December 2022 Newsletter - Community Connections

December 2022
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Glows Parade and Santas Arrival
Inside
This Issue
Pages 2 & 3
Presidents Message
Outgoing Board and Glows
photos
Pages 4 & 5: Business
Briefs , Residential
Lighting Contest and
Chamber Bucks
Page 6
Why Join?
Page 7
Ambassador Visits
Page 8
Community Education
Recreation (CER) -
Visitor Guide Advertising
Opportunity
The 32nd annual arrival of Santa and the
Glows parade and festivities was held Friday November
18. Santa, Mrs. Claus and one of their elves arrived
safe and sound from the North Pole and greeted everyone
at the Fairmont airport.
Area residents and visitors came to witness the
spectacular parade which started at Downtown Plaza
and ended at Lincoln Park There wer numerous pre
and post-parade festivities throughout our community.
Even without fresh snow, the lights were glowing and spirits
were festive with spectators from near and far lining
the streets along the entire parade route.
Local businesses and organizations pulled out all
the stops again this year decorating their floats 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 judges had a difficult time making
their selections for top float in each of three categories and
after careful consideration of all the incredible entries, the
following award winners were chosen. Commercial
Float Award was given
to C & B Implement
of Truman. Non-
Commercial Float
Award was awarded to
United Hospital District
- Hospice. The Glowing
Float Award went
to the City of Fairmont
- Public Utilities who graciously re gifted their prize
to Heavens Table Food Shelf. Congratulations to each of
our 2022 Glows Parade Float Award winners! They each
received $50.00 in Chamber Bucks.
Thank you to everyone who entered the parade
and helping to make Fairmont glow during this event and
throughout the Holiday season! Thanks also to the City of
Fairmont; Street, Fire and Police Departments, the Fairmont
Municipal Airport, The Fairmont Photo Press for
some photos, 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. More
photos on page 3!
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Board of Directors Officers:
Chair
Keith Hoye
KSUM and KFMC
Radio
Vice Chair
Joe Evans
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Board of Directors:
Rick Ash
United Hospital
District
John Christ
Kahler Automation
Mike Christians
Green Mill
Sara Cyphers
D & S Trophies
Wendy Emler
Century 21
Northland Realty
Staff:
Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for promoting a healthy business clim
Past Chair
DeAnn Eversman
Dee’s Floral & Designs
Treasurer
Aaron Speltz
Hy-Vee
Marcus Eytcheson
Fairmont Roofing
Nicole Johnston
Visit Fairmont
Blake Potthoff
Fairmont Opera
House, Inc.
Jeff Rouse
Destination Small
Town
Kandi Menne
President
president@fairmontchamber.org
Rachel Manwarren
Finance Director
finance@fairmontchamber.org
Sydney Andrews
Office Manager/Director of
Communications
info@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 season of Giving
Kandi Menne: Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President
"To say the past month
has been a whirlwind is an
understatement." But, its been fun!
We are happy to welcome
Sydney Andrews to the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce as the
new Office Manager and Director
of Communications. By the time
this goes to print Sydney will have just started. She
is excited to learn all things "Chamber" it will take
some time for her to learn everything but she is up
for the task! This will eventually free up more of
my time to better tackle the duties of the Chamber
President. We welcome Sydney and will share a bit
more about her next month.
In November we held our second Bureau
14 at the new starting time of 5:15 p.m. Everyone
in attendance was in agreement that the earlier
start time is a good change.
December meeting will start
at 5:15 and will be a combined
Bureau 14, Agri Business and
Young Professionals meeting
with our local legislatures invited
as the guest speakers.
We also held the Glows Parade with over 50
entries which encompassed 100's of walkers, 1,000 of
spectators were not fazed by the brisk temperatures
and lined the streets to be wowed by the glowing
floats. We are extremely pleased to kick off the
Fairmont area holiday festivities with the Santa Fly
in and the parade.
Fairmont downtown businesses have again
banded together to host Merry and Bright on Friday
December 2 from 5:00 - 9:00. Save time, money and
gas, shop local and take advantage of their instore
specials and refreshments.
With the new year soon upon us we want to
thank our Chamber members for their continued
support of the Chamber and our mission and goals.
Without our members it would be impossible to
succeed.
One could ask, Why Join the Chamber?
Choosing the right fit for your company is important.
and the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
exists to make a community a better place to work,
live and play. Businesses become members and they
take pride in their membership. They are proud to
be a part of an organization that plays a key role in
the community. The Fairmont Chamber is a nonprofit
advocate for businesses. It is an organization
managed by a volunteer Board of Directors,
established to promote civic, commercial, industrial
and agricultural progress within its community and
to work diligently with community partners for
the establishment of sound legislation and efficient
administration at all levels of government. When
you or your business is a member you are investing
in the future of our community. We offer referrals
to potential Cusotmers, we provide you weekly with
local, State and nationwide
events and information, you
can take advantage of many
networking groups, volunteer
activitiees and commitees,
free monthly business updates
and more. If you are not
already a member of the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce, join today. Your membership will
benefit your business and the community for years to
come.We look forward to working for all of you!
