February2018_ChamberNewsletter_PRINT

February 2018
Community Connections
“Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Last chance to nominate!
Inside
This Issue
Page 3 - Inviting New
Residents
Page 3 - Chamber Member
Appreciation
Page 4 - Retail looks to
Regional Approach
Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs
Page 6 - MN Chamber Statewide
Policy Tour
Page 6 - Ag Scholarships
Page 7 - Ambassador Visits
Page 7 - Youth Grants
Nominations are open for
Large, Small, New Business and
Non-Profit of the Year. The Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce
Annual Banquet will be held at
Holiday Inn - Green Mill, Friday,
March 2nd, 2018. As in past years,
the recognition ceremony will
honor past board members and
2017 committee chairs, we will
also recognize chamber members
in the following four categories:
• Large Business of the Year
(over 15 employees)
• Small Business of the Year
(15 employees and under)
YOU’RE
INVITED
Social, Dinner, Annual Update,
Entertainment by Deadra Stanton,
Business of the Year Awards
THANK YOU
TO OUR
SPONSORS
• Rising Star
(less than 3 yrs in business)
• Non-Profit
(Registered organization)
To be considered for a Business
of the Year award, the organization
must be setting the standards
for excellence and innovation with
their busi- (Continued on page 3)
BUILDING SUCCESS AND
FORWARD MOMENTUM
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 | 6:00 PM
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, VISIT WWW.FAIRMONTCHAMBER.ORG
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Chair
Les Anderson
Martin County
Farm Bureau
Vice Chair
Sara Pierce
Pierce Accounting
and Tax Services
Deb Barnes
Lakeview Methodist
Health Care Center
Stephanie Busiahn
Visit Fairmont
Zephanie Cole
Align Chiropractic &
Acupuncture, PLC
Dave Cone
Kahler Automation
Corporation
Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for promoting a healthy business clim
Board of Directors Officers:
Board of Directors:
Staff:
Past Chair
Kerry Nagel Allen
MRCI-WorkSource
Treasurer
Tom Lytle
Bank Midwest
Brandon
Edmundson
Krahmer, Shaffer
& Edmundson, Ltd
Mandi Kosbab
Edward Jones
Luke Long
Hy-Vee
Steve Pomerenke
Compeer Financial
Ann Terfehr
Dan’s Appliance
Margaret Dillard
President
margaret@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
Inviting new residents
By: Margaret Dillard - Chamber President
America is in the early stages
of a workforce shortage. US Department
of Labor reports show Martin
County’s Unemployment at 2.6
percent falling .7 over the last year.
MinnesotaWorks.net consistently
features more than 215 job opportunities
within 25 miles of Fairmont.
Local employers have answered the challenge by raising
entry level wages or rewarding employee work
ethic. There are local careers to support those who
choose to move here.
When asked, many metropolitans would rather
live where there is less traffic and more open spaces.
Combine those features with recreational options,
museums, theater and outlets for the arts and we are
able to serve up quality of life that people will come to
live, work and play.
By now, you may already be thinking of a few
people who you believe would love to be your neighbors.
For a couple of years now, a group has come together
to create Fairmont Area Life, a branded effort to
attract people to relocate to Martin County. I encourage
you to view the video testimonials of a few who
have recently moved here. They’re located at www.
FairmontAreaLife.com, click on the "Experience" tab.
It takes effort from all of us to help our communities
thrive. I hope you have pen and paper in
hand and have jotted down a few names and addresses
of those you would encourage to call Martin County
ABOVE: Postcards are ready to invite your family, friends
and all former residents to "Come home to Fairmont
Area Life"
home. We would like to send them a personal invitation
to consider relocating to the area. Please send me
their contact information. If you would like to let them
know that you initiated this invite, we’ll include that in
the message.
If you would like to participate in this community
project to invite others to join our community,
send their names and addresses to Fairmont Chamber,
PO Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031. To send via email,
use this address: margaret@fairmontchamber.org or
feel free to stop by the chamber office at 323 East Blue
Earth Avenue in Fairmont. Also, if you know of someone
who recently moved to the area, we'd like to hear
their story. Have them contact us or let us know how
we can contact them.
February is
Chamber Member
Appreciation
Month!
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Retail as a region
Erpelding gives back
3
Recently, local economic development
leaders in five counties
along I-90 began working together
to create a regional marketing approach.
Whether reaching out to
residents, visitors and site selectors,
what could we do more effectively if
we market collaboratively?
