CHAMBER HORIZONS
Promoting the Alexandria Lakes Area as the ultimate destination to live, work, play and prosper.
Official Newsletter of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
FEBRUARY
Chamber Celebration spotlights successes of 2022 and plans for 2023
Thanks to all who attended the Chamber’s 2023 Annual Celebration January 30 at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. The event celebrated the successes of 2022 and gave a glimpse of what to expect in 2023. Here are a few highlights!
Kayla Fearing named 2022 Friend of the Chamber
Kayla Fearing, Director of Marketing for Hilltop Lumber, was selected as the 2022 Friend of the Chamber. Kayla is engaged in the Chamber’s Alexandria Area Young Professionals (AAYP) program and has served on the Leadership Team for the past three years. She is a regular attendee at AAYP meetings and events, and an active participant in the organization’s service projects. She is a current member of the Chamber’s Membership Team, Duffers Delight Committee, and Pride of the Lakes Marketing Committee. Kayla was the former Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Chamber and continues to be a strong advocate for the Chamber throughout the community.
Gilbertson given caricature
Outgoing presidents are honored each year with a caricature. The caricature for 2022 President Matt Gilbertson, Vice President Loans at Viking Bank, was created by Sophia Jones, a Communication Art & Design student at Alexandria Technical & Community College. It features Matt’s love of bass fishing and hunting while also sporting a Viking Bank coat.
2023 Chamber Theme
“Better Than Yesterday” is the 2023 theme chosen by incoming board president Tyler Notch, Executive Director of Grand Arbor.
President’s Award
New to the Chamber
Annual Celebration is the President’s Award. This award will be presented each year to an honoree selected by the Chamber Board President as someone who best exemplifies the Chamber theme for the year. Brenda Thomson was chosen for the 2022 President’s Award for being someone who displayed a strong sense of passion through the year. Brenda shows considerable passion and enthusiam for her work with the Boys Scouts and it carries into her other interests and organizations she’s involved with such as the Chamber and Rotary.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Wake Up Alexandria!
Friday, February 3 from 7:30-8:30 am First Lutheran Church/Community Preschool 1655 18th Ave. E
Nonprofit of the Day:
Central Lakes Concert Association
Wake Up Alexandria
Friday, February 17 from 7:30-8:30 am
More Annual Celebration highlights on page 2.
Vance Thompson Vision | 2600 Jefferson St. Nonprofit of the Day: Mount Carmel Ministries
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
2023
VOLUME
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Brenda Thomson, District Executive, Boy Scouts of America - Northern Lights Council
Chamber Celebration Highlights
The Top 5 Under 40 Young Professionals 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 for this honor. A committee made up of representatives from both entities judged the nominations and selected five honorees based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and overall depth of qualities. This year’s winners include:
Chris Harris of Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation was named 2022 Membership Team Member of the Year.
Tim Urness of Thrivent Financial was named Ambassador of the Year for 2022.
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former home
Alomere Health was recognized as the top Chamber Bucks Partner for keeping $113,837 local in 2022!
Diamond Buick GMC was the second top Chamber Bucks Partner for keeping $12,000 local in 2022!
Douglas Machine came in as the third top Chamber Bucks Partner keeping $8,870 local in 2022!
Home Heal th Ca re Learn more at knutenelson.org or call 320.287.6960 "They were like family ."
Davis,
health care
Familiar faces committed to improving your quality of life. 2 Chamber Horizons | February 2023
Violet
client
Brandy Quam Controller, Douglas Machine
Carley Noetzelman HUD Service Finances & Human Resources Director, Alexandria Area YMCA
Kristi Van Ahn-Kjeseth COO, Van Ahn and Company
Laura Hagstrom Senior Project Manager, Hagstrom Engineering
Samantha Beckman Vice President of Marketing, Knute Nelson
View the annual Chamber Tabloid in the Feb. 1 Echo Press Newspaper or online at alexandriamn.org.
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
support the community you love
Did you know there are nearly 30,000 adults in Douglas County? If every adult would shift $20 a month from online spending to local spending, it would add $600,000 per month ($7+ million a year) to our local economy!
On the business side, there are more than 4,600 businesses that operate in Douglas County. If each business would pledge to shift $500 a year in non-local purchases to local purchases, it would equate to $2+ million to our local economy.
