August 2019
Community Connections “Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Industry links through Pork Masters
Inside This Issue Page 2 - Your Call to Leadership Page 3 - Programs Resume in Autumn Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs Page 6 - Discount Fair Tickets Available Page 6 - Grant Funding for Youth Programs Page 7 - Ambassador Visits
P L AT I N U M M E M B E R
Martin County Pork Producers along with the Agri-Business and Ambassador Committees of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce have joined together to host the 27th Annual Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing on July 22, 2019 at Interlaken Golf Club. This event recognizes the importance of the pork industry to Martin County and the state of Minnesota while raising funds for AgScholarships and Ag-Awareness. Lunch and dinner was provided for the participants at Interlaken Golf Club. There were games and prizes on every hole. Most games, like “Putting For Pork” and “Makin’ Bacon” rewarded skill, while other games
ABOVE: Pork producers and agri-business representatives gather to golf, network and strengthen the industry at the annual Pork Masters Golf Outing.
like “Ham Slice” rewarded those with lack of skills. Pork producers
and agri-businesses throughout the region (Continued on page 4)
Beginning the next chapter
By: Benjamin Landsteiner - Social Media/Marketing Coordinator For more than three years, I have to a new chapter in my life and in my career as I take on had the great privilege to serve this an active role in the daily operation of my business partcommunity through my work with the nership at JL Computers. Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the and Visit Fairmont. It is with a spirit board, staff and membership of the Fairmont Area Chamof both excitement and of sorrow that ber for the many opportunities I have been given during I announce my resignation as the So- my time with this organization. I am excited for the new cial Media/Marketing Coordinator for the Fairmont Area challenges that await me and I look forward to continuChamber. My last day of employment with the chamber ing my service to the residents and the businesses of our will be August 15. At that time, I will be moving forward great community in my new role at JL Computers.
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org •
FairmontChamber
M i s s ion St a te me n t : T h e Fairm ont Area Cham ber of Com m erc e is a n a dvo ca te fo r pro mo ting a he a l thy b us ine s s cl im
Board of Directors Officers: Chair Sara Pierce Pierce Accounting and Tax Services
Vice Chair Deb Barnes Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center
Past Chair Les Anderson Martin County Farm Bureau
Treasurer DeAnn Eversman Dee’s Floral & Designs
Board of Directors: Stephanie Busiahn Visit Fairmont Dave Cone Kahler Automation Corporation Brandon Edmundson Krahmer, Shaffer & Edmundson, Ltd
Nicole Gries Valero Renewables
Staff:
Judy Gustafson U.S. Bank
Teresa Haycraft Fairmont Ford John Kasper Graffiti Corner
Steve Pomerenke Compeer Financial Blake Potthoff Fairmont Opera House, Inc.
Ned Koppen President president@fairmontchamber.org Kandi Menne Office Manager/Director of Communications info@fairmontchamber.org
Benjamin Landsteiner Marketing & Social Media Coordinator benjamin@fairmontchamber.org Miranda Larsen Finance Coordinator finance@fairmontchamber.org
Contact Information:
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce 323 East Blue Earth Avenue P.O. Box 826 Fairmont, MN 56031 Phone: (507) 235-5547 www.FairmontChamber.org
Your call to leadership
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By: Ned Koppen - Chamber President
Leadership in any community is important and about issues affecting community health that influences we have a tremendous opportunity to become better action choices leaders. Over a year ago the Board members of the Fair- Building Social Capital – A network of relationmont Area Chamber of Commerce applied for our com- ships for getting things done for a healthy community. munity to be part of the Blandin Community Leadership Mobilizing – Engaging enough people, resourcProgram. This program is made possible through fund- es, and power to get the job done. ing from the Blandin Foundation. The Blandin Founda- Being and working in a retreat environment tion offers grants and opportunities to towns and cities fosters healthy relationships among participants that in rural Minnesota. The Fairmont Area was chosen to will enable them to come back to the Fairmont Area and be a participant in this year’s program. That work together more effectively. means we are able to send 24 people, who want For anyone interested in being part of to learn more about themselves and how they the group we are sending to the BCLP there is can make a positive difference in a simple and easy application that the Fairmont Area, to the Blandin can be done online at leadership. Community Leadership Program blandinfoundation.org. The dead“The Blandin this October. line is August 19th. This program The program consists of a is designed for emerging and esprogram is looking 5 day retreat and 3 follow up day tablished community leaders. Apsessions. The retreat is October 21plicants should want to be more for ... people who 25 at Sugar Lake Lodge south of effective at developing and sushave a commitment Grand Rapids, MN and the one day taining the health of their commusessions will be held in Fairmont nities. They should also be actively to their community in December, February and March. involved in community life, credand a willingness This program has been in existence ible