Chamber Newsletter - December 2019

December 2019
Community Connections
“Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Holiday spirit was Glowing!
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - A Community
United
Page 3 - Glows parade
Page 4- Welcome new Board
Members
Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs
Page 6 - Grow with
Google
Page 7 - Ambassadors
Page 7 - Fairmont First
Campaign
The 30th annual arrival of
Santa, Glows parade and festivities
was held Friday November 22.
Prior to the parade the airport
lobby was filled with children
in anticipation of the arrival of Santa
and Mrs. Claus. They arrived safe
and sound aboard the North Pole
Express with a smooth landing on
the Fairmont Airport runway.
Area residents and visitors
came to witness the spectacular parade
and celebrated together along
Downtown Plaza and throughout
our community with pre and postparade
festivities carrying on well
into the night.
Even without snow, the
lights were glowing and spirits were
ABOVE: The 30th annual Glows Parade lights up Downtown Plaza in Fairmont
as residents and visitors gather to kick off the Holiday Season.
festive. As reported by a regular parade
participant, this year’s Glows
festivities appeared to be among
the best- (Continued on page 3)
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Chair
Deb Barnes
Lakeview Methodist
Health Care Center
Vice Chair
DeeAnn Eversman
Dee’s Floral &
Designs
Stephanie Busiahn
Visit Fairmont
Wendy Emler
Century 21
Northland Realty
Nicole Gries
Valero Renewables
Judy Gustafson
U.S. Bank
Teresa Haycraft
Fairmont Ford
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
Sara Pierce
Pierce Accounting
and Tax Services
Treasurer
Keith Hoye
KSUM and KFMC
Radio
John Kasper
Graffiti Corner
Steve Pomerenke
Compeer Financial
Blake Potthoff
Fairmont Opera
House, Inc.
Tyler Stahr
Fareway Stores
Ned Koppen
President
president@fairmontchamber.org
Kandi Menne
Office Manager/Director of
Communications
info@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
A community united
By: Ned Koppen - Chamber President
The number of choices that
exist in a community often determines
how attractive that community
is to people looking in from
the outside as well as to those who
live there. If more choices are a
good thing, think of how attractive
our community must be when others
look at us. We have many great choices!
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
kicked off our shop local campaign coinciding
with the Glows Parade. The
Retail, Business & Entertainment
Committee of the Chamber
is spearheading this program
called “Fairmont First”.
We want to encourage everyone
in our community to consider
all of the great businesses that
we have here before looking
anywhere else. We believe that
when everyone thinks, shops
and buys local it makes our
community as a whole, stronger.
There are many great reasons
to shop your local merchants
first. When you add them all up
the end result is it makes your
community stronger and that
in turn let’s all of the individual
pieces of the community to thrive. Shopping your
local businesses first, establishes a greater sense of
community!
However, I don’t think great choices in our community
stops there. What makes us attractive? Certainly
all of the great places to shop make us attractive.
Have you thought about all of the things
you are able to get here? Cars, appliances, clothing,
sporting goods, shoes, jewelry, groceries, pharmacy,
paint, flowers, stereos, mowers, blowers……..
It’s a huge list and I think we are just scratching the
surface of what you can find here. We have great
health care options in our community that provide
services to everyone in our community and
“If more choices are
a good thing, think
of how attractive our
community must be
when others look at us.
We have many great
choices! ”
draw people here every day. We have a great hospital,
clinics, specialists, dental, mental health, and
there are multiple providers in most of these areas.
What a luxury to have that many professionals and
that many medical choices in our town! Consider
the entertainment that we have available to us.
We have many unique locally owned restaurants,
bars, grills and catering services available to us and
those are complimented by a great selection
of national chain establishments that give
us a wide selection to choose from. Do you
want to see a show, catch some
entertainment, experience
something unique? How many
communities have the variety
of choices that we have with a
movie theater, Opera House,
Red Rock Center, a school with
a Performing Arts Center and
other chances to see live entertainment.
Great choices can be found in
our manufacturing industries as
well. We have many successful
manufacturers. The variety is
impressive for any community,
with locally owned companies
and companies competing on a
global scale all being a part of
our business community. The
employment opportunities are tremendous. Martin
County also is a leader in the state and the nation
in agricultural production. Our farms are top
producers in the state and contribute greatly to our
economy. Many of our friends and neighbors work
for our ag businesses and the impact on our local
economy is huge!
