Chamber Newsletter - May 2019

May 2019
Community Connections
“Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Sophomores explore local careers
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - Retail Committee
Reborn
Page 3 - Chamber Golf
Outing
Page 3 - MCAF Grants
Page 4 - Pork Cook-Off
Tickets Available
Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs
Page 7 - Ambassador Visits
Page 7 - Happy Nat'l Small
Business Week
PLATINUM MEMBER
ABOVE: Chamber member United Hospital District was one of nearly 100
businesses and educational institutions showcasing local careers to area
sophomores during Area Career Exploration (ACE) April 10th.
Eleven years ago, a collaboration
between the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce, CareerForce
- Fairmont, ISEEK, area
organizations and volunteers, put
together the ACE event with this
mission in mind: to raise career
awareness for area students so
they are knowledgeable of the opportunities
awaiting them in our
communities when they finish
their education.
The Area Career Exploration
(ACE) took place April
10th at the Fairmont High School.
Sophomore students from Blue
Earth, Butterfield-Odin, Fairmont,
Granada Huntley East Chain, Martin
County West, Martin Luther,
Mountain Lake, North Union,
Southern Plains, St. James, Jackson
and Truman schools were invited
and scheduled to attend the
career fair. Unfortunately, due to
unexpected severe weather conditions,
sev- (Continued on page 6)
Business scholarship available
The Ambassador
Committee of the Fairmont
Area Chamber of
Commerce is offering
a $1,000 scholarship
to a Martin County
student in a business
related field entering
their Junior or Senior post secondary year in a four-year
college or their final year in a technical college.
The scholarship is awarded after a review of
grades to confirm achievement of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0
scale. Scholarship applications may be picked up at the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce office located at
323 East Blue Earth Avenue or filled out online on the
Chamber's website at www.fairmontchamber.org. Applications
must be submitted and received by the Chamber
office no later than July 19, 2019.
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Chair
Sara Pierce
Pierce Accounting
and Tax Services
Vice Chair
Deb Barnes
Lakeview Methodist
Health Care Center
Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for promoting a healthy business clim
Board of Directors Officers:
Board of Directors:
Stephanie Busiahn
Visit Fairmont
Dave Cone
Kahler Automation
Corporation
Brandon
Edmundson
Krahmer, Shaffer
& Edmundson, Ltd
Nicole Gries
Valero Renewables
Staff:
Past Chair
Les Anderson
Martin County
Farm Bureau
Treasurer
DeAnn Eversman
Dee’s Floral &
Designs
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
Retail Committee reborn
By: Ned Koppen - Chamber President
There is a new group that
has formed at the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce. The new
group is called the RBE Committee.
The acronym RBE is short for
Retail, Business and Entertainment
Committee. The
group formed to expand on the work that
the Chamber’s traditional Retail
Committee has done over
the past few years.
The Retail Committee
has always provided services
such as our Chamber Bucks
program and Bad Check Alerts.
The Chamber and this newly
populated group of members
feel that there is more that this
committee can do. While the
group is new, they have hit the
ground running.
In addition to renaming
the committee to create
greater inclusion of businesses,
there is also a new Mission.
That mission is “To attract and
encourage local shopping”.
From that start, the committee
will create the initiatives
it wants to pursue in order to
help our local businesses, organize
and coordinate community
events and possibly create
new shopping events.
Retail has changed in today’s world. There
are many new challenges that all businesses need
to address and adapt to. The RBE Committee will
try and work for all of our Chamber members as
well as our whole community being thoughtful,
creative and dedicated when it considers what
direction it takes in advocating for our local businesses
and shoppers.
The community of Fairmont has so much to
offer and buying local from any of our great local
“The Retail
Committee has
always provided
services such as our
Chamber Bucks
program and Bad
Check Alerts. The
Chamber and this
newly populated
group of members
feel that there is more
that this committee
can do.”
businesses is high on that list. Local jobs and wages,
convenience and savings, a stronger tax base,
and community pride are a few great benefits
shopping local provides. Knowing that the money
we spend here, stays here is another.
Our local businesses also contribute
greatly to all of the non-profit organizations
that need our help funding the programs
and services that they
offer. These local businesses
are also owned and operated by
our friends and neighbors. All
of these people are most likely
to invest in our community,
churches, organizations and
our way of life.
The work of this new committee
is just getting started. If you
would like to be involved in determining
what direction their
ideas and efforts take them in,
please join us. Bring your talents
and expertise to this group
to enhance the current Martin
County shopping experience
and create new reasons to shop
locally here at home.