Finances Made Simple | January 6
1707 Rosewood Ln. SE
Nonprofit of the Day: Kalon Prep Academy
It is the mission of Finances Made Simple, LLC to provide guidance and assistance for clients in claiming tax credits they may not have been aware they were eligible to claim through the Research & Development Tax Credit and Employee Retention Tax Credit.
To learn more and take the pledge, visit www.PrideOfTheLakes.com. Individuals can take the pledge for free while businesses can take it for $100/year. It has been shown that communities with buy local movements have 276% more growth in revenues. Help be the difference!
Welcome! January new members
Johnny Thill Leadership Coaching Johnny Thill 708-567-3498
700 Cedar St., Ste. 204 jthill@southwestern coaching.com www.southwestern coaching.com
Douglas County Library | January 20
720 Fillmore St.
Nonprofit of the Day: Central Minnesota Elder Network
The Douglas County Library offers a complete array of print books for all ages, as well as audio books, photocopies, computer printouts, scanning, public computers, faxing, proctoring, E-resources, online resources, a variety of events for all ages, and more
Groundbreaking care.
Coming soon: Alomere Health Rehabilitation Center. This new facility means better access for patients, decreased appointment wait times, and additional rehab services. Just another reason why rehab therapy is better here.
Kiwanis “Golden K” of Alexandria Gary Zavadil 414 Hawthorne St. 320-491-4405 goldenkk494@gmail.com www.alexgoldenk.com
Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!
Park State Bank
Kyle Anderson
8401 Unity Dr., Virginia, MN kyanderson@parkstatebank.com www.parkstatebank.com
T-Mobile by Arch Telecom
Gary Judkins 320-219-6027
915 Broadway St. gary.judkins@archtelecom.net www.archtelecom.net
True North Management Andrew Kromrey 320-219-7300
305 8th Ave. E info@truenorth management.us www.truenorth management.us
February 2023 | Chamber Horizons 3
1.visibility
2.connections
Chamber marketing venues such as the Visitor & Resource Center, website, social media, and events offer opportunities for increased exposure and awareness.
learn more
3.eDUCATION
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.
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4.ADVOCACY
5.CREDIBILITY
The Chamber serves as a collective voice for 600+ local members to influence government on issues impacting your business and our Greater Minnesota community.
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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
4 Chamber Horizons | February 2023 CARLOS CREEK WINERY S N O W S H O E & X C S K I T R A I L S at 22 NORTHMEN BREWING CO STOKE WOOD-FIRED PIZZA KITCHEN THE GRAND HALL WEDDING & EVENTS OPEN WEDNESDAYS - SUNDAYS // 12PM-5PM A L E X A N D R I A , M I N N E S O T A SNOWSHOE RENTALS AVAILABLE OR BYO EQUIPMENT 5 Key Benefits of Membership
Member Benefits Overview
YOU CAN BANK ON US.
Football
banking have a lot in common, like experienced coaching and trust. First Western is a locally owned, community bank — trusted for over 50 years. We are your friends and neighbors, people you can count on, providing local decision making.
firstwestern.bank Member FDIC Alexandria • Carlos • Miltona February 2023 | Chamber Horizons 5
and
Visibility Online: Online Membership Directory Listing INCLUDED Enhancements Upload logo, photo, video INCLUDED Add description INCLUDED Add coupon/discount INCLUDED Add hyperlink $60/yr Welcome Listing on Homepage of Website for 30 days INCLUDED Jobs Board Listings INCLUDED Social Media Tags/Links/Shares INCLUDED Print: Membership Directory Listings INCLUDED Membership Directory Ad Varies Marketing Materials in Visitor & Resource Center INCLUDED Convention Bag Stuffers INCLUDED Monthly Newsletter Ad Varies Annual Celebration Tabloid Ad Varies Business & Industrial Appreciation Day Varies Tabloid Ad Event Sponsorship & Hosting: Wake Up Alexandria $200 Duffer’s Delight Golf Tournament Varies Spring/Fall Luncheon Varies Listen & Learn Varies Member Webinars $100 Other: Email Blast $100/$65 Events at a Glance INCLUDED Membership Team Visit and Promotion INCLUDED Business Buzz in Newsletter INCLUDED Groundbreaking/Ribbon Cutting Events INCLUDED Connections Wake Up Alexandria $1 Business & Industrial Appreciation Day Varies Annual Celebration Varies Duffer’s Delight Golf Tournament Varies Alexandria Area Young Professionals Varies Education Leadership Alexandria Reduced Chamber 101 INCLUDED Newsletter INCLUDED Email Communications INCLUDED Spring/Fall Luncheons Varies Member Webinars INCLUDED Listen & Learn INCLUDED Advocacy Grow Minnesota Program Minnesota Chamber Federation Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Connections with government officials (local & state) United Voice Credibility Membership Cling, Certificate, Online Logo INCLUDED Referrals - Walk-In, Phone, Email, Website INCLUDED Other Benefits Notary Services INCLUDED Certificate of Origin INCLUDED Chamber Buck Program INCLUDED Relocation Packet Insert INCLUDED Insurance Discounts Varies Member Mailing Labels Varies Projector Rental $25 Roland Speaker System Rental INCLUDED Bose Speaker System Rental $25 Working together to build a community that attracts businesses, visitors, residents and investors - PRICELESS!
