2022 May Chamber Horizons Newsletter

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 MAY 2022 | VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 5

Congratulations Leadership Alexandria 2022 Graduates!

The Chamber celebrated the graduation of 24 community leaders from its Leadership Alexandria program in April.

The nine-month program includes touring the community to learn about local history, government, education,

business, personal wellness, and more.

The class also visits the State Capitol and takes behind-the-scenes tours of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and U.S. Bank Stadium.

Apply now for next Leadership session The Alexandria Chamber is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 Leadership Alexandria program. Visit alexandriamn. org/leadershipalex to view the brochure and to apply.

For information, call Jess at (320) 763-3161 or email her at jess@alexandriamn.org.

Upcoming Chamber Events Wake Up Alexandria!

Friday, May 6 | 7:30 - 8:30 am Runestone Community Center | 802 3rd Ave. W Nonprofit of the Day: Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra (Back, left to right) Loren Van Wyck, AFLAC (Anderson); Eric DelZoppo, Glenwood State Bank; Lindsay Rourke-Nelson, Alexandria Clinic, A Service of Alomere Health; Jason Rosha, Alexandria Police Department; Paul Fernholz, 3M Abrasive Systems Division Plant; Macy Merkel, Hagstrom Engineering; Dave Currens, First Western Bank & Trust; Jackie Lanoue, Special Event Boutique & Bridal; Brianna Myhre, Geneva Capital; Trina Wilke, Amy Christopherson - State Farm Insurance; Laura Wacker, ITW Heartland; William Klitzke, Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management; Tamara Arnott, Alexandria Technical & Community College; Blaine Green, Widseth. (Front) Sara Justison, Bethany on the Lake; Andrew Safe, Alexandria Industries; Ashley Rambow, Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors; Courtney Bitzan, McCarten Design; Katie DeGier, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; Chris Harris, Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation; Darcy Josephson, Alexandria Public Schools; Amanda Schueler, Horizon Public Health; Kristi Greathouse, Ellingson Plumbing Heating, A/C & Electrical; Leona Hurlbut, Gate City Bank.

Listen & Learn: Innovative Strategies at Alexandria Police Department (see page 2) Tuesday, May 17, 11 am - 12 pm Virtual Event Visit alexandriamn.org to register Wake Up Alexandria!

Friday, May 20 | 7:30 - 8:30 am WELL & Company, PLLC | 1103 Broadway St. Nonprofit of the Day: Planned Parenthood of Alexandria

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

Duffers Delight Add your swag to the Duffers Delight!

30TH ANNIVERSARY!

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 ALEXANDRIA GOLF CLUB | 2300 N NOKOMIS ST. NE

Promote your business through the “swag bags” given to each participating golfer at Duffers Delight. If you would like to include a tangible promotional item (no flyers please) for these bags, drop off 150 items to the Chamber office by Tuesday, May 31.

TITLE SPONSOR:

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS:

Listen & Learn Listen & Learn is a one-hour virtual event hosted by the Chamber. It offers information, education, and resources on topics that impact the community. Call 320-763-3161 or email info@alexandriamn.org for details. There is no charge for the event and it is open to the public.

TUESDAY, MAY 17 | 11 AM - 12 PM

Virtual event: Register at www.alexandriamn.org.

Innovative Strategies at Alexandria Police Department

Chief Scott Kent will share how the Alexandria Police Department (APD) is addressing community needs differently. Through focusing on the wellness of its officers, recruitment and retention, and new community programs, APD has been able to keep officers healthy and engaged in community efforts.

Learn what those efforts are, how they are being implemented in our community, and why it is important to you.

Chief Scott Kent, Alexandria Police Department

Kindness Campaign Launches!

We can always use a reminder to be kind to one another.

Let’s commit to doing better and thinking before we say or do something. Share kindness you see in the community or things you’ve done yourself on the Commit to Kindness Facebook and Instagram pages. Be kind and commit to it!

2 Chamber Horizons | May 2022

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.