and open minded, open to risk since 1985 and we have had the taking, passionate and willing to to be involved in opportunity to send a group twice work collaboratively. The BCLP seshaping its future." before in past years. The alumni lection process will work to reach from those groups have often talkall dimensions of the community ed about the great experience and and the cost for participants is free. the positives they were able to take away from the pro- Your cost commitment is your time away from work and gram and bring back to the Fairmont Area. family and any travel expenses. The Blandin Foundation The Blandin program is looking for 24 individu- uses $4,000.00 to cover the entire cost of each particials that share this in common: people who have a com- pant’s tuition, food and lodging for retreat and the 3 one mitment to their community and a willingness to be in- day sessions. volved in shaping its future. The BCLP helps emerging If you are interested in challenging yourself and and established leaders understand more deeply the working to improve our community, this is a great opdynamics of their communities, the skills of working portunity for you. It is a great opportunity for our comtogether effectively, and the critical role shared leader- munity as well. For more information you can go to ship plays in building a healthy community. The BCLP leadership.blandinfoundation.org or you can contact approach is that community leadership is different from me at the Chamber by calling 507-235-5547 or email at organizational leadership. It is more complex and re- president@fairmontchamber.org. Consider this chance quires a different set of skills. The program is centered to learn more and make a difference. You can develop on three core competencies: relationships with your leadership group that will pay Framing – The creation of shared meaning off for all of us.
ma te by faci l i t a t i n g a c ce s s to le a d e rs , co mm unic ation and educ ation t hrough programs a nd s e r v ice s fo r its me mb e r s .
Pork Masters
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(Continued from page 1)
PorkMasters 2019 AM Session Winners: Dan Berkner, Adam Hollerich, Phillip Schwanz and Steve Meyer
PorkMasters 2019 PM Session Winners: Gary Lager, James Compart, Dean Enter and Ryan Bode
came to participate in the day-long event. More than 260 golfers, nearly 100 sponsors, and numerous volunteers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf, fun, food and networking. Two teams brought home trophies with winners
from each the morning and evening sessions. Thank you to all our generous sponsors who make this event possible and recognize the importance of the pork industry in Martin County and in the state of Minnesota. Thank you
also to the many volunteers who have made the event successful over the past 27 years. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 28th Annual Pork Masters Golf Outing on July 27, 2020!
As the summer season nears its end, the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to kick off a trio of monthly events to resume this fall, following a brief three-month summer hiatus.
Each year, Bureau 14 and Agri-Business Committee meetings are put on hold during the summer season to accommodate busy schedules. Social Media Breakfast, a program which began in the spring of 2016, is set to return in
September as well, with a full season of instructors and focus topics to help you keep up with current technology trends. Visit our website for more information on these and other chamber programs at www.FairmontChamber.org.
Three programs to resume in autumn PAUL KLOECKNER Product Specialist
■ Sales & Leasing Expert ■ Customer Focused Service ■ Competitive Pricing “Your Friendly Ford Dealer Since 1909”
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FAIRMONT FORD
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507-235-6681
Email: Paul@fairmontford.com Mon 8-8; Tues through Fri 8-5:30; Sat 8-3
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Chamber member business briefs Fairmont Ford (507) 235-6681 Teresa Haycraft, recently graduated from The Nation Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) Academy. Six, one week long, intensive sessions combined with practical hands on applications of how to run an auto dealership. Each week focused on a different department: Parts, Service, New Cars, Used Cars, and Financial Analysis. In each department they zoned in on the 4 corner stones of a successful organization: the vision, process, structure, and people. The question was, how can we become best of class in customer service in each department getting customers to return again and again. The biggest thing the class taught is there is no room for complacency when striving for excellence in customer service. Teresa is the General Manager at Fairmont Ford. Burtis Chiropractic Center (507) 235-5551 Dr. Scott Burtis was recently invited by Nutri-Dyn Corp to present talks on Functional Medicine and Nutrition in July. The talks he gave were to other health care practitioners including D.O.s, C.N.P.s, personal trainers, and other Doctors of Chiropractic as well as Nutrition Industry Experts. He presented talks in Eden Prairie, St. Peter, and Marshall on Mastering Metabolism with special emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle interventions for weight loss, muscle gain, and anti-aging. Dr. Burtis incorporated recent advances in such topics as ketogenic diet, carnivore diet, intermittent fasting, and advanced nutraceuticals. Dr. Burtis is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner who has practiced in Fairmont for over 30 years.