Currently, when we think
about shopping, a day at the pool,
hiking or attending a concert, we
tend to limit our view of local opportunities
to the community in
which we live. Those who choose to
live in urban areas accept that they
may have to spend an hour or more
traveling for the same opportunities.
What if we considered all retail and
recreational amenities within onehour
of Fairmont?
When including population
within Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson,
Martin Counties in Minnesota and
Dickinson County in Iowa, we can
serve up a population of more than
80,000. We can answer shopper’s
usual requests for popular stores
and product lines. One must admit
that travel is more enjoyable! Would
investors be more likely to invest?
Would families consider relocation
an option? Would business fill their
workforce shortages?
The Live Campaign Community
Collaborative mission:
Marketing centered on living in Cottonwood,
Jackson, Martin, Nobles,
and Dickinson County (pictures,
videos, and stories). The campaign
is still in the incubation stage. Some
communities already have a presence
online (like www.FairmontAreaLife.com)
and some are still developing
the concept. All agree that the
strength lies with how successful we
are with getting community champions
involved with creating content
online.
In short, if you live in these
counties, we need you to post your
photos and videos to your favorite social
media and tag them: #LiveWindom
#LiveWorthington #FairmontAreaLife
#56101. This collaborative
effort is also a great way to strengthen
our local retail committee.
ABOVE: Chamber member Erpelding, Voigt & Co. pays it forward during their
PM Exchange and Open House on January 4th by donating $1 in support of
United Way for every person in attendance as they celebrated the completion
of their recent office remodel.
Nominate (Continued from page 1)
ness practices and community
involvement. The business must
be a member in good standing at
the time of nomination through
date of ceremony, may not have
received a Business of the Year
Award in the past two years and
meet the criteria for the specific
award for which the business is
being nominated.
Anyone residing or doing
business in Martin County is invited
to nominate their favorite business
in each category. Please, feel
free to nominate your own business!
You may submit your nomination
using the nomination form,
which can be found on our website
at www.fairmontchamber.
org. There you will also find our
member directory. Nominations
can be submitted by fax, email, or
in person and must be received by
February 9th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Tri-County Implement
St. James
Martin County Implement
Truman
Tri-County Implement
Jackson
Feature your business ad
in full color for
only $60 per month
with your annual contract or $75 per month.
www.deerequipment.com

Chamber member business briefs
Presentation College
(507) 235-4658
Save the date for GATSBY, Saturday, March 17! Travel
back in time to the dazzle and charm of the 1920s…
for Presentation College’s annual scholarship fundraiser. Enjoy a memorable
evening at the Green Mill with tantalizing appetizers, a gourmet dinner, and
mouth-watering dessert. Then, dance the night away with the interactive DJ,
Party Sound. You can be part of it all for just $65.00 per person. All proceeds
raised by the Gatsby event will go directly towards student scholarships, providing
opportunities to many students in need of financial assistance.
Red Rock Center for the Arts
(507) 235-9262
Flagship Romance will be on stage at the Red Rock
Center for the Arts Friday, February 23rd at 7pm. The
story of Flagship Romance represents more than just
an opportunity to hear two individually talented performers using their abilities
to create something bigger than themselves. It is an invitation to witness
an actual couple with a shared passion and chemistry, doing what they love
with whom they love, with a desire to change the world one song at a time.
Tickets on sale now at Hy-Vee in Fairmont.
AdMfg, Inc.
(507) 238-1243
AdMfg, Inc. welcomes Hayley Luther as their Art Director/
Graphic Designer. Hayley returned to the Fairmont area after
graduating from Concordia University, Nebraska in 2013
with a Bachelor of Fine Art in graphic design and a minor in
marketing. Prior to working at AdMfg, Hayley worked for a
printing company, meaning she knows the print process from start-to-finish.
AdMfg is a full-service advertising agency offering creative/design advertising
and marketing services, silk-screened and embroidered apparel, promotional
products and web services including website development and social
media marketing services. www.AdMfg.com
Partners Funding, Inc.
(507) 235-3456
Employees of Great Plains Transportation
Services, Inc. and Partners Funding, Inc. held
the eighth annual “Let’s Help a Charity Dress Casual Campaign” (in December).
In order to dress casually, employees had to bring items for the Salvation
Army Food Shelf or make a cash donation to a charity of their choice. Great
Plains and Partners Funding also made donations. Employees brought in 88
items for the Food Shelf and many local charities are receiving part of the overall
$7941.00 that was donated. Great Plains Transportation Services, Inc. and
Partners Funding, Inc. are proud to be a part of, and be of help to, the community.