What other choices do we have here that makes our
community attractive? We have a variety that bring
many people in from the outside and gives all of us
who live here a great quality of life. That starts with
our lakes and everything they have to offer. Fishing,
boating, swimming and beauty year round. The
Martin County Fair, (Continued on page 6)
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Holiday spirits shine bright (Continued from page 1)
3
ABOVE: ReMax Total Realty (2019 Glows Parade
Commercial Float Award Winner)
www.deerequipment.com
ABOVE: McSap/YOCO (2019 Glows Parade Non-
Commercial Float Award Winner)
attended on record, with patrons from near and
far lined up along the entire parade route.
Once again local businesses and organizations
pulled out all the stops decorating floats
and trailers, buses and bucket trucks with lights,
greenery and other decor as they delivered candy,
gifts and good cheer to the eager children,
parents and residents lining the streets.
Our panel of 6 judges made their selections
for top float in each of three categories
(Commercial, Non-Commercial and Glowing).
After careful consideration of all the incredible
entries, the following award winners were chosen.
The Commercial Float Award was given
to Remax Total Realty. Non-Commercial Float
Award was awarded to YOCO/McSap Coalition
and their enthusiastic group of kids! The Glowing
Float Award went to Profinium for their dazzling
float featuring the years hottest movie
theme, Frozen!
Congratulations to each of our 2019
Glows Parade Float Award winners! They each
received $50.00 in Chamber Gift Certificates!
We would like to thank each business
and organization who entered the parade for
their contributions in helping to make Fairmont
glow during this event and throughout the Holiday
season!
We would also like to thank the City of
Fairmont Street, Fire and Police Departments,
the Fairmont Airport, our parade judges, and all
of the volunteers and spectators who continue
to make this a memorable event year after year!
The Glows Festival would not be possible without
the support we receive from each of you and
from the members of our great community.
If you are interested in being part of the
PAUL KLOECKNER
Product Specialist
■ Sales & Leasing Expert
■ Customer Focused Service
■ Competitive Pricing
“Your Friendly Ford Dealer Since 1909”
FAIRMONT
FORD
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
ABOVE: Profinium Inc. (2019 Glows Parade Glowing
Float Award Winner)
planning committee or have ideas on how to enhance
the Glows experience , be sure to contact
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce with
your suggestions!
THINK LOCAL FIRST!
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies show that a community’s level
of social capital, civic engagement,
and well-being is positively related to
the share of its economy held by local
businesses.

Chamber member business briefs
Red Rock Center for the Arts
(507) 235-9262
Ring in the holiday’s with Glenn Henriksen’s Annual
Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7pm. Capturing
audiences of all ages with his charismatic personality
and musical talent he is sure to please with his collection
of holiday, jazz and classical piano ensemble. Advance tickets are required,
and on sale now at Red Rock Center and Hy-Vee in Fairmont.
Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates
(507) 235-9405
Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates is updating its
parking and interior to better serve the community. New furnishings, technology
and security are just a few of the improvements. Goldfinch Estates is
a nonprofit community. Investing back into the community for our residents
and future residents is a big part of advancing our mission of compassionate
care and joy-filled environments. Watch closely for upcoming events over
the Holidays or just stop out for a tour and see all the exciting new changes.
Residents and Staff eagerly await the finished product.
Interlaken Heritage Days
(507) 236-3841
After the start of the new year the Interlaken Heritage Days
committee will be in full swing getting all the events planned
and scheduled for the festival taking place June 12th & 13th.
We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers to help our small committee plan
this big city festival (there are only 6 of us!)!! Whether you'd be interested in
helping in a large capacity or small, we would love to hear from you as there
are so many ways to get involved. To learn more email us at interlakenheritagedays@gmail.com
or call Marlys Brummond at 507-236-3841.
Thank you to
the three board members
who will be finishing
their three-year
terms on the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
at the end of 2019.
Our outgoing board
members include Past
Chair, Les Anderson
(Martin County Farm
Bureau), Brandon Edmundson
(Krahmer,
Shaffer & Edmundson,
Ltd.) and Dave Cone
(Kahler Automation)
We are truly
grateful for the contributions
each of
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
you have made to this
Chamber. We honor
you for your devotion
to improving our local
business climate
and our community
through your service
on the Chamber's
Board of Directors.
Thank you all!