April Hosts

Pot of Gold Winner The Chamber celebrated a Pot of Gold winner at Wake Up Alexandria hosted by Homeowners Financial Group on April 15! Alexandria Rotary Club was the winner of the Pot valued at $5,445. Donations include discounted services, gift certificates, and promotional items.

Sponsoring businesses are promoted through Chamber email blasts, at the event, and on the Chamber website.

All members are included in the drawing; a representative of the business drawn must be present to win.

Profile by Sanford | April 1

410 30th Ave. E Nonprofit of the Day: Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals Profile offers education, products, and support to help clients succeed in losing weight and obtaining a healthy lifestyle.

Clients are paired with a certified health coach with whom they meet weekly. Profile Plans include access to the Profile Journey App, bundling discounts on Profile foods, and more.

Greg Bohl of Widseth, Daylon Faber of Faber Insurance - Farmers Union Insurance Agency, Todd Emmons of Innovative Builders, and Brenda Thomson of Boy Scouts of America - Northern Lights Council accepted the Pot of Gold prizes on behalf of the Alexandria Rotary Club at the April 15 Wake Up Alexandria. The pot was valued at $5,445!

Relocation Packets!

Homeowners Financial Group | April 15

316 Broadway St., Ste. 6 Nonprofit of the Day: Alexandria Art Guild Homeowners Financial Group is committed to supporting borrowers while building a corporate culture focused on family. Using the latest technologies, trusted tools and exceptional service, the company’s licensed mortgage professionals guide you through the home mortgage process from start to finish.

The Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Relocation Packet. This packet is a comprehensive guide of the area for new and potential residents. It offers information on Chamber member businesses and organizations, our Visitor and Resource Center, city and county services, and more!

If you would like to keep a number of packets at your place of business to distribute to relocating employees or clients, or to use as a recruitment tool, call (320) 7633161 or email info@alexandriamn.org.

320.208.2619 | knutenelson.org/hospice.

May 2022 | 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.

April Visits Focus Financial – Lakes Area Group offers financial planning services such as tax reduction planning, investment oversight services, retirement, and more. The group collaborates to help its clients meet their financial goals.

Focus Financial - Lakes Area Group

Anne Kivisto, Assistant to Brian Fleming; Brian Fleming, Financial Advisor; Sandra Keenan, Financial Advisor; Barbara Beck, Assistant to Sandra Keenan, Brett Maloney, Financial Advisor

Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors is an association of local real estate professionals who have chosen to join the national association and abide by its code of ethics.

The group works together to educate the community on Real Estate trends and needs.

Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors

Julie Rambow, Past President; Ashley Rambow, Treasurer; Mike Munson, President; Heather Ahrens, CEO; Tasha West, Board Member; Brandon Johnson, MLS Chair; Taylor Brown, Board Member

GJ’s Tossed & Found offers a variety of antiques and repurposed furniture. Owners JoAnn Boorman and Geri Watson have been working in this industry for many years and opened the store to share their work.

GJ’s Tossed & Found

Geri Watson & JoAnn Boorman, Co-Owners

Let’s PLAY Tennis

Unity Recovery is a new business to the area. Owner Doug Paulson is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. He provides substance use disorder treatment and education in a small group setting, DWI classes, and more.

Whether you are wanting to get back to tennis after a few years away, or are a seasonal player ready for action, or someone wanting to learn the game for the first time – We’ve Got You Covered!

AATA has Group Programming for Youth Ages 5-14 and Open Activities for ages 15-99

Playtennis.usta.com/alexandriaareatennis E-Mail: alexandriaareatennis@outlook.com E-Mail us and we’ll add you to our list.

4 Chamber Horizons | May 2022

Unity Recovery

Doug Paulson, Director

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.

April Visits GJ’s Tossed & Found is a new home décor store that repurposes, recycles, and restores furniture and other items. It is located at 1804 Broadway St. in Alexandria. It is open Thursday through Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm.

GJ’s Tossed & Found - New Business Geri Watson & JoAnn Boorman, Co-Owners

Homeowners Financial Group is a full-service residental mortgage company that got its start in 2004. A new branch recently opened at 316 Broadway St., Ste. 6. The company’s culture focuses on giving back to the communities it is part of.