The board of directors, staff and volunteers
of the Fairmont Area Chamber are dedicated to
collaborating with others to strengthen the the future
of the Fairmont area through the
efforts. We welcome your comments, suggestions
and ideas. Feel free to call or schedule a visit!
As your Chamber President, I am honored to
work alongside our dedicated Board and Chamber
employees who all share the vision of business
growth and a healthy community environment. Stop
in and see us! @ 323 E. Blue Earth Ave, you may
reach me at 507.235.5547 or 507.525.4324 or by
email: president@fairmontchamber.org
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Glows photos
(continued from page 2)
3
Thank You Outgoing Board Members
Thank you to three of our board members who will be finishing their
three-year terms on the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
at the end of 2022.
Our outgoing board members include Past Chair, DeAnn Eversman
(Dee’s Floral & Designs), Marcus Eytcheson (Fairmont Roofing), and Wendy
Emler (Century 21 Northland Realty)
We are truly grateful for the contributions each of 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!
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

Chamber Member Business Briefs
Interlaken Heritage Days
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, December 3rd to
attend the Interlaken Heritage Days Holiday Craft & Vendor
Show at the Fairmont Armory! The show will be open
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. and will feature over 35 of your favorite
local crafters and direct sales vendors. Start making your
list so you can come find that unique gift for someone on
your holiday list! The IHD committee will also have breakfast and lunch items
available to purchase as part of our fundraising efforts for the 2023 festivities. For
a full list of vendors visit
www.https://ihdfairmont.org/craft-fair-vendor/
Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store
Holiday cheer starts with a visit to the Liquor Store.
Take 15% off a case of wine or liquor (L1.75) 10% off 1/2
case liquor (L1.75) 8% off 1/2 case wine. (Excludes ALL
sale items). Profits from the liquor store are reinvested
in Fairmont. Shop local today and every day! Gift
Certificates available from $10 - $300. We will close at 4:30 p.m. on Christmas
Eve and will be closed Christmas Day.
Rotary
It's that time of year! Our annual book sale is happening
now and will continue through December in the
Five Lakes Mall in Fairmont. A freewill offering is asked
for the books you take, and we are taking donations of
quality books in the big blue tubs in the area as well. If
you have questions about Rotary, contact club President, Linsey Preuss at
507-238-4244 or linsey.preuss@edwardjones.com.
Knights of Columbus - Fairmont
Life Line Screening will be performing a day of preventive
health screenings at Knights of Columbus on Tuesday, January
31, 2023. This collaboration helps bring important
health tests to our community at an affordable price. The
tests look to identify risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular
disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Life Line Screening uses these
non-invasive methods to get you lab-accurate results and recommendations you
can review with your doctor. You must pre-register. Appointments are limited,
so please sign up now by calling 1-888-653-6441 or visit Life Line Screening’s
website at https://llsa.social/HC or text the word circle to 216-279-1607.
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Valero Renewable Fuels
(507) 728-4010
Welcome, MN November 8,
2022 —Valero Renewable’s
Welcome plant has distributed $25,000 to Martin County
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition from funds raised
through the Valero Texas Open (VTO) and Valero Benefit for Children (BFC).
This year the tournament and associated events, including the BFC, generated a
record breaking $22 million in net proceeds for charitable organizations across
the country, including those in the Welcome area. The tournament is ranked #1
once again on the PGA TOUR in charitable fundraising. “Right Now, charity
wins every round in Welcome,” said Nicole Gries, Plant Manager Welcome Plant
“We’re proud to partner with this agency and work together to improve children’s
lives in the Martin County area.”
Sweet Financial Partners
(507) 235.5587
Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson recently
attended the Genius Network annual event in Scottsdale, Arizona. Genius Network
brings together high profile entrepreneurs to help gain access to relevant
wisdom and strategies to grow your business and design your best life. There's
nothing they love more than learning from game changers across different industries
so that we can continue to enhance our business to best serve our clients
Merry & Bright
Downtown Plaza
Come and enjoy Merry & Bright night, Friday
December 2, 2022 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Join us for late night shopping, drawings, refreshments
& special in store discounts. I Shop Fairmont
is back and better than ever! Keep on the look out for details on business
and customer participation
The Sisseton SkyBar at The
Marina Lodge (507) 848-6673
Fairmont's Newest Rental and Event
Venue for meetings, company parties,
showers, birthday and anniversary
parties, class reunions, holiday parties, and social
gatherings and more! Located on Lake Sisseton in Fairmont, this facility has
full food and beverage service. Call Manager Jessica Inglett at 507-848-6673
to make all your arrangements.