Aventure Staffing
(507) 399.2027
Aventure Staffing would like to welcome
a new Branch Manager, Courtney Stelter and a new Employee Specialist
Karen Christians! Aventure Staffing specializes in Industrial, Office, Healthcare
and Professional placement. Our founder, Rudy Salem, said it best: "we
treat people like they are the most important people in the world.” That
mind-set continues to drive Aventure today in our commitment to treating
each employee and client like part of the family. For over 35 years, we have
been dedicated to connecting job seekers with employers and improving
the communities we serve.
Holiday Inn/Green Mill
(507) 238.4771
Left without plans for your annual get-together? We
have the perfect fit for your holiday social needs!
Get your group together and party with us! December 7th: ‘Murder Me
Always’ – A Murder Mystery full of comedy and intrigue, performed by
local actors throughout dinner! Partnered with the Fairmont Opera House
- Performed in the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn. Call the Fairmont
Opera House for Tickets 507-238-4900. December 31st – New Year’s Eve
Dinner and a Show! Comedian Jim Holder is a seasoned veteran of stand-up
comedy who has headlined the most respected comedy clubs from coastto-coast.
With an attitude aimed at making people laugh uncontrollably.
Reservations: 507-238-4771 Ask about our hotel package deal. Planning
for a larger group? We can do that too! Book your holiday party, 507-238-
4771 or email catering@greenmillfairmont.com
“Business Briefs” is a complimentary service provided by the Chamber for
chamber members. Limit your information to one paragraph of about 100
words. Examples: expansion, new employees, awards, monumental anniversary,
etc… A photo or logo can be included. NO Direct Advertising.
Thank You to our retiring board members
4
Les Anderson
Brandon Edmundson Dave Cone

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber member business briefs
Fairmont Opera House, Inc.
CCFBank
(507) 238-4900
Mick Sterling will make a return presenting his At
Christmas show. At Christmas is a unique blend
family fueled comedy and surprisingly tender and truthful Christmas experiences
brilliantly written and performed by an amazing cast as well as a live,
6-piece band. They will performing on December 6th at 7:30PM. Also this
month, Monroe Crossing is a band that blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass
gospel, and heartfelt originals. They are based out of the Twin Cities and will be
performing here at the Opera House on December 21st at 7:30PM.
Krueger Realty
(507) 235.9060
Krueger Realty is excited to announce that Brad Anderson
has joined our sales team. Brad brings his many years of
Real Estate experience and knowledge to our office. Brad
complements our ability to offer the full range of services
necessary to make buying, owning and selling a house,
townhome or condo as easy as possible. Serving Minnesota since 1970 we
have a strong commitment and dedication to our customers and can handle
all of the realty services from beginning to end: title, mortgage, relocation,
rentals and home marketing programs. If you’re in the real estate market
looking to buy or sell, Call Brad at 507-236-1123.
Kahler Automation
(507) 235-6648
WELCOME to new Production Associate Brady Allen,
as well as intern Cade Westervelt (from Northwest Iowa Community College)
who is assisting our Production, Service, and Engineering departments. KUDOS
to Community Wellness Challenge teams Automated Turtles (Martha Myren,
Norma Seibert, Kristi Prafke, and Tom Royer) and JACCED Up! (Jessica Pierce,
Amanda Philipp, Courtney Cutler, Chantill Kahler Royer, Emily Fraser, and Dawn
Korsmo) for a great job representing Kahler in the Mayo Clinic competition. And
CONGRATULATIONS on recent promotions to Mark Mohr (VP of Sales), Paul
Rehm (Project Estimator), and Max Haake (Service Supervisor).
South Creek HR
(507) 246-2950
South Creek HR is now scheduling team development
solutions for 2020. Experts know that the single most
untapped competitive advantage is teamwork. Start the
new year right by going through a learning experience to
help your team build cohesiveness and improve their effectiveness. These
sessions combine the framework of Patrick Lencioni’s proven model for
teamwork with personal insights revealed through a personality assessment
that empower team members to make lasting change that drives
results. Schedule your session with Crystal Hanson by 12/31/2019 to lock
in current prices before they increase on 1/1/2020. www.southcreekhr.com
(507) 238.4479
Meet Abby Ruppert! She is our new Branch Lead at the CCF-
Bank Fairmont location. She brings more than eight years of
banking experience to our team. Abby can help you with any
personal loans and home equity lines of credit. She can also
help you with your checking, savings, business accounts, and
certificate of deposits. Visit Abby today and find out how she can Make More
Possible for you!
Sweet Financial Services, Inc.
