November 2022 Community Connections

November 2022
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Glows Parade and Santas Arrival
Inside
This Issue
Pages 2 & 3
Presidents Message
membership drive
Pages 4 & 5: Business
Briefs and Residential
Lighting Contest
Santa and Mrs. Claus, direct from the North
Pole, will be arriving at the Fairmont Municipal
Airport via the North Pole Express around 4:00 p.m.
on Friday, November 18th. Gather the kids, grab
those Christmas wish-lists, and head over to the
airport for a chance to meet the jolly Mr and Mrs.
Claus. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture
the moment.
Come experience this brilliant display of holiday
cheer, wonderful floats, thousands of lights, and
the appearance of Santa on the 32nd anniversary of
the Fairmont Glows Parade. The Glows Parade begins
at 6:00 p.m. with the line up starting at Wards Park
working its way thru Downtown Plaza to Lincoln park.
If you are interested in entering the Glows Parade please
do so now. If you need a parade entry, form please
contact the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at
507-235-5547 or visit our facebook page. This event
is a community-wide celebration that is a local tradition
and is enjoyable to all ages!
If you have a Glows Parade Day event going
on - let us know right away! We can help you get the
message out. This is a well attended Fairmont event
and the more things going on the bigger opportunity
for additional visitors to come and experience our
great community.
Page 6
Teachers Banquet
Page 7
Ambassador Visits and
Junior Achievment
Page 8
Community Education
Recreation (CER) -
Chamber Gift Certificates
Fairmont Residents: Voting for the
November 8, 2022 Election will take place
from 7:00am – 8:00 pm at:
Election Day
Knights of Columbus Hall
920 East 10th Street
Fairmont, MN 56031
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
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
An Exciting Year is ahead of US
Kandi Menne: Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President
look forward to working with everyone.
I'm writing this message
bursting with excitement and
enthusiasm for the future!
For just over 7 years I have
been the Office Manager and
Director of Communications for
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. The
numerous connections and relationships built
within our business sector and our community
are invaluable to me. Those experiences have
additionally prepared me for the next step in my
Chamber career. It is with great excitement and
enthusiasm I write to you as the new President of
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce.
Fall is just one of the seasons that brings
change in to our lives. We begin
the preparation for the cold
months ahead leaving us with all
the warm memories that spring
and summer give us. Those often
include valuable extended time
with family, friends and hopefully
a well-deserved and needed vacation. Change fits
beautifully with what is in place for the future of
the Chamber of Commerce!
Over the next few months, we hope to
rejuvenate or revamp many of the Chamber‘s
social gatherings. We anticipate incorporating
new seminars or learning sessions so we can
all grow together. We will be working on
networking, membership growth and retention,
local connections within our community,
economic growth, strengthening our educational
engagement and more!
What we want from our members is to
find out what are we doing right and what we
could do better What More Can We Do for You.
If you are not a member of the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, please
join us today. Your membership will benefit your
business and the community for years to come. I
Coming up in the next few months:
• Soon all businesses will be receiving the
Chamber’s annual membership verification
form to update your business information.
Not only do we send this to our members but
non members are asked to keep us updated
too. We want and need to know the correct
phone numbers, mailing address, e-mail and
who your employees are as we get calls and
emails on a regular basis requesting phone
numbers and who to contact. We want to be
able to give them the correct information.
• With the brisk air brings thoughts of the
holiday's and gift giving. While you prepare
your shopping list, remember to always think
Shop Local. When you do,
that puts money back into the
community you live in, When
you shop local, you're making
a personal investment in your
neighborhood and community.
In fact, for every $100 spent,
roughly $68 to $73 of it returns locally. Money
is kept in the community because locally-owned
businesses often purchase from other local
businesses, service providers, and farms.
• Bureau 14, Agri Business, Ambassadors and
Young Professionals groups are meeting
regularly each month.
• GLOWS Parade is November 18, if you haven't
registered your Glowing Float contact us now,
we will be doing the line up soon
• We have a few Chamber PM Exchanges
scheduled watch for save the date e-mail. PM
Exchanges are a unique opportunity for your
business to host an open house.. The Chamber
sends out an e-mail to our members inviting
them to come. PM Exchanges offer a casual
come and go (or stay all night) atmosphere.
• We are still looking for volunteers to go into
the Kindergarten though 6 grade classrooms 5
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
sessions to teach the Junior Achievement curriculum. We supply all
the materials you need all we need is you!
• The Chamber and members will say thank you to 3 current board
members who have completed their term and welcome 3 new ones.
• Visitor and Relocation Guide: 2022 was a great year for travel and
adventure, our Guides flew off the shelves at our businesses locally
and at Chamber and Visitor Centers in the tristate area. Watch for
rates and deadlines to place an ad for you business or event soon.