4
Business Briefs are one of the many benefits of
being a Chamber member. Deadline for the December Community
Connections insert is November 21. Please limit to 100
words or less. Lengthy submitted briefs may be included, but on
a space available only. A photo or business logo can also be included.
No pricing allowed. Examples are: open houses, expansion, new
managers/employees, new product, Milestone anniversaries, events,
awards, etc.

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Business Briefs
Page 1 of 1
fareway-logo-1C
continued
5
Fareway Stores Inc.
(507) 238-4900
Fareway held a
fundraiser for Heavens
Table by rounding up
at the registers. A total of $1,157.00 was raised
by our customers for the Minnesota Grocers BAG HUNGER campaign. Pictured
https://www.fareway.com/20190425040913/assets/images/logo.svg
4/25/2019
are Cory Hallberg Grocery Manager, Greta Lintelman Heavens Table, Shelby
Kropf Grocery Assistant, Mike Fink Grocery Assistant.
CER (507) 238-4737
Welding Academy Class: Develop skills in GMAW Joint
Welding in the flat, Horizontal, Vertical And overhead positions.
You will also perform groove weld joints and some pip
joints. Saturday dates: Jan. 7,14,21,28 - Feb. 4,11,25 - March.
4,11,18,25 and April. 1,15,22,29 Students can contact bbonin@
fairmont.k12.mn.us or acarstensen@fairmont.k12.mn.us for more information
or to enroll in the course. Adults call 507-235-3141or enroll though the CER
Website fairmont.k.12.us/o/cer
Fairmont Opera House
(507) 238-4737
New Years Eve starting at 6:00pm is Casino Night, bring
all of your friends and family for Casino Night featuring
food, drinks, and Vegas table games from 6-9pm. The Winner of the Bacontown
Throwdown starts at 9:00 p.m. Glenn Henriksen Holiday Concert: Red
By now most of you have started your holiday gift giving. Keep
in mind the easiest most appreciated gifts are "Chamber bucks".
Who can buy "Chamber bucks"? Everyone! We accept cash or
a check when purchasing gift certificates. "Chamber bucks" are actual
checks and can be presented to Martin County businesses for payment!
When using Chamber Bucks, if your purchase is greater than the amount
of your gift certificate, you pay the additional amount in another form of
cash check or credit card.
Residential Lighting Contest
We are again partnering
with the city of Fairmont to have
the holiday lights residential decorating
contest.
Four categories of lighting
decorations will be judged:
Category judged by spectators is
Peoples Choice, and judged by
the official judges: Best themed
display, first place and 2nd place. Winning entries will receive Chamber
Gift Certificates
Home owners who register will be notified of the time frame that
their displays will be judged. Winners will be announced Monday Dec.
Rock Center
(507) 235-9262
Glenn Henriksen Holiday Concert: Friday, December 16th,
7 pm. Purchase your tickets at Hy-Vee, Fairmont, Red Rock
Center office, or on our website at https://redrockcenter.
org. Doors and cash bar opens at 6 pm.
Chamber Bucks make Great Gifts!
If you are a business owner or manager it is the perfect way to give
your employees a holiday bonus and feel good that you are supporting
our local businesses.
If you are a business accepting them, you deposit them as you
would other checks right into your bank account. Thank you for shopping
local!
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 323 E
Blue Earth Ave. Hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 p.m.
19th. We look forward to seeing Fairmont "glowing"
Call or e-mail us with your participation no later than Dec. 10th
to be entered for judging:
Call Rachel at the Chamber, finance@fairmontchamber.org ph.
507.235.5547 or Janelle at City
Hall, jschomberg@fairmont.
org - 507-238-3920 with your
name, address, phone number
and an email address.
Reminder … the City of Fairmont
offers a rebate on LED holiday lights, visit their website for all the
details on these and other rebates.

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
December 14
Annual meeting of
Bureau 14
Agri Business
Young Professionals
December 21
Ambassadors Meeting - Ribbon Cuttings
WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER?
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce brings you innovative member benefits and programs that help to
enhance the business environment in Martin County. We’re here to help you engage, influence and make an impact using
dynamic programs, services and initiatives designed with business success in mind. Whatever you need to help your business
succeed, you’ll find it here at the Fairmont Area Chamber.
LEARNING
Get a competitive edge over
non-members with exclusive training
opportunities and business
resources.
NETWORKING
Build and strengthen your
business network with over
300 members and 50 events each year
designed to help build your business
and attract new clients.
