CHAMBER HORIZONS
Unlocking Google Search Console
Essential Tools for Marketing Success
Join a valuable Google Search Console workshop, perfect for users of all experience levels. The event will kick off with a brief educational presentation on setting up and using the tool, followed by a hands-on session where the skilled CYBERsprout team will provide personalized assistance. Enhance your digital marketing strategy with expert guidance and practical insights.
The first 20 to 30 minutes will be a presentation, followed by group Q&A, and workshop time with one-to-one help. This event is limited to a maximum of 30 registrants and a minimum of 20. If the minimum requirement is not met, the event will be canceled and those registered will be notified and refunded.
thursday, september 19
Last Call for Fall Luncheon Tickets!
Culture Catalyst with Mike Henke. Ticket deadline extended to Tuesday, September 3. Purchase tickets at AlexandriaMN.org
People are a company’s greatest asset. That’s why it’s important to not only attract quality talent, but to help all team members grow and develop, and to create a culture where everyone feels valued and supported!
While leadership plays an important role in building that culture, every team member at every level directly impacts the culture. That includes YOU! Learn to create your ideal workplace by building an organizational culture others want to be part of. Become a company everyone wants to join, and no one wants to leave!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
BROADWAY BALLROOM - 115 30TH AVE. E
SERVING BEGINS: 11:15 AM PROGRAM BEGINS: 11:45 AM
$30/PERSON OR $250/RESERVED TABLE OF 8
Generously sponsored by:
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, SEPTEMBER 10 FROM 12-1 PM
Virtual event: Register at AlexandriaMN.org.
Inspiring Action for an Abuse-Free Community
Join this presentation by United Communities Advocating Non-Violence (UCAN) Alexandria to learn how we can collectively work toward a peaceful community, free from abuse. Through support, awareness, education, and involvement, UCAN’s mission is to transform the community and the lives of those affected by domestic violence. UCAN representatives will discuss topics related to domestic abuse/violence to help you understand how to support survivors, relationship dynamics and controlling behaviors, and how you can make a commitment to end domestic abuse/violence in Alexandria and surrounding communities.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 FROM 12-1 PM
Virtual event: Register at AlexandriaMN.org.
Strategies For Saving
Boost energy efficiency & save money at
your business
Discover strategies for reducing your business’s energy consumption and costs during this one-hour session. You will leave equipped with actionable knowledge to take control of your utility bills and implement sustainable practices in your business. You will also learn about a free, upcoming, consultation opportunity.
Energy Efficiency Week in Alexandria October 8-9. Scan the QR code to fill out a form to be contacted to schedule your free consult!
Relocation Packets
Did you know? The Chamber offers relocation packets to new and potential residents. The packets include maps, the Alexandria Visitor Guide, Guide to Douglas County, an economic development profile, law enforcement information, recreational information, and information on how to connect with Chamber member businesses for a multitude of services. To obtain one, visit alexandriamn.org/relocate or call 320-763-3161.
Jessica Hendrix, Outreach Coordinator, Energy Smart, MN Chamber
Heather Rondeau, UCAN President
Becky Schmitz, UCAN Vice President
Susan Keehn, UCAN Member
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.
August Hosts
Car Care Program | August 2
4353 County Rd. 82 SE
Nonprofit of the Day: Safe Families For Children
The Car Care Program provides safe, reliable cars or assists with car repairs for people in need in Douglas, Pope, and Stevens counties. Individuals are taught the basics of car care, budgeting, insurance, and more. The program operates with donations of vehicles, parts, and money, and volunteer labor.
United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties
August 16
503 Hawthorne St. Nonprofit of the Day: Cardboard Cares
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the community by investing in local programs that address specific community issues. Along with internal programs, United Way grants fund about 25 programs that serve residents of Douglas and Pope counties.
Farwell Historic Church & Event Venues
Deanna Alvord 320-259-5762
August new members
8 North St., Farwell deannaalvord@msn.com FarwellChurch.com
Owen Private Lake Home Rentals of MN
Tracy Anderson 612-669-5779
Alexandria carolynowen04@gmail.com OwenPrivateLakeHome RentalsMN.com
RightNow Rentals
Jay Fiskness
320-527-9001
6345 State Hwy. 29 S customerservice@ rightnowrentalsmn.com
RightNowRentalsMN.com
Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!
Add Chamber logo to your website
Did you know? Consumers who are told that a business is a Chamber member are 51% more likely to be highly aware of the business and 57% more likely to think positively of its reputation. Let them know you’re a member by adding a Chamber membership logo to your website. A link to download the image can be found on the online member portal at AlexandriaMN.org. For assistance, contact Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org or 320-763-3163.
Get your BIAD tickets!
Tickets to the 2024 Business & Industrial Appreciation Day (BIAD) luncheon honoring Alex Rubbish & Recycling as the BIAD award recipient are $30 per person or $350 for a reserved table of 10. A publication focusing on the accomplishments of Alex Rubbish & Recycling will be distributed through the Echo Press prior to the event. To purchase tickets to the event, visit EventCreate.com/e/ BIAD. Ad sales end Monday, September 9. Ticket sales end Friday, October 4.
Wednesday, October 23 from 11:30 am to 1 pm Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center.
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.