(507) 235-5587
Bryan and Ty both just attended an amazing two
and a half days at the Darren Hardy High Performance
Forum. Darren Hardy has been the central
business leader of the success media industry for 20+ years. He now
teaches unique success strategies exclusively to those who chose to…Be The
Exception. HPF (HIGH-PERFORMANCE FORUM) is an invitation-only mastermind
workshop for unusually driven entrepreneurs and business leaders
looking to build and accelerate a high-impact, high-growth, and highperforming
enterprise. There were many types of businesses attending and
Bryan and Ty learned some amazing things on marketing and team building.
Interlaken Golf Club
(507) 399.2027
“Interlaken Golf Club hosts their 2nd annual holiday
open house: vendor & craft show; Saturday, December
7th- 10 am- 3 pm. This year in partnership with
the Interlaken Heritage days committee as a fund-raising activity. Come out
to start your holiday shopping by supporting local vendors & our community
IHD committee, by enjoying a fun afternoon of wine sampling, shopping,
and social activity. Golf club clubhouse: 277 Amber Lake Drive, Fairmont.”
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
(507) 238.9722
Is Your Portfolio Telling You to Make a Change? Rebalancing
is the shifting of assets in your portfolio back to your original
allocation, to better reflect your investment objectives and
risk profile. While the right time is different for each investor,
there are some common indications on when to shift assets.
This includes when one asset class is a certain percentage higher or lower
than its original representation in your portfolio. Also, reviewing your portfolio
at a set time frame may help avoid an emotional decision during volatility. Other
times to rebalance include when you recognize a broad, persistent trend in the
markets or when a major personal event occurs. Contact Chad, Seth or Dan to
help you review your investment strategy to ensure your portfolio stays on track
and continues to align with your future goals.
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
Friday, December 13th - 11:00 -2:00
Christmas Open House (Chamber Office)
Wednesday, December 11th - 6:00 p.m.
Bureau 14 & Agri business Committees
Combined Meeting
Wednesday, December 18th - 3:00 p.m.
Ambassadors Meeting / Ribbon Cuttings
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve (Offices Closed)
Wednesday, December 25th
Christmas Day (Offices Closed)
Wednesday, January 1st
New Years Day (Offices Closed)
United (Cont'd - Pg 2)
Interlaken Heritage Days, 3 great golf courses, disc golf, beautiful city and county parks, summer
celebrations in all of our communities, hiking and bike trails, our aquatic park, community
pools, yacht club, 4th of July fireworks, Glows Parade, Fairmont Triathalon, Pond Hockey
and many other events during the year.
If choices are important to a community, we are way ahead of the game. Our choices give us
a great place to live and makes our community a place that others are attracted to. We have a
community that others come to for all of the reasons listed above. With great businesses and
employment opportunities we are the type of place others want to live and young people will
want to come back to. We live in a time where we are very mobile and the internet is tempting
us to look on-line all the time. If we pause for a moment before looking outside of our
community and consider everything we have available right here, we might find there isn’t a
need to look elsewhere. The businesses, products and service selections we have are rich and
plentiful. We are blessed with great healthcare, dining, shopping and entertainment choices
and when we choose to spend in our community we all win for many reasons. Supporting each
other and supporting our community is easy when you think Fairmont First. And by doing so
we reinforce in ourselves and others what a great community we are.
Grow with Google
6
WELCOME
NEW MEMBER!
Krahmer Law Firm
In December we take a break from Social Media Breakfast to spend
time with family and friends during the holidays, BUT, we have something
special planned for January 28! The next SMB will be held from 9 AM to
11 AM, January at SMEC, 115 S Park St., in Fairmont. A representative
from Google will share two different Grow with Google for Small Business
presentations. From 9 AM to 10 AM Dave Meyer will be talking about how
to reach customers online with Google and from 10 AM to 11 AM he will
be sharing how to use data to drive growth. Attend one or both of these presentations at no cost
to you! Watch for more information and registration later this month on our Facebook page www.
facebook.com/fairmontchamber or call the Chamber at 507-235-5547. Registration is requested
as light refreshments and promotional items are offered.
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.
Chamber Ambassadors celebrate local growth
7
RE/MAX TOTAL REALTY
Chamber Ambassadors visited new business and Chamber Member in their freshly
renovated offices.
GROOMINGDALES AND JUST FUR FUN GROOMING
Ambassadors made a visit to the new location of these 2 pet friendly businesses
FAIRMONT CROSSFIT
Ambassadors gave their stamp of approval on the new location of Fairmont Crossfit
Year end donation?
