or by scanning this QR code!
Wake Up Alexandria! Friday, February 2 from 7:30-8:30 am Unity Recovery | 503 Hawthorne St., Ste. 55 Nonprofit of the Day: Lutheran Social Service & NuVantage 2024 Chamber Annual Celebration Monday, February 5 Social: 5 pm | Dinner/Program: 6 pm Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center 2100 Arrowwood Ln. NW Hello Neighbor! Ink & Drink Hosted by Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission & Alexandria Chamber Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30 pm Copper Trail Brewing Co. |205 Broadway St. Wake Up Alexandria! Friday, February 16 from 7:30-8:30 am Alexandria Martial Arts & Movement 415 Fillmore St. Nonprofit of the Day: Lake Community Church Member Webinar: ResortForward Software Demonstration Wednesday, February 28 from 10-11 am Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Virtual Event
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
Chamber News The Top 5 Under 40 Young Professionals to be honored Each year, the Alexandria Chamber partners with Echo Press Newspaper to honor young professionals who are doing amazing things in our community. Numerous nominations were received from business leaders and community members. A committee of representatives from both entities judged the nominations and selected the honorees based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and overall depth of qualities. This year’s winners will be honored at the Chamber Annual Celebration on Monday, February 5. The 2023 honorees include:
Welcome! Jan. new members Dahmes Photography Amanda Dahmes | 320-760-9431 PO Box 33, Carlos amandadahmes@gmail.com book.usesession.com/i/IUJEttcJcv Studio Vino Jen Halman | 605-336-1337 1804 Broadway St., Ste. 180 admin@studiovinomn.com StudioVinoMN.com Thrivent Financial - Iverson & Kosters Alan Iverson & Lucas Kosters | 320-335-0085 1920 Turning Leaf Ln. SW, Ste. 7 & 8 alan.iverson@thrivent.com local.thrivent.com/directory/mn/alexandria US Army Recruiting Command James Knight james.e.knught6.mil@army.mil | GoArmy.com
Matt DeBoer Director of Business Development & Strategy, Knute Nelson
Saundra Lauer DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner/Owner, WELL & Company
Chelsea Lee On Air Talent, Leighton Media
Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!
SAVE THE DATE! 32ND ANNUAL
Kasey Morris Director of Events, Bold North Cellars
Mike Hawes Dustin Schlichting Co-owners, Noonan Sport Specialists and Renovant Fitness
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 ALEXANDRIA GOLF CLUB 2300 N Nokomis St. NE
Check the March newsletter for a follow-up on the celebration. You can also view the annual Chamber Tabloid inserted in the February 7 Echo Press Newspaper or online at alexandriamn.org.
NUMBERS. PEOPLE.
It takes balance.™
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
Nick Paulsen 320-759-5100, Alexandria CLAconnect.com ©2023 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
2 Chamber Horizons | February 2024
Wake Up Alexandria 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.
January Hosts
Business Buzz Mark Anderson, president/CEO of Knute Nelson, joined the board of directors of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services. He will serve a three-year term. Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical received the Greater Lakes Area Safety & Health Council’s annual award which recognizes businesses who practice outstanding safety and health leadership. Taylor Conn, formerly with eXp Realty, launched Alexandria’s newest brokerage ConnCrete Realty Solutions with her husband and business partner, Aaron Conn. The brokerage will offer residential and commercial services along with consulting services in the areas of investment portfolio reviews, liquidation preparation, facility condition assessments, new investor consultations, and owner’s representation services.
Alexandria Police Department | January 5
501 3rd Ave. W Nonprofit of the Day: Santa for Seniors Alexandria The goal of the Alexandria Police Department is to maintain professionalism with pride, enrichment to employees, fairness and consistency to the public, and maintain an environment in which every citizens’ rights will be protected and reserved in the quest for peace and safety for all.
Alomere Health | January 19
Alomere Pavilion: 207 18th Ave. E Nonprofit of the Day: Titus II, Inc. Alomere Health is a non-profit locally-governed health system that serves Alexandria and central Minnesota through a network of providers, services, locations, and solutions. The new Alomere Pavilion houses a rehabilitation facility that is more than double the size of the former facility in the lower level of the hospital.
Minnesota-based distributor, Spartan Promotional Group, is joining American Solutions for Business in Glenwood in 2024. The distributorship is comprised of 52 sale associates and 14 support team members and brings a robust accumulated customer base. To include your business news in the Chamber Horizon Newsletter, email information to Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org.
Alomere Health celebrates grand opening of the Alomere Pavilion!
A ribbon cutting was held January 19 to celebrate the new Alomere Pavilion rehabilitation facility. The first floor of the building doubles the size of Alomere’s previous rehabilitation space in the lower level of the hospital and allows for improved access for patients, decreased waiting times for appointments, expansion of therapists, and additional services. The facility includes a second floor for future growth. Pictured are Alomere team members along with local contractors who played a role in the construction project.
State-of-the-art rehab! In january, we opened the doors of the region’s most comprehensive rehabiliation services clinic. With 16,000 square feet of space specially designed for therapy, patients can get all of their physical, occupational, and speech therapy right here at home. One more reason why it’s better here.
