August 2017 - Fairmont Area Chamber Newsletter

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Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce exists to promote a healthy business cli Board of Directors Officers: Chair Kerry Nagel Allen MRCI-WorkSource Vice Chair Les Anderson Martin County Farm Bureau Board of Directors: Deb Barnes Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center Stephanie Busiahn Visit Fairmont Chris Carstensen Carstensen Cabinetry and Woodworking Zephanie Cole Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC Staff: Margaret Dillard President Kandi Menne Office Manager/ Director of Communications Past Chair Ron Kopischke Profinium, Inc. Treasurer Sara Pierce Pierce Accounting and Tax Services Dave Cone Kahler Automation Corporation Brandon Edmundson Krahmer, Shaffer & Edmundson, Ltd Mandi Kosbab Edward Jones Ann Terfehr Dan’s Appliance Curt Foster Director of Finance and Operations Benjamin Landsteiner Marketing & Social Media Coordinator The strength of generations By: Margaret Dillard - Chamber President This is the time of year, I am reminded that communities in Martin County, Minnesota are “generational” communities and present a different culture than those characterized as “transitional.” Pork Masters Golf Outing is a joint effort with the Chamber’s Agri-business and Ambassadors Committees and Martin County Pork Producers. Approximately 250 pork producers and industry suppliers from three states come together at Interlaken Golf Course to have fun, network and create or cultivate business relationships. During the fair, the chamber committees facilitate Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off, where more than 400 ticket-holders will experience culinary creations, then collectively select 1st, 2nd and 3rd best pork dishes. Three judges will also pick their top three favorites. The day of both events, dozens of loyal volunteers, many who have worked these events for decades, come together with skill and precision to create pure magic! I believe this anomaly is only possible in generational communities, where families tend to stay for multiple decades allowing for established routines, traditions and foundations. Organizations and The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is laying the groundwork for the beginning of a trio of monthly events to resume this September, following a three-month summer hiatus. Bureau 14 and Agri-Business Committee meetings are put on hold each summer to accommodate complex and busy schedules. “I believe this anomaly is only possible in generational communities, where families tend to stay for multiple decades allowing for established routines, traditions and foundations.” businesses tend to be more cohesive. Groups and individuals have strong ties and are able to chase results rather than to spend time getting comfortable with each other. In contrast, transitional communities, where residents come and go spend more time establishing ground rules and creating relationships with each project roll out. Much of my career, I have worked in two Arizona cities. Bisbee, a small community, roughly half the population of Fairmont, near the border with Mexico is reliant on government (border patrol, county and schools) and tourism. Sierra Vista, home to Ft. Huachuca Army Base, is similar in size to Mankato. I would characterize both cities as “transitional.” While working with Chambers in these communities, I felt that much of my activity was reactive rather than proactive; I spent too much time finding resources to combat problems and too little time collaborating to achieve new and better results. In my experience, one of the most significant contrasts among small communities in the United States is related to transitional vs. generational differences. When returning to my roots almost three years ago, I was rather unprepared for the vast differences. I expected to use most of the same relational tools that I 2 (Continued on page 6) Programs resume in September Social Media Breakfast, a program which began in the spring of 2016, is set to return in September as well, with improvements aimed at providing greater value to a even wider audience during future sessions. Visit our website for more information on these and other chamber programs at www.FairmontChamber.org.
mate through leadership, communication and education for its members in the greater Fairmont area. Get your discount tickets at the Chamber Advance tickets for the Martin County and Minnesota State Fairs are now available at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. The 2017 Martin County Fair is Monday, August 14 through Sunday, August 20. Season Passes are available for $20 when purchased in advance versus $25 at the gate. Daily admission prices are $6 every day except Wednesday and Saturday when admission rises to $9. 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 14. August 14 - 20, 2017 Aug. 24 - Sept. 4, 2017 The Minnesota State Fair is just around the corner beginning August 24 and running through Labor Day, September 4. Come in and get your Pre-fair Admission tickets for just $11. Regular gate prices are $14 per adult, $12 for Seniors (65+) and youth (ages 5-12). Advance ride tickets may also be purchased at a rate of $15 for 25 tickets, with prices rising to $25 for 30 tickets, or $40 for 54 tickets 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 23. Pre-Season Passes to the Martin County Fair can also be purchased at Hy-Vee, Bank Midwest, Profinium, Fareway and other local businesses. Stop into the Chamber Office to get the best rates on all your county and state fair tickets. Our office is located at 323 East Blue Earth Avenue in Fairmont. Give us a call at 507-235- 5547 with any questions or to find out more information. 3 Funding for youth programs The Martin County Youth Foundation grant applications are now available for their Fall grant cycle. Grants will be made to qualified, non-profit 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. 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. Fisher Group JEFF GREISCHAR CCIM Sales & Leasing Agent 1961 Premier Drive Suite 404 Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 236-4980 jeff.greischar@cbcfishergroup.com www.cbcfishergroup.com Tri-County Implement St. James Martin County Implement Truman Tri-County Implement Jackson www.deerequipment.com “Where Customers Matter” Announcing Our Newest Team Member Kyle Flohrs, Sales Stop in and see Kyle for all your new, pre-owned, or leasing auto needs. FAIRMONT FORD www.fairmontford.com
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August 2017 - Fairmont Area Chamber Newsletter

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