Contact brad@partnersfundinginc.com with any questions.
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Martin County Veterans Memorial (MCVM)
(507) 238-3220
The MCVM committee was formed to provide funding
for veteran’s memorials and parks in Martin County.
The current project is erecting a veteran’s memorial
to honor all Martin County Veterans, located at 507
Winnebago Ave., Fairmont, MN. Initial phase consists
of a 70’ flag pole with 25’ x 15’ U.S. flag and a red granite sign being erected.
An 80’ x 8’ black granite wall with the names of Martin County Veterans will
be installed next spring, with donor/sponsor recognition to be included. Any
military veteran who is a current or past resident of Martin County is eligible
for inclusion in the memorial. Name engraving will be $200.00 per name.
Business or private donations are also requested to satisfy our goal. Donations
are 100% tax deductible. Make checks payable to Martin County Veterans
Memorial. Mail donations to: Martin County Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box
623, Fairmont, MN 56031.
Fairmont Area Kinship
(507) 238-4440
Kinship would like to welcome Jen Kahler as the new Associate
Director! We are very excited to have her join our
team of directors! Our former Executive Director, Anna
Garbers will continue with Kinship as a board member.
Kinship is the mentoring program for all of Martin County.
Mentoring matches in the program spend 3-6 hours per month together
doing various everyday activities! Mentees improve self-esteem, leadership,
problem-solving, and socialization skills, and develop greater hopes
and dreams for the future. Kinship has 17 boys and girls waiting for mentors,
so we need your help! Volunteers can complete our online application
at www.kinshipofmartincounty.com. You find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/fairmontareakinship/ or call the office at (507) 238
4440 for more information.
Hawkins Chevrolet
(507) 238-4786
I’m Cade Hartwig salesperson at Hawkins Chevrolet 1 ½ years.
My grandfather, Ken Hartwig, sold cars here for many years
until the 1970’s. Because of my many years in the funeral business,
I provide my clients a more personal level of service in
a low stress, low pressure atmosphere. Due to this as well as
my referral program, my clients are willing to send their friends and family to
me for their business. I happily send out several referral checks each month!
You can find out more about me by following Chevy Cade on Facebook as well
as see what my customers think of me at www.cadehartwig.com. You can also
download my free mobile app at www.connectwithcade.com to get all my contact
and social media information. Stop in at Hawkins Chevrolet to see me or
call me direct at 507-238-3674.
4

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber member business briefs
Fairmont Opera House, Inc.
(507) 238-4900
On February 16th Craig Karges the “extraordinist”
will combine the art of magic with
the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression
that nothing is impossible. Tables float, minds are read, metal bends and
your imagination is challenged because you won’t believe your eyes! Jumping
to March 3rd we are bringing in three world-class musicians, Brass Roots
Trio, who redefine the chamber music genre with the fusion of classical, jazz,
Americana and Latin styles. With Trumpet, French horn and Piano, plus the
bonus of a brilliant operatic tenor.
KBEW Inc.
(507) 526-2181
The New Year has brought about some new changes
at KBEW! We want to thank Kevin Benson (GM)
and Diane Holland (office manager) who both spent 20+ years working here
at KBEW and wish them both the best in their retirement. KBEW is newly
owned by Riverfront Broadcasting. These changes have made it possible for
Dave Brock to become our new General Manager and is poised to lead KBEW,
alongside our new Sales Manager Keith Hoye. Both guys are looking to bring
new and exciting energy to the area and to help promote other area businesses
in Southern Minnesota and northern Iowa!
Green Mill Restaurant - Holiday Inn Fairmont
(507) 238-4700
Green Mill has your valentine in mind. We will be offering
our Supper Club Menu which includes: Grilled New
York Strip, Grilled Lemon Pepper Walleye, Sriracha Fried
Chicken, Chicken Oscar, Surf & Turf, and Jumbo Coconut
Shrimp! Make your reservation for Valentines Dinner today. Call 507-238-4700
Edward Jones Investments - Mandi Kosbab
(507) 235-8524 - Member SIPC
Questions to Ask Before Taking Social Security:
Social Security can be an important part of your retirement income. So, before
you start taking your benefits, you’ll want to know what questions to ask. First,
how soon can you start collecting? You can begin taking payments as early as
age 62, but your payments will be much bigger if you wait until your full retirement
age, which is likely to be between 66 and 67. Your checks will max
out once you reach 70. Second, if you’re working when you start taking Social
Security, will your checks be reduced? Possibly, if you earn more than Social
Security's limits and you haven’t reached full retirement age. After that point,
you can earn as much as you want without your benefits being reduced. Third,
will you be taxed on Social Security? Typically, Social Security benefits are taxable
at any age. These situations can be complex, so you’ll want to consult with
your financial professional before deciding when to claim Social Security. Take
the time you need to make the right choices.