August Visits
Jake Joy Drywall
Anna & Jake Joy, Owners
Rendezvous Farm
Deanna Alvord, Owner/Wedding Coordinator
Caring for you
Jake Joy Drywall is a drywall contractor based in Alexandria that provides services throughout the state. Services include drywall delivery and installation, drywall finishing, priming, painting, and patchwork.
Lakes Catering is a local catering business owned and operated by Stacy Gerdes. The company offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Lakes Catering
Stacy Gerdes, Owner
Rendezvous Farm is a wedding and events venue located near Farwell on Lake Mattson. It offers a variety of all-inclusive packages including a Country Church wedding package, Sunrise Brunch wedding package, and the traditional all-inclusive wedding package.
Learn to optimize your membership at Chamber 101 Session
Join us for a Virtual Chamber 101 on Tuesday, October 1 from 7:30-8:30 am to learn more about Chamber programs, events, and membership benefits. Hear from fellow members as they share their experiences of being involved with the Chamber. Visit alexandriamn.org to register. For more information, call the Chamber at 320-763-3161 or email info@ alexandriamn.org.
in Alexandria & Parkers Prairie
No matter your health needs, at Sanford Health we’re committed to providing you with the care you deserve. We o er a full range of services right here.
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.
August Visits
The Henn House, owned and operated by Jacob Henn, is located at 1710 Fillmore St. It offers functional fitness classes, sports performance programs, and open member access.
Ollie Birch Boutique + Lounge recently moved to a new location at 518 Broadway St. It added ‘The Lounge’, is an alcohol-free alternative with zero proof cocktails, wine, beer, specialty beverages, and more. The store offers unique gifts, self-care items, candles, stationery, jewelry, and more.
The Friends of Christmas (FOC) formed as a small group of volunteers who wanted to expand Christmas in Alexandria. The group started an annual Lights on Broadway Holiday Light Parade and Garden of Lights walk-thru light display.
Friends of Christmas - New Organization
Members Pictured: Joe Korkowski, Explore Alexandria Tourism; Corey Enberg, Alexandria Police Department; Tara Bitzan, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Not Pictured: Bill Thoennes, City of Alexandria; Kris Chisholm, Car Care Program; Megan Chisholm, MC Marketing Co.; Chad Schroeder, Alexandria Police Department; Kasey Corcoran-Peterson, SERVPRO of Douglas & Otter Tail Counties
Darling Shores is a new vacation home rental association in Alexandria. The property features six vacation rental cabins, all privately owned. The properties are managed by True North Management and feature a variety of amenities.
Darling ShoresNew Association
Kelly Jahner-Byrne, Private Owner
Ollie Birch Boutique + Lounge - New Location & Expansion
Victoria Meyers, Employee; Leah Meyers, Owner
The Henn HouseNew Business & Location
Jacob Henn, Owner/Coach; Easton Castle, Student; Axel Liden, Student
Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon Cuttings are a service offered by the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, email info@ alexandriamn.org or call 320-763-3161.
KT Humble Hearts celebrated the grand opening of its office located in the Cedar Building at 700 Cedar St., Ste. 44. KT Humble Hearts was founded in 2014 in memory of siblings Kaylie Hogue and Tyler Hadley who both passed suddenly just 9 months apart. Their family and friends have come together to bring great purpose from their passing by helping others who are grieving find hope and healing to live again.
Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation held a ribbon cutting on August 7 to celebrate the grand opening of the J.A. Wedum Foundation Hall, located at 1509 Jefferson St. This new four-story, 60,000-square-foot student housing features one-bedroom studios and two-bedroom apartments to house an additional 150 students.
Business Buzz
Integrity Title announces the return of Jeanette Weber to the team. With her return, she will begin her 20th year of employment with Integrity Title and brings her long-time knowledge and expierence. Integrity Title provies real estate title services for the area and is active in community events and outreach.
To include your business news in the Chamber Horizon Newsletter, email information to Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Wake Up Alexandria!
Friday, September 6 from 7:30-8:30 am
The Spice & Tea Exchange | 604 Broadway St. Nonprofit of the Day: KT Humble Hearts
Listen & Learn: Inspiring Action for an Abuse-Free Community (Details on page 2)
Tuesday, September 10 from 12-1 pm
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce | Virtual Event Visit AlexandriaMN.org to register.
Chamber Fall Luncheon: Culture Catalyst (Details on Page 1)
Wednesday, September 11 from 11:15 am - 1 pm
Broadway Ballroom Event Center | 115 30th Ave. E Register at AlexandriaMN.org by Tues., Sept. 3.
Unlocking Google Search Console (Details on Page 1) Co-hosted by Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and CYBERsprout
Thursday, September 19 from 8-10 am
Douglas County Library | 720 Fillmore St. Visit AlexandriaMN.org to register.
Wake Up Alexandria!
Friday, September 20 from 7:30-8:30 am
Echo Press Newspaper | 225 7th Ave. E Nonprofit of the Day: Jingle Bells Foundation
Listen & Learn: Strategies for Saving (Details on page 2)
Wednesday, September 25 from 12-1 pm
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce | Virtual Event Visit AlexandriaMN.org to register.
Chamber 101 (Details on page 4)
Tuesday, October 1 from 7:30-8:30 am
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce | Virtual Event Visit AlexandriaMN.org to register.