Legislative Corner
Attention employers!
Paid Family and Medical Leave Mandate Fast Facts
This proposal in front of the MN Legislature would create a mandatory 24 week paid leave program for all MN employers/employees. The program would begin taking effect in 2025, with implementation starting in 2023. Here are facts:
· Every MN employer regardless of size would be mandated to participate.
· Two main types of leave would be required to be available. Leave may be taken in increments: 1) Paid medical leave - up to 12 weeks for a serious health condition or pregnancy; 2) Paid family leave - up to 12 weeks to care for a newborn, adopted or foster child; safety leave; or to care for a family member who has a serious health condition.
· The leave can be combined for a total of 24 weeks. An additional up to 12 weeks is available for a military exigency. This is in addition to existing unpaid federal Family and Medical Leave Act requirements in some instances.
· Employers will be charged a .7% payroll tax to fund the program. There is no cap on the tax, meaning if program costs exceed the amount collected, the state will raise the tax. Employers may charge back employees for up to 50% of the tax under proportion, contract, or wage requirements.
· Employees will be paid a partial wage replacement based on income on a progressive scale. For lower income workers, the wage replacement rate will start at 90%.
· Employees have reinstatement rights – meaning their jobs must be held for them upon their return from leave.
· Employers may opt out of the mandate if they provide a leave program at least as generous. They must submit plans for approval. Employers who opt out will be assessed a fee.
· Employees are eligible 90 days after hire.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO VOICE YOUR CONCERNS:
Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R) District 9 (218) 205-5062 sen.jordan.rasmusson@senate.mn
Senator Torrey Westrom (R) District 12 (651) 296-3826 sen.torrey.westrom@senate.mn
Representative Mary Franson (R) District 12B (651) 296-3201 rep.mary.franson@house.mn
Representative Tom Murphy (R) District 9B (218) 640-1707 rep.tom.murphy@house.mn
Business Buzz
Hilltop Lumber acquired a fourth location in Park Rapids with the purchase of Northland Lumber. Hilltop Lumber was founded in 1988 in Glenwood and has since expanded to include more than 85 team members and four locations: Alexandria, Glenwood, Ottertail, and Park Rapids.
American Solutions for Business in Glenwood raised $13,841 from it’s United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties fundraiser this year. The funds raised will be directed towards United Way projects and efforts.
Convenience-store distributor Amcon Distributing Company has acquired Henry’s Foods of Alexandria. Henry’s is the largest c-store supplier in Minnesota. The business and name will continue in the marketplace, and the business will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Amcon.
Steinbring Motorcoach has been named as an RVBusiness Top 50 dealer. The award comes from RVBusiness magazine, which recently released the list of its 2022 Top 50 Dealers in North America.
Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors announced the acquisition of Neighborhood Realty, which will expand the Coldwell Banker brand into Sauk Centre and further into Central Minnesota. This is the fifth acquisition by Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors since joining the Coldwell Banker system in 1984.
KXRA-KX92-Z99 Radio and VoiceOfAlexandria.com announces that after 35 years, Brett Paradis will be stepping down from full-time employment at the end of June this year. With that comes the upcoming promotion of Chris Uhde to the position of Station Manager and Melissa Amundson to General Sales Manager.
To include news in the Chamber Horizons Business Buzz, email information to Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org
6 Chamber Horizons | February 2023