If you would like more information
about the RBE Committee
and how you can contribute,
contact me at the Chamber
offices at (507) 235-5547 or
email me at president@fairmontchamber.org.
In the meantime,
stop at a local business and see what they
have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Don't drag your feet, register for our Golf Outing
ABOVE: This poor fellow never got around to registering and so was
unable to participate in a previous Chamber Golf Outing.
The annual Chamber Golf Outing has always
been one of the earliest golf outings of the
season. Now in its 22nd year, this highly anticipated
event offers an afternoon
of fun and quality networking
while raising money
to support a great cause. The
outing serves as a fundraiser
to support educational programs
and curriculum in our
schools, coordinated by the
Chamber’s Business Education
Committee.
Chamber members, get
your foursome together and
join us on Friday, June 7th at
the Rose Lake Golf Club in
Fairmont for a 1:00 PM shotgun
start. We are bringing back the chipping contest
and our hole challenges will keep you on top
of your game throughout the afternoon. Swing
Last call for 2019 grant applications!
The Martin County Area Foundation
(MCAF) will be accepting grant applications
from eligible organizations through May 31
for its 2019 grant cycle. The Foundation will
also accept inquiries year-round for emergencies
or high need. Please refer to the grant
guidelines and application form at www.fairmont.org/faf
for information. If you have
further questions or ideas, please contact the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at (507)
235-5547 or any member of the MCAF board
of directors.
The Martin County Area Foundation is a
community endowment founded in 1993 by a
back around to the clubhouse after your game
for a taco bar, door prize drawings and business
networking opportunities to help you finish your
week strong.
Event Sponsors and door prize contributions
are coming in and we are still looking for
more! Thank you to our 2019 Golf Outing sponsors
and door prize contributors to date: Bank
Midwest, Bolton & Menk, Culligan Water of Fairmont,
EXIT Realty, Lakeview Health Services,
Peterson-Anthony Insurance, United Hospital
District and Valero.
For more information on how you can
register to golf, sponsor a hole, or donate a door
prize, contact Kandi at the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce. You can reach her by phone at
(507) 235-5547 or by email at info@fairmontchamber.org.
group of community residents and established
by a matching grant from the Mickelson Foundation.
The Martin County Area Foundation is
governed by a volunteer board responsible for
growing the endowment and selecting grant
recipients. Per its mission, the Foundation focuses
its giving in five general areas: arts and
humanities, community and civic affairs, social
and economic growth, environment and
youth.
3
www.deerequipment.com
“Your Friendly Ford Dealer Since 1909”
FAIRMONT
FORD
PAUL KLOECKNER
Product Specialist
■ Sales & Leasing Expert
■ Customer Focused Service
■ Competitive Pricing
www.fairmontford.com
700 E. Blue Earth Ave.
507-235-6681
Email: Paul@fairmontford.com
Mon 8-8; Tues through Fri 8-5:30;
Sat 8-3

Chamber member business briefs
Exit Realty - Great Plains
(507) 236-4811
EXIT Realty - Great Plains is proud to announce the addition of
Kim Kreiss to our Fairmont office, located at 100 North State
Street. Kim is a licensed MN Realtor serving Martin, Faribault,
Jackson and Watonwan counties. She is a native of Fairmont and
her local knowledge is a huge asset to EXIT Realty - Great Plains
and all her customers! Kim has three years of residential real estate experience
working with buyers and sellers who are relocating, growing, down-sizing, investing
or looking for their first home. Her marketing background gives sellers an
advantage when selling their home.
Fairmont Area Let's Go Fishing
(507) 238-2413
The Fairmont Area Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing is preparing
for the 12th season of taking our Fairmont area Senior
Citizens, Veterans and the Disabled out fishing and
boating free of charge. This includes all of Martin County
and beyond. Our 2019 season begins on Monday June 3rd
and will continue throughout the summer with outings on
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, fishing from 9:30am
to 11:30am and boating from 12:00 to about 1:30pm. The
Fairmont Chapter volunteers are looking forward to another awesome summer
of fishing and boating with area Senior citizens, Veterans and the Disabled.
Put together a group or if you are an individual you can book an outing
by visiting our website fairmont.lgfws.com or call 507-848-5069. Hope to
see you on the LGFWS pontoon this summer.
