Chamber Newsletter - August 2018

August 2018
Community Connections
“Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Modern Ag Tour grows awareness
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - Weathering
Transitions
Page 2 - Discount Fair
Tickets Available
Page 3 - Chamber Programs
to Resume
Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs
Page 6 - Think Local First
Page 6 - MCYF Grants
Available
Page 6 - Blue Ribbon Pork
Cook-Off
Page 7 - Ambassador Visits
This year, Visit Fairmont
teamed up with the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce and Fairmont
Economic Development Authority
(EDA) to present an encore
production of the Modern Ag Tour
of Martin County. This familiarization
tour brought over thirty legislators,
community leaders, local
farmers, media representatives and
other regional influencers on a deep
dive into the reality of modern agriculture
and began to unearth the
impact of the industry on our local,
national and international economies.
From the latest technological
advancements in automation and
grain processing, to innovative environmental
and economic sustainability
practices, this tour covered a
diverse range of agricultural operations
all from within the borders of
ABOVE: Representative Tim Mahoney of MN District 67A in St. Paul experiences
modern agriculture hands-on by test driving this Ziegler CAT tractor.
Martin County.
The tour represented a
valuable networking opportunity
and an important educational event
for our region. Six state representatives
currently serving on the Minnesota
Agriculture Policy Committee
were in (Continued on page 4)
Pork Masters: Strong on impact
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 26th Annual Minnesota State
Pork Masters Golf Outing on July 23, 2018 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 Ag-Scholarships
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 like “Ham Slice” rewarded
those with lack of skills. Pork producers and agribusinesses
throughout the region came to participate
in the day-long event.
Nearly 230 golfers, (Continued on page 3)
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for promoting a healthy business clim
Board of Directors Officers:
Chair
Les Anderson
Martin County
Farm Bureau
Vice Chair
Sara Pierce
Pierce Accounting
and Tax Services
Board of Directors:
Deb Barnes
Lakeview Methodist
Health Care Center
Stephanie Busiahn
Visit Fairmont
Zephanie Cole
Align Chiropractic &
Acupuncture, PLC
Dave Cone
Kahler Automation
Corporation
Staff:
Past Chair
Kerry Nagel Allen
MRCI
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
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
Weathering transitions
By: Fairmont Area Chamber Board of Directors
As summer continues to offer up some of the
best reasons to live in Minnesota, we stop to take a
brief glance back in the rearview mirror to appreciate
and celebrate what a busy and successful month of
July! The Fairmont Area Chamber Board of Directors
continues to work through the transition process and
will be holding interviews this month. The Board has
appointed Chamber Board Member and Executive Director
of Visit Fairmont, Stephanie Busiahn, to serve
as Interim President during this transitional phase.
The month of August will bring another
wave of the signature events that help to make Martin
County what it is. Be sure to join us for the Blue
Ribbon Pork Cook-off at the Martin County Fair, and
while you are there, stop by the informational booth
we share with other local non-profit organizations.
The end of August will mark the beginning of the
Advance tickets for the Martin County and Minnesota
State Fairs are now available at the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce.
The 2018 Martin County Fair
is Monday, August 13 through Sunday,
August 19. Season Passes are available
for $25 when purchased in advance
versus $30 at the gate. Daily admission
prices are $8 every day except Saturday
when admission rises to $10 and
Sunday when the cost is $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 13.
The Minnesota State Fair is
just around the corner, beginning August 23 and running
through Labor Day, September 3. Come in and get
your Pre-fair Admission tickets for just $11. Regular
Martin County Leadership program, and the season
of change becomes more real as summer starts to
drift away and autumn rolls through. No matter the
season, the Fairmont Area Chamber remains committed
to promoting a healthy overall business climate
in the Fairmont area and continually providing
our members with the highest level of value in their
membership.