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Fairmont Farmers Mutual Insurance (507) 235-9476 We are excited to announce that as of June 1, 2019, we are able to insure property in the state of Iowa. The expansion to Iowa has been a part of our long range plan for many years and is a logical move based on our agents and our insureds proximity to Iowa, as well as our home office location. The expansion to Iowa will allow us to better serve our current policyholders and agents, in addition to contracting agencies in Iowa to further expand our footprint. Sweet Financial Services (507) 235-5587 Announcing: The real‐life inspiration for the movie starring Will Smith, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, Chris Gardner…coming to Fairmont on October 1st! Chris Gardner is an international best-selling author, speaker and awardwinning film producer AND this event is complimentary! As of now, it’s only open to Sweet Financial clients first but will be open to the public September 1st!! Be sure to save this date and contact our office to get on the RSVP list!
Sweet Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
KFMC/KSUM Radio (507) 235-5595 LakesFM & KSUM celebrated milestones this year. KSUM celebrated 70 years on the air & LakesFM enjoyed its first full year on the air since the format change of KFMC. Both stations celebrated with a Birthday Bash at Cedar Creek Park. Listeners were Fairmont Opera House, Inc. treated to pork chops on a stick, chips, pop & cake. We've kept quite busy (507) 238-4900 this summer as we truck around a 2019 Fishing Boat that will be given away Becky Schlegel’s music is original, drawing later in the year. LakesFM & KSUM look forward to continually enhance our on the influence of classic country, bluegrass, communities by thoughtfully informing, entertaining, and serving the people folk, and her own thoughtful spirit. Becky’s incredible voice floats, whispers who live here. then soars above music of the highest quality. She takes her listeners on a musical journey, exploring new places and meeting new people in every Martin County Historical Society song. This is a FREE event that will be held at Sylvania Park on August 29th (507) 235-5178 at 7 PM! Free Will Donations will be accepted. Thanks for a great summer Richard and Catherine Wollaston from England visited series! Stay tuned for more events at the Fairmont Opera House! the museum. Richard is the great grandson of FairUnited Hospital District, Inc. (507) 238-1287 Representatives from Faribault County Sheriff’s Department, City of Albert Lea’s Police S.W.A.T. Team and United Hospital District met on July 12, 2019 to complete the donation and transfer of a UHD ambulance to the South Central Drug Investigative Unit.
mont’s first mayor, Percy Wollaston. This spring saw a number of Martin County school visits to the museum as well as the annual “Walking Tour” for students that was held at Heritage Acres. These activities give the youth of Martin County the opportunity to experience Martin County’s history firsthand. The Kesler Room is now completed and is the site for all of our Railway Motors displays and documents. The Archive Room is also completed and holds many scrapbooks, blue prints, school newspapers, and other documents.
e r e c o g n i z e d a s t h e l e a d e r i n a s s i s t i n g a r e a b u s i n e s s e s t o p r o s p e r.
Chamber member business briefs Red Rock Center for the Arts (507) 235-9262 2nd Annual Wine & Chocolates Open House and Membership Drive on Wed., August 21, 4:30-6:30. Free admission to live music, artisan vendors, yard games and make it and take it projects. Punch cards available for wine sampling by Round Lake and Indian Island Winery, homemade chocolates, cash bar, food and more. Come and join the fun.
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Kahler Automation (507) 235-6648 WELCOME to three new employees at Kahler Automation – Jet Wayne has joined our Computer-Aided Design area as a CAD Specialist, and Ryan Shumski & Ben Byers are now Production Associates in our Operations department. Glad to have you all on board! Meanwhile, Kahler is currently in the middle of summer Advanced Training at our Fairmont industrial park facility. Through a dozen sessions during July & August we’re bringing in more than 125 customers from across the U.S. — including Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Washington, Texas, and California — as well as Ontario, Canada. Keep an eye out for all of those out-of-state plates!
Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency Inc. (507) 238-2008 Fairmont Elementary School Supply donation drive. August 1 - August 30th. See our facebook page for complete listing of supplies and non -perishable snacks needed. Any cash donations will be Profinium, Inc. used towards purchasing additional items. Drop off location - Peterson-An- (507) 235-5538 thony Insurance: 1501 S State St suite 250, Fairmont, MN Profinium, Inc., appoints leaders to new roles as the organization continues to grow and Century 21 - Gillian Tunnell evolve with its people and customers of the (507) 399-9211 region. Ron Kopischke is the new West ReAre you thinking that you can’t buy a home gion Business Development Director. Ron because you haven’t 20% of the purchase price for a down payment? The is a proven Agri-business banking expert. His value to our existing clients good news is that there are now loan programs only requiring little or no will now be shared into our larger market enabling him to bring Profinium’s money down! The type of loan you may qualify for depends on your financial team, professional services and expertise to more people in southern Minnesituation - your current debts, income and credit history. There are three sota. Ian Bents has been appointed to the position of President in Fairmont. main types of low deposit loan programs – Dept of Veterans loans for veter- He will lead the Fairmont market as Profinium’s full financial health center ans or active service members, First Time Homeowners for those who have continues to grow. not owned a home in the past three years, and FHA Rural Housing loans. They each have requirements for eligibility, check with a lender for details. Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store When you have qualified, give me a call and I would be pleased to help you (507) 238-2269 find a home that fits your needs! Customer Appreciation Days: August 12-18. Shop discounts throughout the store – register for prizes. We also have adFairmont Photo Press vance (discounted) tickets for the Inaugural Bacon and Beer Fest held during (507) 238-9456 - August 1st,2019 the Martin County Fair, Sat August 17th from 3 to 6 pm. We appreciate your We're expanding services we offer the loloyalty and more than $12,000,000 has been invested back into our commucal community! Need your passport updated? We can take your photo nity since 1977. to complete your application at the Martin County Recorder’s office! We are happy to continue to provide this service. When Deb Kelly at “Pic- Shoe Sensation ture This/Scrap That“ announced that she would be closing, we knew that (507) 238-9211 one of the services she offered locally was a place to be able to get your “Adopt” a child for back to school shoes ends August 12. Shoe Sensation is passport photo taken. We have purchased her equipment and are being partnering with Salvation Army to provide needed shoes for families in Martrained by Deb on the operation so we may be able to continue the good tin County. Shoe Sensation is providing a 20 percent coupon to be used for work that Deb did with passport photos. This is just one of the many ser- the shoe purchase. Check out the Shoe Tree in the store and help make an vices the Photo Press offers to the public. Stop in and see us! We would be amazing first day of school for a child of your choice by providing them with more than happy to assist you. a new pair of shoes. See the store for all the details. “Business Briefs” is a complimentary service provided by the Chamber for chamber members. Please limit your information to one paragraph of about 100 words. Example: expansion, new employees, awards, monumental anniversary, etc… A photo or logo can be included. NO Direct Advertising.
Core Values: We value for our members, employees and community: integrity in all we do, collaboration with all our stakeholders, growth and develop
Chamber Events
Mon, August 12th - Sun, August 18th Martin County Fair (Informational Booth) Wednesday, August 14th Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off Event Thursday, August 15th - 4:00 p.m. Young Professionals Network Monday, August 19th - 10:00 a.m. RBE (Retail) Committee Meeting Wednesday, August 21st - 3:00 p.m. Ambassadors Meeting / Ribbon Cuttings
THINK LOCAL FIRST!
DID YOU KNOW? How we choose to direct our spending helps to shape the future of our community. Consider every dollar spent a vote cast in an ongoing economic election, determining how unique, how vibrant and how healthy our community will be.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER! Re/Max Total Realty
Discount Fair tickets available! Advance tickets for the Martin County and Minnesota State Fairs are now available at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. The 2019 Martin County Fair is August 12-18. Season Passes are $20 when purchased in advance versus $25 at the gate. Daily admission prices are $8 every day except Saturday ($10) and Sunday ($5). Advance ride tickets are also available at $17 for 10 rides with wristbands discounted to $18 (good for unlimited rides during designated hours on Wednesday and Friday). Get your Martin County Fair tickets at these advance rates by Monday, August 12. The Minnesota State Fair is just around the corner, beginning August 22 and running through Labor Day, September 2. Pre-fair Admission tickets
are just $12. Regular gate prices are $15 per adult, and $13 for Seniors (65+) and youth (ages 5-12). Advance ride tickets may also be purchased at $15 for 25 tickets, with prices rising once the fair begins. The ever-popular Blue Ribbon Bargain Book is also available this year at a cost $5 per book. State fair tickets will be available at the chamber office through Wednesday, August 21. Stop by the Chamber office at 323 East Blue Earth Avenue in Fairmont for the best rates on all your county and state fair tickets. Call 507235-5547 for more information. Pre-Season Passes to the Martin County Fair can also be purchased at Avery Weigh-Tronix, Bank Midwest, CCF Bank, Fareway, First Farmers & Merchants, Hy-Vee, Profinium and State Bank of Fairmont.