“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.
AS Mobile
Apple/Android
South Creek HR LLC
(507) 951-6059
Got conflict? We’ve got solutions! Crystal
Hanson of South Creek HR recently became a Certified Trainer for the full day
workshop entitled, “Self-Defeating Habits of Otherwise Brilliant People®.”
This program empowers organizations to build the workplace environment
they desire – and deserve. Learn the part you and your colleagues can play in
building a resilient culture of integrity and pride in work. Learn why negative
assumptions pick up momentum and spread, how to short-circuit destructive
disagreement, and eliminate unconscious behaviors that spark power struggles
and mistrust. This program is available to all – and to one member of the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at NO COST for the facilitation and more
than half off for the materials fee. Contact Crystal to learn more at: chanson@
southcreekhr.com, 507-951-6059, or visit www.southcreekhr.com.
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT?
The Fairmont Area Community Events Calendar has a Mobile App!
You can access information for all the great events going on in Martin County directly from your iOS or Android-based mobile device
using the free mobile app "AS Mobile" published by rSchoolToday! Of course, you can still view upcoming community events on your
desktop or laptop computer by visiting the community calendar website at www.fairmontareacalendar.com. If you have any questions
or concerns about updating your events to the Fairmont Area Community Calendar, please email the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce at info@fairmontchamber.org.
Calendar Funding Partners: Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau, City
of Fairmont, Fairmont Area Schools, and Blandin Community Broadband Grant. Other Partners: Fairmont Community
Education and Recreation.
5

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
Wednesday, February 14th
Valentines Day (NO Bureau 14)
Monday, February 19th
Presidents' Day (Offices Closed)
Tuesday, February 20th - 6:00 p.m.
Agri-Business Meeting
Wednesday, February 21st - 3:00 p.m.
Ambassadors Meeting / Ribbon Cuttings
Tuesday, February 27th - 9:00 a.m.
Social Media Breakfast
Wednesday, February 28th - 7:30 a.m.
Chamber Board Meeting
Friday, March 2nd - 6:00 p.m.
Chamber 2017 Annual Banquet
(Holiday Inn)
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS!
Gemini Studios
Smith's Greenhouse
Local concerns voiced at tour
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
visited the Fairmont area last month, making
this the first stop on their 2018 Statewide Policy
Tour. The event, hosted by chamber member
Kahler Automation, was held on Monday, January
8, and attended by numerous local business
owners, government officials and community
leaders. The event offered attendees an unparalleled
opportunity for education and advocacy
regarding our state's 2018 legislative goals.
Attendees were given the opportunity
to learn about the Minnesota Chamber's legislative
priorities for 2018, which include initiatives
in tax competitiveness, workplace mandates,
transportation, workforce education, and the
affordability of housing and childcare. Several
of these concerns resonated loudly with area
businesses and community leaders, who shared
their insights and experiences with similar challenges
at a local level.
Ag scholarships available
In partnership with the Agriculture Future
of America (AFA), the Agri-Business Committee of
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is offering
two $4,200 scholarships, which includes registration
for the Fall 2018 AFA Leaders Conference.
Graduating Seniors of Martin County high schools
who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an area
of study relating to agriculture may apply.
ABOVE: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce presents
to attendees during the 2018 Statewide Policy
Tour at Kahler Automation in Fairmont
The Minnesota Chamber went on to
visit twelve more communities across the state,
wrapping up the tour on January 22nd. We
would like to thank Kahler Automation for their
hospitality in hosting this event and the Minnesota
Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to
participate in the tour.
To be considered for a scholarship, please
visit www.agfuture.org/scholarships. The Martin
County application deadline is March 14, 2018.
If you have any questions about the scholarship,
please contact Margaret at margaret@fairmontchamber.org
or call 507-235-5547. Questions regarding
the online application can be directed to
johnna.wallingford@agfuture.org
6
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Fine Jewelry
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Your Professional Jeweler
Since 1954
Full Service-In House Repair
Jessica & Steve Sovell
Gemologist • Goldsmith
Professional Window Cleaning
Insured
Residential &
Commercial
Cleaning
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the windows
of your home sparkling clean!