Years ago the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce purchased the
seasonal lantern decorations for the street lights. It costs approximately
$1,500 per year to repair and replace lightbulbs on them.
We are always in need of donations to replenish our Community
Christmas Decoration Fund. Plus it is our goal to purchase new decorations
in the coming years as our current ones continue to age and deteriorate.
and replacement parts are not available. The replacement costs are
significant. We would appreciate donations in any amount. Your donation
will continue to keep our community shining bright throughout the holiday
season. If you would like to donate, you can contact us by phone at
(507) 235-5547, or reach us by email at info@fairmontchamber.org
Medicare can be complicated.
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
A Farm Bureau agent
makes it easy. Call me to find
a Medicare supplement plan
that’s right for you.
Jeff Schlomann
201 Downtown Plaza, Fairmont
(507) 238-4218
JeffreySchlomann.fbfsagents.com
(507) 238-4949
W-5018029 9/18

December programs at CER
8
Join a Winter Basketball or Volleyball League. The Co-Ed Winter
Volleyball League informational meeting will be held on Thursday,
December 5, 6:30 pm at the Fairmont Elementary School Cafeteria. The
Winter Basketball League organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday,
December 17, 6:00 pm in the Fairmont Elementary School Cafeteria.
All community string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players
are invited to a Community Orchestra Holiday concert! Come to the
Fairmont High School PAC at December 19, 5:00 pm for a rehearsal. The
concert will be at 7:30. Pre-register through CER (235-3141) and music
will be provided ahead of time for practice. Questions? Email koenning.
katie@apps.fairmont.k12.mn.us
The CER Staff would like to wish you and yours a holiday season of
Joy, Peace, Hope and Love. One of the most precious gifts you might give is
to share your time and talent with others!
For an up-to date list of activities, see the CER Web Store located
at www.fairmontareaschools.com (Register online with your Master-
Card/Visa.) The CER Office is located in the Fairmont Elementary School Door
15A, 714 Victoria Street, Fairmont. Call 507-235-3141 or Email rdauer@fairmont.
k12.mn.us.
A SAMPLING OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Lights on For Kids Daily Afterschool December 2-20
Zumba Flair December 2
Healthy Living & Wellness Expo December 2
Flexibility (Community Health Series) December 4
Acrylic Pour Painting-Christmas Ornaments December 5
Co-Rec Winter Volleyball Meeting December 5
Tower Gardening December 10
Building Bridges Casual Conversations December 10
Microsoft Publisher December 14
Men’s Winter Basketball League Org. Meeting December 17
Microsoft Word December 18
Intro to Hydroponics (Master Gardener) December 18
Community Orchestra Holiday Concert December 19
Vacation Open Gyms
TBD
New Year’s Eve Roller Skating December 31
Martin Co. Auto Academy/Snowmobile safety/Elem Boys Basketball Jan. 4
…and much more!
Retail, Business, Entertainment (RBE) Committee
Mission: “To Attract and Encourage Local
Shopping”. What is “Fairmont First”? A Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce initiative to encourage
people to think, shop and buy local in efforts
to support and grow local businesses.
Launched at this year’s Glow Parade to coincide
with the 2019 Holiday Shopping
Season, it is the beginning of an on-going effort to
support local businesses, not just a one-time
effort. It centers on encouraging people to think
of and consider local businesses or “Fairmont
First”, before going elsewhere to shop. Emphasizes
that Fairmont has a lot of great shopping, entertainment
and professional business here locally
that we often overlook for the sake of going elsewhere.
Provides “The Top 10 Reasons” to shop locally,
as we often forget what shopping locally
does for the local economy and community.
Limited edition 2019 buttons will be sold
for $5 to fund efforts to promote local businesses.
Each button purchased before
December 13th enters the purchasers
into a drawing to win
$50, $100 or $250 in Chamber
Bucks. Buttons are available at
Chamber office, Opera House,
Graffiti Corner, Dee’s Floral, Minuteman Press, &
Sterling Drug. Drawing will be held Friday, December
13th at the Chamber Offices. You do not
need to be present to win.
Most Insurance
Plans Welcome
The Best
Optometry
In Sight.
www.fairmontarealife.com
James Busche, O.D.
1307 ALBION AVENUE, SUITE 102
FAIRMONT, MN
PH: (507) 238-4228
Spencer Seibert, O.D.
111 EAST 6TH STREET
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020