Sincerely,
Fairmont Area Chamber Board of Directors
Les Anderson (Chair), Kerry Nagel-Allen (Past Chair),
Sara Pierce (Vice Chair), Tom Lytle (Treasurer), Deb
Barnes, Stephanie Busiahn, Zephanie Cole, Dave Cone,
Brandon Edmundson, Mandi Kosbab, Luke Long,
Steve Pomerenke, Ann Terfehr
Discount Fair tickets available!
August 13 - 19, 2018
Aug. 23 - Sept. 3, 2018
gate prices are $14 per adult, and $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 everpopular
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 22.
Pre-Season Passes to the Martin
County Fair can also be purchased
at Bank Midwest, CCF Bank, Fareway,
First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Hy-
Vee, Profinium and State Bank of Fairmont.
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.
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Pork Masters (Continued from page 1)
3
PorkMasters 2018 AM Session Winners (L to R):
Brandon Thiesse, Pat Hawkins, Bryan Sowers and Todd Loosbrock
PorkMasters 2018 PM Session Winners (L to R):
Jacob Sukalski, Mike Sukalski, Ken Craig (Not Pictured: Ian Bents)
110 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
Three programs to resume in autumn
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 to accommodate busy schedules.
Social Media Breakfast, a program which
began in the spring of 2016, is set to return in
have made the event successful over the past
26 years.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the
27th Annual Pork Masters Golf Outing on July
22, 2019!
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.
Tri-County Implement
St. James
Martin County Implement
Truman
Tri-County Implement
Jackson
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Chamber member business briefs
Center For Specialty Care
(507) 238-4949
Now offering Medical Weight Loss Program!
DID YOU KNOW? Just 5% excess weight increases your health risks
for other conditions, such as heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, and chronic
pain. The American Medical Association considers obesity to be a chronic
disease. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends
that medical doctors screen all adult patients’ weight annually and,
for those who need treatment, undergo behavioral counseling for long-term
weight management. At Center for Specialty Care and Center for Primary
Care, we are always looking for new, innovative ways to serve the people
of our communities. We are so excited to announce that, as of August 1st,
we are offering the Center for Medical Weight Loss program at our clinics
in Fairmont, Blue Earth, and St. James. This program is guided by a medical
professional, covered by insurance, and tailored for each patient! For an
appointment, call 507-238-4949 (Fairmont), 507-526-5191 (Blue Earth), or
507-375-3424 (St. James).
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Red Rock Center for the Arts
(507) 235-9262
Red Rock Center for the Arts will be hosting a Summer
Open House, Thursday Aug. 23 from 4:30-7pm. Wine
& chocolate sampling, community art show, specialty
vendors. Live music by Mark Allen and food service provided by the Iron
Grid outside on the green space. A great opportunity to learn more about the
Red Rock and all it has to offer. Free admission.
Martin County Star
(507) 764-6681
Help raise money for Martin County vocational
school programs! For every new subscription received
until September 1, 2018 (in Martin County residents/businesses only)
the Martin County Star will donate $16 to the Martin County School District’s
Vocational Program. Must not have had a subscription within the last 3 months.
Please write “VOCATIONAL” in the memo portion of the check.
4
Modern Ag Tour (Continued from page 1)
ABOVE: Learning the stages of oilseed processing ABOVE: Observing ag automation in action ABOVE: All about exports at From the Ground Up
attendance, including several Twin Cities metro
area legislators. Five of these representatives
also serve on the Minnesota Agriculture Finance
Committee. Senator Julie Rosen was able to join
the tour and reconnect with leaders in our local
ag industry. Representatives from the MN Dept.
of Employment and Economic Development, the
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, the
Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership program
and other regional influencers were also
among tour participants. All were provided the
opportunity to experience hands-on learning,
engaging the sights and sounds, smells and flavors
of modern agriculture at each stop on the
tour. Attendees were also given the chance to
view the rural landscape from a farmer’s perspective,
behind the steering wheel of a tractor,
as they test drove an array of modern farm implements.
