Chamber Update - April 2020

April 2020
Community Connections
“Powering up business throughout Martin County”
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - Thanks for Your
Commitment
Pages 4 & 5 - Business Briefs
Page 6 - Message from the
Chamber
Page 7 - Fluorescent Light
Bulb recycling
Page 7 - Community Ed and
Social Media Breakfast
PLATINUM MEMBER
A message from your Chamber
During the State of Minnesota “Stay
at Home” order the Fairmont Area Chamber
if Commerce will follow this order
with our offices closed.
During this closure, continue to
find information for your business and
We are living
in a strange
time right now.
A month ago the
coronavirus scare was half a world away from us
and it felt like a problem being taken care of by
other governments. Today all of that has changed.
We have confirmed cases of COVID 19 in our county
and have seen many of the places where we congregate
close. Our schools, restaurants, entertainment
venues and more are shut down until further notice.
We have other businesses such as health care
and grocery working overtime to keep us healthy
and fed while they try and keep themselves safe
at the same time. While this seems like an insurmountable
challenge at times, I am convinced we
will get through this and bounce back to a point
where we prosper like we were before this scare.
There are multiple people in many organizations
doing the work necessary to get us over this
hump and moving back towards normal. Our local,
state and federal governments are acting and reacting
daily to what is needed as we navigate this
scare. State agencies and organizations such as the
MN Chamber, SBA, DEED and others continue to offer
information, advice and programs to help businesses
big and small to stay viable and bridge the
gap to getting back to business as normal. We have
local entities like Fairmont Economic Development
Authority, Visit Fairmont, CareerForce and your local
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce working
and staying in touch daily to make sure we are all
aware of resources and doing our best to help our
local businesses continue to do business, access all
resources and programs and come out the other
side of this in the best shape possible. In addition
to that our public health, health care, emergency
services and law enforcement discuss the daily situation
and update all involved on what they are encountering,
working on and how they plan to keep
working to keep us all safe.
Each day the Chamber is attempting to provide
information to as many of our local businesses
as possible. We are monitoring the federal government
and any legislation that may be passed to help
our country through this. We stay in touch with
state government, the MN Chamber, DEED, MN Department
of Labor and others to make sure we are
up to date with their resources and programs.
continued on page 7
employees at the following websites:
MN Chamber Business Toolbox - mnchamber.com
Apply for Unemployment Benefits - uimn.org
Corona Virus Tax Relief - irs.gov
Emergency COVID 19 Resources - fedamn.com
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
DeAnn Eversman
Dee’s Floral &
Designs
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
Wendy Emler
Century 21
Northland Realty
Nicole Gries
Valero Renewables
Judy Gustafson
U.S. Bank
Teresa Haycraft
Fairmont Ford
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
Thanks for your commitment!
By: Ned Koppen - Chamber President
Our mission statement
reads; “The Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce is an advocate for
promoting a healthy business climate
by facilitating access to leaders,
communication and education
through programs and services for its members.”
We will continue to move forward with the
3M-Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing
AdMfg, Inc.
Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC
American Legion Post #36
Ameriprise Financial
Associate Optometry, P.A.
Aventure Staffing
Baarts Trucking, Inc.
Bank Midwest
Bank Midwest - Sherburn
Bank Midwest Investment & Insurance Services
Baywood Home Care
Becker Storage
Belle Vue Estates Condominiums
BEVCOMM, Inc.
Birch Street Dentistry
Bob Wallace
BoeKett Building Supply, Inc.
BoeKett Building Supply, Inc. - Truman
Bolton and Menk, Inc.
Bomgaars
Borchardt Agency, Inc.
Bowlmor Lanes
C & B Operations
CareerForce
Carpet Plus - Floor Covering Center
Carstensen Cabinetry & Woodworking
Casey's General Store
Cavers Realty
CCF Bank
Center Agency
Central Farm Service
Century 21 Northland Realty
Chain of Lakes Yacht Club
Channel Inn
Char Kahler
Cheri Frank
Chamber programs that you find valuable and will
continue to find ways to benefit your business
through Education, Engagement, Workforce and
Advocacy initiatives. We take your commitment
to the Chamber seriously and will be sure to work
as hard as possible on your behalf in 2020. Thank
you to the following businesses that have committed
to helping us fulfill our goals!