Homeowners Financial Group New Business

Kami Schefers, Licensed Mortgage Professional

Deann Reese owns Integrated Therapy Solutions, a new business that offers counseling, consulting, and clinical supervision. It offers an integrative approach to mental health care that includes community and embodies mind, body, and spirit.

Integrated Therapy Solutions New Business Deann Reese, Owner/Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

El Loro Mexican Restaurant was established in 1997 but is new to Alexandria. It is located at 4820 MN Hwy. 29. There are 14 locations in Minnesota and one in Iowa. The menu features Mexican cuisine with vegetarian options.

El Loro Mexican Restaurant New Business

Edwin Rene and Romeo Garcia, Servers; Saydi Montes, Fronthouse Manager; Herman Santos, Head Chef

Caring for you and your family is an honor and a sacred responsibility we take very seriously. And you can rest assured, our award-winning care teams know the latest therapies with access to state-of-the-art technology when you need us most.

Trust the best.

May 2022 | Chamber Horizons 5

Business Buzz Mike and Sammi Lindemann assumed ownership of Depot Express on April 1, after buying the restaurant from Sammi’s father, Kenny Neumann. Neumann and Bill Sekora opened Depot Express in 1985, converting the 1901 train depot into a restaurant and bar.

Hubbard Radio in Alexandria earned a Pinwheel for Prevention award from FamilyWise Services, the lead agency for child abuse prevention in MN. Hubbard Radio hosts the annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse on KIK-FM 100.7 and COOL 94.3 in partnership with the Douglas County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Grant County Child and Youth Council, and Todd County PEACE Council.

Tina Rice of Alexandria was named the 2021-2022 Woman of the Year by the Lakes Area Professional Women. Rice works at Douglas County Land and Resource Management.

Farmers Union Agency named Daylor Faber of Alexandria an Allebach Agent of the Year during the Farmers Union Agency 2022 awards dinner. The recognition is based on an individual’s selfless character, grit, commitment to community, and business results.

Noonan Sport Specialists recently hired Demara Bumgardne to join its Alexandria training facility as a certified personal coach.

American Solutions for Business in Glenwood inducted two members into its Hall of Fame at its National Sales Conference in Orlando, Florida in February. Late sales associates Tom Keller and Frank Quinlan were both honored posthumously.

Brandon Johnson and Lucas Mogenson of Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors were honored for successful sale achievements. Johnson, a managing broker, earned membership in the International Diamond Society. Mogenson, a sales associate/representative, was honored as a member of the International Sterling Society.

Welcome!

April new members

Johnny on the Spot CPR John Frusciante | 701-388-1552 johnnyonthespotcpr@gmail.com Marcus Construction Dan Jacobs | 320-222-6616 | 2580 Hwy. 12 E, Willmar info@marcusconstruction.com | marcusconstruction.com Ollie Birch Boutique Leah Meyers | 614 Broadway St. hello@olliebirchmn.com | olliebirchmn.com Project Pros Construction, LLC Dirk Hagedon | 320-760-1905 | 3653 County Rd. 2 SE, Osakis dwhprop@gmail.com | projectprosconstructions.com Target Focused Marketing Steve Gould | 320-491-8163 | 219 Central Ave., Osakis steve@targetfocused.marketing | targetfocused.marketing Creative Coatings John Boeckner | 320-808-3284 | 37910 210th St., Cyrus info@creativecoatingsllc.com | creativecoatingsllc.com

Unity Recovery held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 22 to celebrate its grand opening at 503 Hawthorne St., Ste. 55. It is operated by Doug Paulson, who provides substance use disorder treatment and education in a small group setting, DWI classes, and more.

6 Chamber Horizons | May 2022

Alexandria Lions Club Ron Branch | 320-460-0135 | branch@rea-alp.com Duininck Concrete Edward Peterson | 320-763-4600 | 4967 Hwy. 29 N edward.peterson@dconcrete.com | dconcrete.com Complete Ground Control Luke Buggert | 320-808-8666 cgroundcontrol@gmail.com | completegroundcontrol.com Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!