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Rose Lake Golf Club
(507) 235-5274
Jodi Zeitz originally from Welcome and I have been in food service
for about 37 years. Through my husband being in the Marine
Corps we were in Yuma Arizona and Oak Harbor Washington
where I worked at golf courses there. When I saw the job
opening here at Rose Lake, I knew this would be a way to be able
to plan functions and be able to work in all areas here. Since starting in February,
I have changed the hours of the kitchen and expanded the menu, which will be
further expanded soon. Am also adding feature nights here as well. My long-term
goal is to bring back things from years ago and incorporate them into different
events here. As a kid, I remember places in Fairmont and what things made them
known for. That is what I would like to do is make old things new again. I am
happy to say that I have a friend and past co-worker that is my kitchen manager
and Chef, Katie Manwarren, and she and I think a lot alike in getting the kitchen
up and going strong, planning events and feature nights. She also brings great
ideas from her past cooking experiences, which makes her an asset to myself and
especially to Rose Lake Golf Club.
Pork Cook-Off tickets
4
Yes, you can join the Chamber!
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP - $107
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
SIGNATURE:
Please return this form to the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce:
323 E. Blue Earth Ave | PO Box 826 | Fairmont, MN 56031
Call 507-235-5547 or email info@fairmontchamber.org with any questions
regarding this form or individual chamber membership.
It's the moment you've been
waiting for! Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-
Off tickets are now available at the
Fairmont Area Chamber office! The
22nd Annual Blue Ribbon Pork
Cook-Off will be held Wednesday,
August 14, 2019 from 5:00 pm –
7:00 pm in the Martin County Arena
at the Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10.
Contact the Fairmont Area Chamber
at (507) 235-5547 and get your
tickets before they're gone!

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber member business briefs
Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC
(507) 235-8485
Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC will be
hosting Dr. Jodi Kunkel, on Thursday, May 16th, at
6:30 p.m., in the basement of the Martin County Library.
Dr. Kunkel practices at Between the Bridges
Healing Center, in Mankato, and is Mankato’s only Registered Naturopathic
Doctor. Dr. Kunkel will be speaking on “Homeopathy First Aid for Families &
an Introduction to Homeoprophylaxis.” Come learn about how these natural
remedies can stimulate the body’s own ability to heal, to improve health for
you, and your family! Cost is $10/person to attend. Please RSVP to Align Chiropractic
& Acupuncture, PLC, at 204 Lake Avenue, Suite 203, in Fairmont, or
call 507-235-8485.
Interlaken Golf Club
(507) 235-5145
Interlaken Golf Club celebrates 100 years of golfing!
Clubhouse manager Micaela Ellefson & golf professional
Jon Vee look forward to a fantastic year of
birdies, bogies, burgers, and beers!
Fairmont Opera House, Inc.
(507) 238-4900
Ending our season is the well-known
VoicePlay. Original. Imaginative. Ridiculous.
A Cappella. Check out the jaw dropping sounds and antics of Voice-
Play, and their music-without-music sound. They will be performing at
your local Opera House on May 18th at 7:30PM. Thank you everyone for a
great season! Have a great summer and be sure to check out our summer
events!
Interlaken Heritage Days
(507) 848-4664
Interlaken Heritage Days is officially planned - watch
the papers this month for the event schedule! If you are
interested in having an entry in the parade, registrations
are due May 17th! We are also looking for crafters,
upcyclers, artists and pottery and metal works for our
2nd Annual Flea Market & Artisan Show (no direct sales please). If your nonprofit
organization would like to have a booth to get the word out about your
organization or project you’re working on we would love to have you join us!
For more information on these and all things IHD, visit our website at ihdfairmont.org
and find us on Facebook at ihdfairmont.
Red Rock Center for the Arts
(507) 235-9262
Red Rock Center’s Season Finale… Head on over to
the Red Rock Center on Friday, May 10th and dance
the night away with 50’s & 60’s music by Galaxy. The
band features area musicians Jerry Behnkendorf, Donnie Fausch, Glenn
Henriksen and Mark Kurseth. Doors open at 7pm, band starts at 7:30pm.
Beer and wine available. Discount tickets on sale at Hy-Vee in Fairmont or
pay at the door.
COUNTDOWN TO
PORK MASTERS!
MONDAY, JULY 22, 2019
Visit www.porkmasters.com and get signed up!
“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
Wednesday, May 8th - 6:00 p.m.
Bureau 14 Meeting
Wednesday, May 15th - 3:00 p.m.
Ambassadors Meeting / Ribbon Cuttings
Thursday, May 16th - 4:00 p.m.
Young Professionals Network
Thursday, May 16th - 5:00 p.m.
PM Exchange
Tuesday, May 21st - 6:00 p.m.
Agri-Business Meeting
Monday, May 27th
Memorial Day (Offices Closed)
Tuesday, May 28th - 9:00 a.m.
Social Media Breakfast (See Pg. 8)
Friday, June 7th - 1:00 p.m.
Chamber Golf Outing (See Pg. 3)
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS!