2020 MEMBER INVESTMENTS
CHS, Inc.
City of Fairmont - City Administrator
City of Lakes Media
Community Options and Resources (COR)
Compeer Financial
Computer Lodge LLC
Countryside Townhouses
Cress Refrigeration, Inc.
Crest
Culligan Water Conditioning
Cutting Edge Fitness
D & S Trophies - Embroidery & Screen Printing
Dairy Queen
Dan's Appliance, Sleep Source & TV
Dee's Floral and Designs
Devenish Nutrition
DeVries Rentals
DeWar Electric, Inc.
Don Anderson
Doolittle's Carpet and Paints, Inc.
Dulcimer Medical Center, P.A.
Dustyn & Leah Hartung of Land Services Unlimited, Inc.
E - Z Wash Laundromat
Easy Automation, Inc.
Edman and Edman
Education Minnesota - Fairmont
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Dan Hamlet
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mandi Kosbab
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Wyman Fischer
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Drew Schellpeper
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Paul Schellpeper
Erpelding, Voigt and Co. L.L.P
Evie's Essentials
Fairmont Area Kinship
Fairmont Area Let's Go Fishing
Fairmont Early Risers Kiwanis
Fairmont Family Dentistry
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Fairmont Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
Fairmont Ford
Fairmont Glass and Sign Products, Inc.
Fairmont Hearing Aid Service
Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment
Fairmont Lakes Foundation
Fairmont Opera House
Fairmont Roofing
Fairmont Rotary Club
Fairmont Sentinel
Fairmont Square
Fairmont Trap Club
Fairmont Veterinary Clinic
Fareway Stores Inc.
Farm Bureau Financial Services - Jeff Schlomann
FEDA-Linsey Preuss
First Farmers & Merchants National Bank
Fitzgerald Moving
Flying Goose Campground & Resort
Frontier Communications Solutions
Gemini Studios
Gerdts CPA Ltd.
Gethmann Dental Office
Goldfinch Estates
Good News Bookstore
Graffiti Corner Frozen Treat & Coffee Lounge
Graham Tire Co.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
Green Plains Fairmont LLC
Habitat for Humanity of Martin & Faribault Counties
Hampton Inn
Heartland Senior Living
Heritage Acres
Hinz - n - Hinz General Contractors
Holiday Inn
Hometown Sanitation Services, LLC
Hugoson Pork
Hy-Vee Foods
IFC National Marketing, Inc.
Ingleside
Interlaken Golf Club
Interlaken Heritage Days
Jake's Pizza
Jetter Clean, Inc.
Jim Davison
JL Computers
Joe Kurtzman
Joseph E. Brown, Sr.
Joseph E. Switras, Ph.D., P. A.
K & W Electric
Kahler Automation Corp.
Karen Toupal
Kenway Engineering, Inc.
KEYC CBS & KEYC FOX Mankato
Krahmer Law Firm
Krahmer, Shaffer & Edmundson, Ltd
Krueger Realty, Inc.
Lakeview Funeral Home
Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center
Lange Ag Systems
Lawn Solutions, Inc.
Livewire Printing Company
Lund Chiropractic Clinic
Madsen Land Surveying, Inc.
Martin County Corn and Soybean Growers
Martin County Economic Development Authority
Martin County Fair
Martin County Farm Bureau
Martin County Historical Society
Martin County License Center, Inc.
Martin County Mechanical
Martin County Pork Producers
Martin County Preservation Assoc.
Martin County Veterans Memorial
Martin Luther High School
Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service
Mayo Clinic Health System - Fairmont
McDonald's
Midcontinent Communications
Midwest IT Systems, Inc.
Militello Motors
Miller Sellner
Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minuteman Press
MRCI
NAPA Auto Parts of Fairmont
New Directions Healing Center, LLC
Noddle Companies - Fairmont Plaza
Northern Lines Insurance
NuWay- K & H Cooperative
One Office Solution
Optimal Health & Chiropractic P.A.
PC Janitorial
Partners Funding, Inc.
Paul Seibert
Perkins Restaurant
Peters Insurance Agency
Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency Inc.
Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency Inc. - Trimont
Pierce Accounting & Tax Services
Pizza Ranch
Pomerenke Insurance
Prairie Lakes Transit
Preferred Capital Management
Professional Tax Advisors Inc.