The Martin County Youth Foundation grant applications are now available for their Fall grant cycle. Grants will be made to qualified, nonprofit organizations that will address important community youth needs. Funding received may be used for youth program costs and support materials. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)3 status, public agencies, units of government, and churches. The mission of the Martin County Youth Foundation is to acquire, manage and distribute funds to enhance the lives of youth in Martin
County. Interested groups may pick up grant applications and guidelines at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, 323 East Blue Earth Avenue or fill them out online at www.martincountyyouthfoundation.org. The deadline for submitting a grant application is September 15th. Please send completed grant applications to: Martin County Youth Foundation, P.O. Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031 or drop them off at the Fairmont Area Chamber office.
Youth program funding
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pment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Ambassadors celebrate achievement
INTERLAKEN GOLF CLUB
MILLER SELLNER
FAIRMONT FORD
CENTURY 21 - NORTHLAND REALTY
Ambassadors join chamber member Interlaken Golf Club to cut a ribbon during their 100th Anniversary celebration.
Ambassadors celebrate with chamber member Fairmont Ford as they mark 110 years of service to our community.
Chamber Ambassadors welcome Miller Sellner to the community upon their acquisition of local Case IH implement previously known as Rabe International.
Ambassadors congratulate chamber member Century 21 - Northland Realty on the completion of their new parking lot and office remodel.
Jeff Schlomann 201 Downtown Plaza | Fairmont (507) 238-4218 jeffreyschlomann.fbfsagents.com
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
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August programs at CER Stop by & see us at the Martin County Fair August 13-18. CER, Martin County Early Dental Care Network,, Fairmont Early Childhood Initiative exhibits in partnership with Chamber of Commerce Check out an Active Living Package from CER for your family gatherings; Bocce Ball, Croquet, Volleyball, Frisbee Golf, Softball, Basketball, Football, Soccer and other equipment/games are available. Go to fairmont.org (under the “citizens” tab) to see the new interactive map of walking/biking trails in our community. Special Thanks for our summer activity sponsors including Martin County Youth Foundation, Martin County Internship (MnVAC), School District (Summer Reads VISTA), City of Fairmont (Park Program), T-ball (Dan’s Appliance, Aventure, Exit Realty, Schmidt Installation, St. John Vianney, Clancey Chiropractic), Summer Fun Run (Mayo Clinic Health System, Fairmont Chiropractic & Acupuncture Health Care LTD, Burtis Chiropractic Center, Fairmont Family Dentistry, Carlson Dental Office, United Hospital District, J. Hokanson Print, Culligan Water, Fareway Food Stores, Hy-Vee Food Stores) and the many volunteers & participants involved.
Find up-to-date list of activities or register online with your MC/ Visa, visit the CER Web Store at fairmontareaschools.portal. rschooltoday.com and click on the CER tab.
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A SAMPLING OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES Advanced Dog Obedience August 13 Microsoft PowerPoint August 17 Microsoft Publisher August 21 Flag Football August 26 Gymnastics (Ages 3-6) September 4 Lights On For Kids Afterschool Enrichment September 9 CER Fall Track & Cross Country (Gr 5-6) September 9 Adult Basic Education/English Classes September 9 Safe Routes to School September 10 New CER Fall/Winter Catalog Mailing September 21 Co-Rec Fall Volleyball League Org Meeting September 24 Baton Twirling September 26 Elementary Cross Country Fun Run (Gr 5-6) September 26 …and much more! For more information, contact the CER office located in the Fairmont Elementary School Door 15A, 714 Victoria Street, Fairmont Call 507-235-3141 or Email rdauer@fairmont.k12.mn.us
Advertise in the 2020 Visitor Guide! Reserve your ad in the ultimate, all-inclusive Martin County Visitor and Relocation Guide today! Twelve thousand copies are printed and distributed each year in Martin County and throughout the tri-state area. Hundreds of copies are mailed directly to requestors who have expressed interest in visiting or relocating to Martin County. The digital version is viewed online by tens of thousands at FairmontChamber. org, VisitFairmontMN.com and Fairmont.org. This guide is a valued resource for current or prospective residents and visitors alike! Be sure your business, service or event is included.
Take advantage of our early bird ad special or enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on your ad if your business is a member of the Fairmont Area Chamber. Visit our website for additional details, rates and deadlines or contact Kandi by phone at 507-2354457 or by email at info@fairmontchamber.org.
Paul Seibert, O.D.
www.fairmontarealife.com
VISION CARE CONTACT LENS
James Busche, O.D.
1307 ALBION AVE., SUITE 102 FAIRMONT, MN PH: (507) 238-4228
Spencer Seibert, O.D. 111 E. 6TH ST. BLUE EARTH, MN PH: (507) 526-2020