Cutting Edge Fitness
Heartland Senior Living
Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc.
Schwan's Home Service
Local careers (Continued from page 1)
eral schools were unable to attend. Approximately
100 attending businesses and colleges
stepped up their game again this year with
ever-more engaging displays to showcase the
amazing career opportunities in our area. Students
in attendance received valuable information,
souvenirs and advice on career choices
and further education options.
Fairmont High School’s Performing
Arts Center accommodated two separate interactive
game show competitions where recent
area graduates, who are now locally employed
young professionals, shared their career paths
and words of wisdom with the students. A representative
was chosen from each school to
answer the questions drawn, challenging their
knowledge of current workforce statistics and
offering insight into area careers and our regional
economic landscape. The two winning
schools, Martin Luther High School and Blue
Earth Area, received trophies to bring back
and put on display at their schools.
Thank you to all of our sponsors for
helping to make this ACE event possible: Bank
Midwest, Fairmont Economic Development
Authority (FEDA), First Farmers and Merchants
Bank, Fareway, Hy-Vee, United Hospital
District, Martin County Youth Foundation,
Martin County EDA (IGNITE), Southern Minnesota
Initiative Foundation, SW/WC Service
Cooperation (Perkins Grant), Walmart and
Casey’s General Store.
If you would like to learn more about
this annual event, scheduled for Wednesday,
April 8th, 2020, contact Kandi at the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce.
6
Feature your business ad
in full color for
only $70 per month
with your annual contract or $80 per month.
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 greet new faces
7
FAIRMONT DAIRY QUEEN
Chamber Ambassadors welcome Scott Vaubel, new owner of the Dairy Queen store
on Blue Earth Avenue in Fairmont.
ROSE LAKE GOLF CLUB
Ambassadors join chamber member Rose Lake Golf Club for a ribbon cutting to celebrate
the addition of Jodi Zeitz as their new club manager.
H
A
P
P
Y
NATIONAL SMALL
BUSINESS WEEK
May 5 - 11, 2019
THINK LOCAL FIRST!
DID YOU KNOW?
Not only do local retailers occupy
valuable storefront locations and
pay substantial property taxes,
they also collect sales taxes in every
community that levies them.
Jeff Schlomann
201 Downtown Plaza | Fairmont
(507) 238-4218
jeffreyschlomann.fbfsagents.com
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services M191 (1-18)
(507) 238-4949

May programs at CER
Spring into action and try something new with CER. A wide
variety of opportunities for both adults and youth are featured in the new
Spring/Summer CER Catalog. Youth instructional sports & camps as well as
adult/youth arts, active living and more are featured. Call 235-3141 for information
or pick up a catalog at CER.
A free Bike Rodeo will be conducted on Wednesday, May 8, 3:30-
4:30 pm, at the Fairmont Elementary School West Entrance. Bike checks,
bike handling and safety skills will be conducted. Hot dogs will be served
by the FES 3-6 Principal. This event is sponsored by Kiwanis, Safe Routes
to School, Fairmont Police, The Bike Shoppe, Fairmont CER and community
volunteers. Please be aware of our youth bikers and walkers!
Remember to go to the Community Calendar (www.FairmontAreaCalendar.com)
to find out what is happening in our community and county
on a daily/weekly/or monthly basis when planning your summer.
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
Defensive Driver Refresher May 8
Bike Rodeo May 8
Acrylic Pour Painting May 9
Social Security Planning for Boomers May 9
Pen & Ink Drawing May 14
Fairmont Elementary Track Meet May 14
Responsible Beverage Server Training May 14
Cake Decorating May 16/May 22
Summer Gardening for Kids May 29
Chok Painting Small Furniture June 1
Girls Softball June 3
Gymnastics June 3
…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
8
Budding Concepts for Social Media - May 28th
Sara Broers
SMB INSTRUCTOR
The next Social
Media Breakfast will be
held from 9:00 AM to
10:00 AM, May 28 at the
Southern Minnesota Educational
Campus, 115 S.
Park St., in Fairmont.
How has social
media changed in the past
year? Has your digital marketing strategy evolved
to leverage new features and adapt to the everchanging
landscape? This month's Social Media
Breakfast instructor Sara Broers of Social Connections,
LLC will offer insights and ideas your
business can use to stay ahead of the competition,
build online connections, and help your business
to thrive. Join us and learn new ways to stimulate
growth in your social media marketing!
Visit our website at
www.fairmontchamber.org to
register for this event or to find
out how you can sponsor a future
event.
Fairmont Area Social Media Breakfast is
sponsored this month by United Hospital District
and 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