Profinium Insurance Agency
3
Profinium, Inc.
Profinium, Inc. - Truman
Quality Inn
R & S Cleaning and Maintenance, Inc.
Re/Max Total Realty
Redi-Haul Trailers, Inc.
Reiter Dental P.A.
Richard's Auto Repair and Towing
Rick DeBoer Signs
Riverland Community College
Ronald J. Arens, CPA, PC
Rosburg Construction
Rose Lake Golf Club
Rosen's, Inc.
S & J Excavation Inc.
Safety Solutions Inc.
ServiceMaster by Rice
Shoe Sensation #861
Slumberland Furniture
Small Business Development Center
South Central WorkForce Council
South Creek HR LLC
So. Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises
Southern MN Municipal Power Agency
State Bank of Fairmont
State Farm Insurance - Mark Fujan
STEP, Inc.
Sterling Drug
Subway
Sunshine Suzy, LLC
Super 8 Motel
Supreme Lending
Sweet Financial Services, Inc.
Tech Builders Inc
TG Equipment, Inc.
Thate's Tree Service
The Marina Lodge
The Meadows
The Ranch Restaurant
The Squeegee Brothers Inc.
Thrivent Financial
Torgerson Properties
Twelve Baskets Re-Sale
United Hospital District Home Health & Hospice
United Hospital District, Inc.
US Bank
Valero Renewable Fuels Company, LLC
Visit Fairmont
Voss Cleaning Services - DBA CleanRite ChemDry
Wanda Patsche
Waste Management
Welcome Motor Company
Wiederhoeft Welding & Machine

Chamber member business briefs
Lawn Solutions
(507) 238-2064
We at Lawn Solutions would love for you to get to
know us. Maybe you’ve heard the name, or have
seen us around town, but aren’t familiar with what we do. As the local leader
in lawn care we continually stay up to date with the latest lawn care practises.
Our goal is to find out how we can turn your lawn into a masterpiece. We
encourage you to give us a call to help you control the weeds, trim the shrubs,
mow the lawn, or plant perennials. Find out how we can give you the curb appeal
you’ve always wanted! Lawn Solutions has been owned and operated by
Chad Lutterman since 2008. (formerly Chem-Turf since 1980). Call anytime
for a free consultation or estimate.
KFMC/KSUM/KEMJ Radio
(507) 235-5595
It is with our utmost regrets that we have made the decision
to reschedule the Spring Expo at the Martin County
Fairgrounds scheduled for April 3rd – 5th, 2020. With the recent declaration
in Minnesota of a Peacetime Emergency followed by the President issuing a National
Emergency, it became clear that this decision was out of our hands. Many
of you are part of our daily lives and we wouldn’t want to live with the regret
that something happened because of our decision to have the show.We already
worked with the Martin County Fair Board to secure a new set of dates for this
year’s show, May 15th-17th. We look forward to the new dates and promise
we’ll do everything in our power to make the event the most successful yet!
If the COVID-19 situation would continue to worsen and threatens the new May
dates, we’ll make sure all vendors and public is informed timely.
If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to your Account
Executive or call our office.
Visit Fairmont
(507) 235.8585
2020 Minnesota Governor’s
Pheasant Hunting Opener
This is a chance to showcase our community to the rest of Minnesota, the
Midwest and nationwide! The event will be covered extensively by a multitude
of media ranging from television, print, radio and outdoor travel
writers. As a sponsor you help make this event possible, help your community
and help your business by being included in promotions for the event.
Please consider becoming a sponsor and find out what opportunities are
available for your business. If you want to help make this year’s Minnesota
Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener a success for Fairmont and all of Martin
County contact us: Ned Koppen, Sponsorship Co-Chair, 507-399-1623,
president@fairmontchamber.org; Bryan Gregor, Sponsorship Co-Chair,
507-236-2639, bgregor158@gmail.com; Stephanie Busiahn, Event Planner,
507-235-8585, director@fairmontcvb.com
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Kahler Automation
(507) 235-6648
NICE JOB to Sam Viesselman and
Logan Kahler, members of Kahler
Automation’s Software Engineering department, for their
mentorship of Fairmont Robotics. Team 2847 (“The MegaHertz”) finished in 4th
place at this year’s FIRST Robotics “Great Northern Regional” in Grand Forks, ND.