The six legs of the Modern Ag Tour included
stops at the CHS Oilseed Processing Plant
and Kahler Automation in Fairmont, the Schmidt
Family Farm in rural Ceylon, Easy Automation
and NuWay Cooperative in Welcome, and Project
1590s “From the Ground Up” event at the Trent
and Melissa Tumbleson Farm near Trimont. We
would like to thank our partnering organizations,
the Ag Tourism Committee of Visit Fairmont,
all participating businesses and each of our attendees
for their part in making this a successful
and impactful event for everyone involved as we
work to spread awareness and understanding of
this vital industry throughout our region.

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber member business briefs
First Farmers & Merchants Bank
(507) 235-5556
First Farmers & Merchants National Bank is
proud to announce the addition of Chris Pierce
to its local team. Chris will be the bank's Senior
VP of Lending & Business Development and will
focus on Commercial and Agricultural Lending.
He is a graduate of Fairmont High School, and
graduated from MSU-Mankato. Chris's banking
experience includes 13 years in the Fairmont and Southern MN area providing
banking services for the area's businesses, farms, and individuals. He has extensive
community involvement and currently serves as a Trustee for the Knights of
Columbus, Treasurer at the Martin County Historical Society, on the Saint John
Vianney Finance Council, and is on the board of directors for the Regional Center
for Entrepreneurial Facilitation. Chris resides in Fairmont with his wife Amy, and
their daughter. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife & daughter,
boating, taking trips, hunting, fishing, golfing and attending his daughter's various
activities. Chris is the son of Carol and the late Steve Pierce of Fairmont.
Ameriprise Financial
(507) 238-9722
Will potential long-term or chronic care needs
impact your lifestyle in retirement? Attend our
free educational seminar on Wednesday, August 22nd at 9:30am and 6:30pm,
at the Fairmont Holiday Inn, to learn how to identify potential long-term and
chronic care needs, understand how these needs could affect your lifestyle,
and protect yourself financially from long-term or chronic care expenses.
We will discuss solutions, including life insurance with optional riders, to
help you manage your long-term care costs in retirement. Seating is limited.
Please contact Jami at 507-238-9722 to reserve your seat today.
Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont
(507) 238-8100
Darla Lytle, registered nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System in
Fairmont’s Oncology Department, was chosen as a Mayo Clinic
Health System winner of the esteemed Mae Berry Service Excellence
Award. Lytle received the well-deserved recognition June
14 at a dinner in Rochester. “When I found out I was the Mae
Berry winner, I was shocked,” says Lytle. “This is such an honor to be recognized
by my peers for what I do for my patients. This is an award that I will cherish.”
Each year, two non-physician employees from Mayo Clinic Health System in Iowa,
Minnesota and Wisconsin, and two non-physician employees each from Arizona,
Florida and Rochester are chosen to receive the Mae Berry Award. Recipients of
the award are nominated by their peers, supervisors or team members.
Century 21 - Gillian Tunnell
(507) 399-9211
How much time do you spend in your garage? For the
majority of people, it is the entrance/exit used most
often. The garage is often a dumping-ground for items you can’t find a space
for elsewhere, for things not often – or ever – used, or for hobbies or projects
too messy to do in the house itself. However, garages are often overlooked
when sellers are preparing their homes for the market. Having an organized
and clean space can create a very positive impression on prospective buyers,
especially if their own garage is not up to that standard, and it may even add
value to the home! And being organized saves you money, as you can find
what you are looking for instead of buying another - because the one you already
have is buried somewhere out there! So, get out in that garage, get rid
of junk, add (and fill!) some shelves and storage bins! At the very least, you
will have the satisfaction of enjoying your organized space every time you
pass through the garage!
“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.
5
AS Mobile
Apple/Android
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.