6
December 23, 24,25,26
Office Closed
WELCOME NEW
MEMBER
HEARTLAND
GREENWAY
Call 235.5547 to join
during our Membership drive
COMMUNITY
Creating a strong, local economy
means creating a quality of life
that helps attract new talent &
develops an environment that
a growing workforce wants
to live, play & stay in!
DISCOUNTS
Increase your purchasing
power through members
only discounts
& perks.
MEMBER
BENEFITS
CREDIBILITY
Raise your reputation through
membership.
VISIBILITY
Stand out & get noticed as
an active member of your
community and increase
exposure through our
publications and directories.
GROWTH
We work together with the
local economic development
authorities to help bring
more business and
customers to
VOICE
you!
We work to inform,
educate, and advocate on your behalf!
Gain a say in what happens
through our chamber’s
advocacy efforts.
ENGAGE. INFLUENCE. IMPACT.
Fine Jewelry
Sovell Jewelry
Your Professional Jeweler
Since 1954
Full Service-In House Repair
Jessica & Steve Sovell
Gemologist • Goldsmith
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • (507) 235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • @FairmontChamber
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 Ambassador Visits
7
BURGER KING
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting to celebrate
the new parking lot at Burger King. This was a much needed improvment and we
are excited for their investment in Fairmont.
REWIND MED SPA
The Ambassadors stopped in to visit another new business in Fairmont while they were
preparing for a holiday open house. Many services are offered - so stop in and check them
out. They are on West First street, just off downtown plaza
KOBI'S KOVE
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting to celebrate
another new business that opened recently. Kobi's Kove is sharing "space" with
Rewind Med Spa. One stop and check them both out!
APPLE TREE DENTAL
Chamber Ambassadors got the opportunity for a tour of Apple Tree Dental and learned
about their journey to Fairmont and all the services they have been providing to the Fairmont
area. We welcome them and look forward to watching their progress for years to
come. !
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Chamber Bucks
Promote shopping local. They may be
spent in Martin County at most businesses.
If you have that hard to buy for
person - consider Chamber Bucks.
The Chamber of Commerce is located at
323 E. Blue Earth Ave in Fairmont.
We are open Monday - Friday - 8-5
(507) 238-4949

What's Happening at CER in December?
Fairmont Community Education
and Recreation
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Are you interested in a skilled job in welding. Welding Academy's 60-hour welding
course will teach essential welding skills. Classes start January 7th. Register
now on our webstore!
Happy Holidays from all of us at CER! Our office will be closed December 23,
26, and January 2. We would like to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season!
NEW! Adult Basic Education English Learner classes, Wednesday nights from
6pm to 8pm. Please call the CER office at 507-235-3141 for more information!
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate National Community Education
Day and 50 Years!
Make sure to watch the webstore for fun NEW classes after the holidays. Some
great new youth enrichment classes will be dropping soon!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Dec 10
Seated Abdominal Strengtheners Virtual Class Dec 12
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Dec 12
Business Promotional Opportunity
Its the end of the year and we are in the process of
updating events and information for our Resident, Visitor
and Relocation guide to Martin County. We print 7,500
copies each year and they are distributed locally and sent to
other Chambers and Visitor Centers in the tri-stare area of
Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin as well as mailed
out by Visit Fairmont to those who request information on
Fairmont and Martin County.
Bunker League Dec 12
Thyroid Things You Need to Know Virtual Class Dec 13
Acupressure to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia Virtual Dec 14
Microsoft Publisher: Basic Dec 14
Dodgeball Winter Festival Dec 27
Home Court - After School Program Jan 4
Escape Game After School Program Jan 5
Welding Academy Jan 7
Microsoft Word: Basic Jan 7
Snowmobile Safety Jan 7
Boys CER Youth Basketball Jan 7
Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey Jan 11
Co-Rec Adult Volleyball League Jan 12
... And Much More!
For an up-to date list of activities, see the CER Web Store located
www.fairmont.k12.mn.us/o/cer (Register online with your MCard/Visa.)
For more information contact the CER Office located at
115 South Park Street, Room 131, Fairmont.
Call 507-235-3141 or Email sbusiahn@fairmont.k12.mn.us
Grace has been busy emailing past advertisiers
about an ad for the 2023/2024 guide. Please respond to her
soon if you haven't already.
If you haven't had an ad in previosu years call the
Chamber, or email Grace at intern@fairmontchamber.
org ph. 507.235.5547 or with questions or to reserve your
space. It is a one time investment that lasts a full year
8
www.fairmontarealife.com
Call your
Sentinel advertising
representative
to place your ad here each
month!
James Busche, O.D.
The Best
Optometry
In Sight.
1307 ALBION AVENUE, SUITE 102
FAIRMONT, MN
PH: (507) 238-4228
Most Insurance
Plans Welcome
Spencer Seibert, O.D.
111 EAST 6TH STREET
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020