The MegaHertz, sponsored in part by Kahler Automation, struggled in qualifying
rounds but impressed their peers enough to be asked to join one of the top alliances.
Congrats to all of these bright and hard-working students on Team 2847,
and to Sam & Logan for their support of the team during an exciting season!
AdMfg
(507) 238-1243
Of each dollar spent in our community, 67 cents stays in the
community. AdMfg is excited to be part of a new venture in
town that unites local businesses and Fairmont Elementary
to help consumers discover what is offered in our community.
The pilot program ran this March and featured a catalog
filled with many exclusive items from a dozen local artisans and retailers who
donated a portion of their proceeds to the school. To be included in future issues,
contact AdMfg at (507) 238-1243 or ruth@admfg.com. To find out more
about the program, go to facebook.com/SupportLocalMN.
Red Rock Center for the Arts
(507) 235-9262
With great care and concern for our community our dinner
theatre annual fund-raiser scheduled for April 17 &
18 has been postponed until July 31 & August 1. Mark your calendar now for
this fun, one of a kind, interactive evening. We will continue to keep all our
patrons and supporters in our thoughts and look forward to seeing you in the
upcoming months.
United Hospital District (UHD)
(507) 526-3273
We have implemented the following temporary
changes in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) to
keep patients and staff safe: *UHD Fairmont Clinic
is closed until further noticed but, patients may be seen in Blue Earth *
UHD Hospital and Blue Earth Clinic remain open as follows: *No visitors.
*No Urgent Care through our ER. Please call 507-526-7388 to schedule a
Same Day appointment. *UHD Cafeteria and Gift Shop are closed. *All
non-essential community meetings scheduled at any UHD facility are
cancelled. *All persons arriving at UHD will be screened upon entry and
assessed for health concerns prior to being seen by a clinician. Please visit
our website at www.uhd.org for the most current information regarding
changes to our facilities.
4

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber member business briefs
Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store
(507) 238-2269
Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020, the
Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store reduced
their hours of operation. Until further
notice the new hours are from 11:00
a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday and
closed on Sundays. We have implemented further precautionary measures
for you our customers and our dedicated employees that make it possible for
us to stay open. Please keep the social distancing while in the liquor store.
Annually the proceeds from sales at the liquor store are funneled back into
the community. Thank you for your patience and continued support.
Martin County License Center
(507) 235-3335
In an effort to better assist our customers who practice social
distancing or that are unable to come into our office
during open hours, the Martin County License Center has
installed a dropbox outside the front door. This can be utilized at anytime.
The dropbox will be checked several times per day. Transactions will be processed
within 2 business days and receipts and stickers (if applicable) will
be mailed. As always, please be sure to include insurance information. In
case of questions or additional needed information, provide a phone number.
A correct address is required to assure timely mailing. Call 507-235-3335
during office hours, Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm if you have any questions
5
Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont
(507) 238-8100
The safety of our patients, staff and community
remains our highest priority. Mayo Clinic has deferred all elective care
for eight or more weeks. This will include both elective surgeries, procedures
and office visits. Semi-urgent, urgent and emergency care will continue in
clinic and hospital settings. This was effective March 23 at all Mayo Clinic
locations nationwide, including Mayo Clinic Health System. All sites will no
longer be allowed to have visitors until further notice. Compassionate exceptions
will be granted on a case-by-case basis, including births and end-of-life
care, among other specific circumstances. All visitors granted exceptions will
be screened prior to entry. No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed.
This decision is being made to ensure the safest possible environment for
our patients and staff and to free up resources to assist in Mayo Clinic’s response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff working in impacted areas will be
redeployed where needed most. We will be reaching out to patients to update
them if changes to their appointments are needed.” Dr. Amy Williams,
Dean of the Practice, Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-deferring-elective-care/.
For Mayo Clinic Health System
updates on COVID-19 please visit:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/covid19
Sweet Financial Services
(507) 235-5587
Fairmont, MN – Bryan J. Sweet, ChFC®, Founder and
CEO of Sweet Financial Services has been named to
the 2020 edition of the Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for the 3rd
consecutive year in a row. The list recognizes top financial advisors across the U.S.