Please allow us to give you a free estimate.
You will be pleasantly surprised!
Call Now! Matt Petrowiak at (507) 236-5207

ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Ambassadors greet new faces!
7
NEW RESTAURANT JESSIE'S SMOKEHOUSE OPENS
Chamber Ambassadors celebrate the opening of new restaurant Jessie's Smokehouse
at 1500 Albion Ave in Fairmont with owner Carl Wilcox.
FAIRMONT AWARDS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Ambassadors congratulate Kim White and Nick Rudolph, new owners of Fairmont
Awards, located at 310 Downtown Plaza in Fairmont.
Youth Project Funding
The Martin County Youth Foundation
grant applications are now available. Grants will
be awarded twice during the year, in the spring
and fall.
The mission of the Martin County Youth
Foundation is to acquire, manage and distribute
funds to enhance the lives of youth in Martin
County. Grants will be made to qualified
non-profit organizations including those with
501(c)3 status, public agencies, units of government,
and churches that will address important
community youth needs.
Funds received may be used for youth
program costs and support materials. Interested
groups may pick up grant applications and
guidelines at the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce,
323 East Blue Earth Ave., or download
them online at www.MartinCountyYouthFoundation.org.
The deadline for submitting the grant
applications is March 15th. Return completed
grants to Martin County Youth Foundation, P.O.
Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031 or drop off at the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce office.
THINK LOCAL FIRST!
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies find that the increasing
size of corporations is driving inequality,
while local and dispersed
business ownership strengthens
the middle class.
Over 32 years of experience,
and ready to help you with
that important decision.
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Dale Splinter
1304 Blue Earth Ave., Fairmont, MN
507-238-4786
(507) 238-4949

February programs at CER
8
Celebrate Dental Health Awareness Month in February with the
Martin County Early Childhood Dental Network (MCECDN). The MCECDN
is funded through SMIF with a goal of educating children and their families
on how to care for their teeth. Tooth decay is the only childhood illness that
is 100% preventable. As a county-wide service project, MCECDN is hosting
“SMILE Drives” in conjunction with area schools. Donation Collection
boxes for toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to be distributed to those in
need are available in the schools or drop your donation off at CER.
The second Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
STEAM Expo will be held on Monday, March 5, 4:30-6:30 pm,
at the Fairmont Elementary School. Exhibitor registration is now available
to promote the awareness of the exciting opportunities in the real world
which are available to youth and adults through these five areas of STEAM.
This is a free event for youth and families.
CER is working on the 2018 Spring/Summer Catalog of Activities
to be mailed in mid-March. Anyone with suggestions for offerings,
classes, or instructors is encouraged to contact CER now!
For an up-to date list of activities, see the CER Web Store at
fairmontareaschools.portal.rschooltoday.com
and click on the CER tab.
A SAMPLING OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Family Snowshoe at Cedar Park February 10
Snowshoe Date Night At Cedar Park (21+) February 10
PEBC Aeriums (pre-register by January 26) February 12
Dollars for Scholars Financial Aid App Info February 12
Story Time and Crafts February 14
Microsoft PowerPoint February 15
Microsoft Excel February 17
Lights On For Kids Afterschool February 19
Archery 1 and 2 February 26
Zumba Flair February 26 & 28
Strong Fathers, Strong Families February 26
STEM into STEAM Expo March 5
33rd Annual Family Fun Fair April 6
…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
Marketing to Millennials - February 27 th
The next Social
Media Breakfast
will be held on
February 27 from
9 am to 10 am at
the Southern Minnesota
Educational
Campus, 115 S.
Park St., in Fairmont.
During this month's seminar, instructor
Blake Pothoff (Executive Director at The
Fairmont Opera House) will discuss successful
strategies for "Marketing to Millennials" in our
digital era. The Fairmont Opera House has been
undertaking an ambitious social media strategy
since Blake became director of the facility.
Visit our website at www.fairmontchamber.org
to register for this event or to find
out how you can sponsor a future Social Media
Breakfast event.
Fairmont Area Social
Media Breakfast
is made possible in part by a technology
grant from the Blandin Foundation.
VISION CARE
CONTACT LENS
www.fairmontarealife.com
Paul Seibert, O.D.
1307 ALBION AVE., SUITE 102
FAIRMONT, MN
PH: (507) 238-4228
James Busche, O.D.
Spencer Seibert, O.D.
111 E. 6TH ST.
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020