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 13th - Sun, August 19th
Martin County Fair (Informational Booth)
Wednesday, August 15th
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off Event
Wednesday, August 29th
Leadership Martin County Kick-Off
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.
APPLY ONLINE FOR
MEMBERSHIP!
Fill out your application at
www.FairmontChamber.org
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 applica-tions
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.
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off
The 21st Annual Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-
Off will be held on Wednesday, August 15th, 2018
from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Martin County Arena.
Tickets are $10 and are available from area
Pork Producers and at the Chamber office. Come
enjoy mouth-watering pork cuisine from Ambiance
on Albion (Fairmont), Blazer Bar (Fairmont),
Cup N’ Saucer (Sherburn), Fairmont Butcher
Block, Green Mill (Fairmont), Jessie’s Smokehouse
(Fairmont), Marina Lodge (Fairmont) and Scotty
Biggs BBQ (Winnebago). Proceeds help to support
our local Agri-Business Scholarships.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this
event possible: Agri-Business Committee of the
Fairmont Area Chamber, Bank Midwest, Cargill
Inc., CFS, Compeer Financial, Dutch Creek Farms,
Fairmont Veterinary Clinic, Kahler Automation,
Martin County Corn & Soybean Growers, Martin
County Pork Producers, Preferred Capital Management,
Profinium Financial and Valero Renewables.
6
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Fine Jewelry
Sovell Jewelry
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 celebrate milestones
7
FAIRMONT MCDONALD'S
Ambassadors cut a ribbon with Wes and Rick Clerc to celebrate the Grand Opening
of the newly rebuilt McDonald's restaurant in Fairmont.
THE ARC - MINNESOTA SOUTHWEST
Chamber Ambassadors celebrate with Olmstead Acadamy participants at The Arc -
Minnesota Southwest.
CITY OF LAKES MEDIA - KSUM & LAKES FM
Chamber Ambassadors welcome City of Lakes Media, new owners of local radio stations
KSUM and Lakes FM (KFMC).
BURTIS CHIROPRACTIC
Ambassadors congratulate chamber member Burtis Chiropractic as they celebrate
30 years of service to our community.
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Sentinel
64 Downtown Plaza
507-235-3303
FAX (507) 235-3718
fairmontsentinel.com
(507) 238-4949

August programs at CER
8
Summer is not over yet! The Fairmont Summer Playground program
runs through August 9 -thank your City Councilperson for supporting
this summer program for our area youth. Check out other enrichment
opportunities available through CER below. Be sure to attend the Martin
County Fair, Minnesota’s Other Big Fair, being held August 13-19. Watch for
more information the Newcomers and Neighbors “welcome to our area”
program on August 30 or call CER for more information.
Youth entering Grades 1-3 are encouraged to participate in
the CER Fall Flag Football activity which is held on Monday and Tuesday
evenings, 6-7 pm, August 27 – September 25. Team Sponsors and Volunteer
Coaches are needed – a great way to spend some quality time with youth!
Register by August 15 for $34 (which includes long sleeve t-shirt) and avoid
the additional late fee. Contact CER for more information.
CER staff are busy working on activities for the upcoming fall and
winter catalog. Suggestions for activities and instructors are especially
welcomed during August!
For an up-to date list of activities or to register online
with your MasterCard/Visa, visit the CER Web Store at
fairmontareaschools.portal.rschooltoday.com
and click on the CER tab.
A SAMPLING OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Microsoft Word Basic August 9
Over 55 Defensive Driving Refresher August 13
Advanced Dog Obedience August 14
Flag Football (Grades 1-3) Reg. Deadline August 15
Microsoft Word Intermediate August 18
Microsoft Excel August 20
Baton Twirling August 21
529 College Savings Plans August 21,31
Flag Football Begins August 27
Fairmont Newcomers & Neighbors August 30
Gymnastics (ages 3-6) September 5
…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 2019 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 507-235-
4457 or by emailing her at info@fairmontchamber.org.
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