(Note: Our very own Bryan J. Sweet, ChFC®, of Sweet Financial Services was the only
advisor outside of the metro area to receive this recognition!) This year’s Best-In-
State Wealth Advisors list spotlights over 4,000 top-performing advisors across
the country who were nominated by their firms – and then researched, interviewed
and assigned a ranking within their respective states. The Forbes ranking
of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an
algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person
due diligence interviews, and quantitative data.
Since the start of his financial services career in 1979, Bryan has specialized in
helping individuals accumulate and preserve wealth for retirement and beyond.
We at Sweet Financial Services realize that preparing for your retirement is much
more than numbers, it is about creating possibilities for your future. Nothing is
more fulfilling than not only helping people retire well, but helping them reach
their biggest dreams, every single day. While wealth management is what we do,
inspiring people to realize their dreams are possible is who we are.
www.deerequipment.com
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

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
2020 Golf Outing Scheduled
6
Wednesday, April 8th - Canceled
Area Career Exploration (ACE) and
Bureau 14 monthly meeting
To Be determined
Wednesday, April 15th - 3:00 p.m.
Ambassadors Meeting - TBD
Thursday, April 16th - 4:00 p.m.
Young Professionals Network - TBD
Tuesday, April 21 - 6:00 p.m.
Agri-Business Meeting - TBD
Tuesday, April 28rd - 9:00 a.m.
Social Media Breakfast (See Pg. 8)
Status pending
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS!
Lori Darlin's Boutique
J.H. Larson Electrical
Golfers in 2019 enjoyed
great weather during the annual outing as
well as many networking opportunites
Preparations for the Chamber Golf Outing
have begun! The Chamber Golf Outing, routinely
among the earliest outings of the season,
will celebrate its 23rd year as a muchanticipated
afternoon of fun and relaxation.
Mark your calendars and gather up
your foursome to join in this signature event
of the Fairmont Area Chamber. The outing
is scheduled for a 1:00 PM shotgun start on
Friday, June 5th at the Rose Lake Golf Club in
Fairmont.
The goal is to offer a few new twists
during the golf outing activities with NEW
hole challenges and door prizes. Dinner at
the clubhouse will again be offered. Hole
sponsorships are currently available to all
chamber members.
The annual outing offers opportunities
for local business to network while making a
local impact by supporting one of the many
important causes the Chamber takes on.
This event serves as a fund-raiser to
support the three local youth programs coordinated
by the Chamber’s Business Education
Committee. Each year the Chamber coordinates
a welcome banquet for new teachers
to the district, pairing them with a local business
person. Purchases the volunteer teacher
kits and coordinates volunteers for the Junior
Achievement program in public and private
schools (grades K-6 and 8th. We also organize
the Area Career Exploration for sophomores
held each April at the Fairmont High
School - with attendance from 12 area schools
and on average representation from 100 business
and colleges.
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, phone (507)
235-5547 (we will be checking messages periodically
during our mandatory shutdown)
or by e-mail at info@fairmontchamber.org.
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.
Message cont. continued from page 1
Fluorescent recycling
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and are considered a hazardous
waste product. It is against the law to dispose of fluorescent bulbs and
ballasts with your regular garbage.
Fluorescent bulb recycling will be held in the Tractor Supply parking
lot on Thursday, May 7, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. This recycling event
serves the residents and businesses of Martin and Faribault Counties.
When transporting the lamps, be careful not to break them. There
will be a charge at the time of disposal. Fairmont Public Utilities customers
are eligible for total reimbursement for bulb recycling costs. When dropping bulbs off for
recycling, ask for a rebate coupon, keep your receipt, and turn both in to Fairmont Public Utilities
for reimbursement of recycling costs. Contact the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce with any
questions at (507) 235-5547 or Retrofit Recycling (800)-274-1309
Medicare can be complicated.
We also confer daily with our local partners to make sure we
are sharing what we know or have access to, so we can all do the best
job possible for our community. The Chamber has been sending out
a daily informational e-mail. We include things like the Small Business
Emergency Loan program, MN Chamber’s Toolkit with many
resources for businesses to find information, listings of resources
provided locally from a cooperative effort between FEDA, Visit Fairmont,
CareerForce and the Chamber and many other useful, essential
information pieces that keep you informed and up to date.