REHABILITATION SERVICES
February 2024 | Chamber Horizons 3
5 Key Benefits of Membership
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Chamber marketing venues such as the Visitor & Resource Center, website, social media, and events offer opportunities for increased exposure and awareness.
visibility
learn more
connections
Chamber programming offers opportunities to make connections, build relationships, and form partnerships to build a network and increase your client base!
learn more
Learn, grow, and stay informed through Chamber events, communications, newsletters, seminars, professional development opportunities, and more.
eDUCATION
learn more
The Chamber serves as a collective voice for nearly 700 local members to influence government on issues impacting your business and our Greater Minnesota community.
ADVOCACY
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CREDIBILITY
Consumers trust Chamber members! They are 44% more likely to think favorably of them and 63% more likely to purchase from them (American Chamber of Commerce Executives and Small Business Network study).
learn more
“Knute Nelson opened their arms to me, which really gave me confidence.” - David Kjos, Former Knute Nelson Client
4 Chamber Horizons | February 2024
Learn more about recovery options.
Member Benefits Overview Visibility
Connections
Online:
Enhancements Upload logo, photo, video Add description Add coupon/discount Add hyperlink Jobs Board Listings Online Membership Directory Listing Social Media Tags/Links/Shares Welcome Listing on Homepage of Website for 30 days
Print:
Annual Celebration Tabloid Ad Business & Industrial Appreciation Day Tabloid Ad Convention Bag Stuffers Marketing Materials in Visitor & Resource Center Membership Directory Listings Membership Directory Ad Monthly Newsletter Ad
Event Sponsorship & Hosting: Duffer’s Delight Golf Tournament Listen & Learn Member Webinars Spring/Fall Luncheon Wake Up Alexandria
Other:
Business Buzz in Newsletter Email Blast $100/$65 Events at a Glance Groundbreaking/Ribbon Cutting Events Membership Team Visit and Promotion Relocation Packet Marketing
INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED $60/yr INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED Varies Varies INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED Varies Varies Varies Varies $150 Varies $200 INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED
Alexandria Area Young Professionals Business & Industrial Appreciation Day Annual Celebration Duffer’s Delight Golf Tournament Wake Up Alexandria
Education
Chamber 101 Email Communications Leadership Alexandria Listen & Learn Member Webinars Newsletter Spring/Fall Luncheons
Varies Varies Varies Varies $1 INCLUDED INCLUDED Reduced INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED Varies
Advocacy
Connections with government officials (local & state) Grow Minnesota Program Minnesota Chamber Federation Minnesota Chamber of Commerce United Voice
Credibility
Membership Cling, Certificate, Online Logo Referrals - Walk-In, Phone, Email, Website
Other Benefits
Certificate of Origin Chamber Buck Program Insurance Discounts Member Mailing Labels Membership Team Visit Notary Services Rentals Projector Roland Speaker System Bose Speaker System
INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED INCLUDED Varies Varies INCLUDED INCLUDED $25 INCLUDED $25
Working together to build a community that attracts businesses, visitors, residents and investors - PRICELESS!
monday-friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Tara Bitzan
Executive Director
jess ptacek
206 Broadway St. Alexandria, MN
Program & Events Coordinator
Lead, connect, and collaborate for a thriving community. Lauren Johnson Marketing Coordinator
Macy Johnson
Member Relations Specialist
320-763-3161 alexandriamn.org
February 2024 | Chamber Horizons 5
Hello Neighbor is a Douglas County area initiative, brought to you by the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC) and the Alexandria Chamber that helps new and existing residents integrate into the community. We believe that building strong relationships - both in and out of the workplace - is key to creating a thriving community. By encouraging employees to connect, you’re not just supporting them, you’re investing in the future of your business and the Douglas County area. Let’s make it happen together! Boost engagement and retention by helping your employees feel a sense of belonging in our community! Our program cohosts events throughout the year for residents to get to know one another. We’re here to support those looking to find “their people” and hope to help them make some connections along the way!
ENGAGE YOUR TEAM!
MONTHLY SOCIAL EVENTS: Help employees find “their people” by promoting our social events that occur every 2nd Tuesday of the month!
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EVENT: Discover ways to get involved, meet new people, and explore what Alexandria has to offer.
Hello@HelloNeighborMN.org HelloNeighborMN.org @HelloNeighborMN
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! GOOD NEIGHBOR • Logo on website for one year, linked to your business website $500 • Visual recognition at monthly events • Quarterly newsletter recognition, linked to your business website • Logo on monthly event flyers • Logo on monthly event email blast marketing (AAEDC & Chamber) • New sponsor recognition post on Hello Neighbor Facebook page GREAT NEIGHBOR
$1000
• Logo on website for one year, linked to your business website • Visual recognition at monthly events • Quarterly newsletter recognition, linked to your business website • Business spotlight on website • One job posting email blast from AAEDC • Annual Community Connections event marketing including: • Logo event flyer • Logo on email blast marketing (AAEDC & Chamber) • Social media recognition • Verbal & visual recognition at event • Two yard signs displayed at event • New sponsor recognition post on Hello Neighbor Facebook page
To learn more, call 320-763-1489 or email Jess at jess@alexandriamn.org!
6 Chamber Horizons | February 2024