I cannot predict where this state of caution and circumstance
is headed. It seems that there are weekly, daily and hourly changes
that affect our businesses and community. Sometimes the changes
are close to home, other times there is news on a national level. The
whole however, makes all of us cautious, speculative and sometimes
fearful. That is to be expected. The unknown is hard to deal with for
all of us. That is why the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce staff
continues to work for our businesses and community daily. While
many of our programs or events are temporarily on hold we will continue
to communicate and collaborate as much as possible so we can
keep gathering important information and pass it along to our community
so everyone can make informed decisions and react accordingly.
I do believe that we will come out of this alright. As a community,
and as a state we have great leadership and strong character.
I think we will continue to make educated decisions and do the right
things to get ourselves back on track. There are too many smart,
hard working leaders here and statewide doing everything they can
to make sure our path through this is the right one. Continue to
listen to what the experts say we should be doing, use good common
sense, work together, support each other and help out where you
can. Continue to support our local businesses when and where you
can. Also stay in touch with the Chamber, as we will continue to be
a source of information for all of our businesses as we work through
this together. To contact the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
e-mail me at president@fairmont chamber.org.
In times like this it is even
more critical to support
our local businesses and
employess any way we can.
Many have added shopping
apps, curbside, drivethru or
delivery services.
7
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

April programs at CER "Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities "for All Ages”
8
The new CER Spring/Summer catalog is out –If you need a copy,
please contact CER. Plan your spring and summer around a variety of adult
and youth activities such as adult classes, arts, gardening, driver education,
computer, Babysitter Training, Home Alone, Drones, Introduction to Flight,
Aging Mastery Program, Adult Basic Education, Fairmont Opera House, Child
Summer Running, camps, youth sports, park & playground schedule, Fairmont
Aquatic Park information and much more.
The 35th Annual Family Fun Fair (scheduled for April 3) is CAN-
CELLED. Please enjoy quality time with your family. Encourage telephone calls
and Facetime contact with elderly friends and family. Craft or cook together, read a book, watch a
family friendly movie, or take a walk and enjoy our outdoors as spring awakens.
CER is conducting an Afterschool Enrichment Survey to plan for
2020-2021 school year needs. Please contact CER for more information.
Plan to attend the FREE Youth Activities World Tour Expo on
Thursday, April 23, 5-7 pm, at the Fairmont Elementary School sponsored
by Healthy Youth and CER. Enjoy a free light meal, K-2 “Celebrating Africa”
Art Show and 5th & 6th Grade OREO Orchestra Recital while learning about
many activities and organizations available to youth in our area. The Expo
date is subject to change – please call 235-3141 if you have any questions
closer to the date.
SAMPLING OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES (DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Basic Automotive
April TBD
Upholstery/Caned Chair April 16
Sharks in the Water April 30
Aging Mastery Program April 15
Over 55 Defensive Driving Refresher April 16
Co-Ed Sand Volleyball & Softball Org. Meeting April 20
Scuba Diving April 21
Instant Pot Cooking April 22
Youth Activities Expo “World Tour” April 23
…and much more!
For an up-to date list of activities, see the CER Web Store
www.fairmontareaschools.com and choose CER tab
(Register online withyour MasterCard/Visa.)
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
The Social Side of Your Brand- April 28th
The next Social Media Breakfast will
be held from 9 AM to 10 AM, April 28 at SMEC
Campus, 115 S Park St., in Fairmont. You have an
incredible company. You know what makes you
stand head and shoulders above your competition.
Now, how do you best attract your ideal target
market through intentional social media efforts?
In a time when a new trend in social media
seems to emerge every day, it can easily become
overwhelming for any brand to choose the right
channels and to establish their true brand voice.
Join the discussion with Brittany Woitas,
founder of the boutique marketing firm in
Mankato 507 Creative Group, as we dissect the
art of crafting an irresistible brand, and the importance
of authentically translating that to the
right social platforms to reach your target audience.
We'll help you further refine your brand
in order to maximize your efforts on social media,
instantly attract your most
profitable customers, and directly
support your business
goals.
For more information
go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/
SMBFairmontArea for a link to sign up. Or call
Miranda at the Chamber: 507-235-5547. Registration
is requested as light refreshments are offered.
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