• We invite our members to drop off your business cards and most
recent business pamphlets or rack cards. Visitor traffic to our office
includes our local residents, visitors and potential new residents to
the area. We are happy to provide one more opportunity for your
information to reach potential customers in your stores
(continued from page 2)
Soon I will be out and about meeting
with each of you, I hope that you let me know WHAT MORE CAN
YOUR CHAMBER DO FOR YOU!
As your Chamber President, I am honored to work alongside
our dedicated Board who all share the same vision, business growth
and healthy community environment. The door is always open stop
in and see us!
You may reach me at 507.235.5547 or email: president@
fairmontchamber.org
3
Membership Drive Continues
Join anytime between now and the end of December
and you receive the rest of the 2022 Chamber year for free. That
is up to 14 months of Chamber membership for the price of 12
months.
Why Join? There are numerous reasons to
join the Chamber. We work hard to educate, engage
and advocate for our community businesses,
as well as working to understand and be proactive
on workforce issues that affect many businesses. When one of
us is successful, it benefits us all.
We offer numerous networking opportunities like Bureau 14,
Agri Business, Young Professionals 2 Golf Tournaments throughout
the year to name a few. Junior Achievement in our Schools and Area
Career Exploration are 2 Education and future workforce things we
also do.
There seem to be two types of Chamber members. One type
joins to take advantage of all of the programming the Chamber provides.
They will network, volunteer, attend seminars and
work on committees to take full advantage of the connections
you can make as a Chamber member. The other type
of member joins the Chamber to help and promote the
greater good of our business community. They know that
every time the Chamber helps or benefits a local business, it helps all
of our businesses. Both of these are solid reasons for being a Chamber
member and we appreciate if you joined for both reasons too!
Remember, when you join the Fairmont Area Chamber of
Commerce You are Investing in the future of our community!
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/
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Martin County License Center
(507) 235-3335
October has been a big month for change and
celebration at the Martin County License Center.
We are celebrating two big anniversaries: Patti
Krumholz (50 years), and Shirley Heidecker (25 years). The question of
when is Shirley going to retire has been answered. We wish Shirley all
the best in the next phase. We welcome our newest employee, Teri Petersen.
In light of Shirley's upcoming retirement, we are curently hiring
for a new Title Clerk. Anyone interested in applying for this position,
please email resume to pskrumholz@hotmail.com
4
Kinship of Martin County
kinship@kinshipofmartincounty.com
Kinship is getting ready to send out our fall
mailer - one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.
If you or someone you know would like to support the youth of Martin
County and receive our letter in the mail, please email your contact info to
us at kinship@kinshipofmartincounty.com!
Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store
Knights of Columbus Beer, Wine and Spirit Tasting
Thursday November 10th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall: 920 E 10th St. Fairmont.
Must be 21. Advanced tickets available at liquor
store are $12.00, $15.00 at door. Get a 15% discount
on all wine ordered at the tasting. Order forms will be available,
order pick up details on the form - for pick up at the Liqour. All proceeds
of ticket sales will go to local charities.
Smith's Green House
(507) 235-6986
The green house is gearing
up for the Holidays
and will be opening up November 3rd. Smiths's will be making fresh
wreaths, garland, porch pots and will have all the supplies you need to
make your own project. We will also be offering classes on wreath making
and porch pots so, check with CER for details. It is with sad heart we
are not selling Christmas trees for the first time since 1946. We are still in
business and ready to continue with quality spring plants. We continue to
grow Smithworx hemp products and Smiths's Kettle Corn is popping!
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
Jeff Sauer - The Kris Heichel Team
(507) 773-7330
Please Join us for some cookie decorating fun. Friday
Nov 18 @ 5:00 prior to the GLOWS Parade. Stop
in, decorate a cookie and enjoy some hot chocolate.
204 Lake Ave. Suite 204 - Fairmont. Enter for a chance
to win $25.00 Chamber Bucks
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 business meetings
of all sorts, company parties,
wedding showers, birthday and anniversary parties,
class reunions, holiday parties, and a variety of social gatherings are just a few of
the perfect uses for this facility. Located high above Lake Sisseton in Fairmont,
this facility has full food and beverage service. Call the Manager Jessica Inglett
at 507-848-6673 to make all your arrangements. And as always the Marina
Lodge Bar and Restaurant on the first floor, including patio, are open seven days
a week for your use.
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 continued
Red Rock Center for the Arts
507-235-9262
Red Rock Center for the Arts concert series continues
with Scottie Miller and Cierra Alise Hill on Nov.
4 at 7 pm. Join us for an evening of blues, jazz and
poetry with piano, violon and cello accompaniment.
Cash bar and doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets on sale now or at the door.
Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont
507-238-8100
Leapfrog Group names Mayo Clinic Health
System in Fairmont a Best Hospital for Maternity
Care. Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont has been named one of
the "Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” by the Leapfrog Group in partnership
with Money magazine. "This recognition is an honor and directly reflects the
dedication and hard work of our incredible staff," says Kendra Kamlitz, M.D.,
medical director, Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. "We are very proud
of our Birth Center staff ’s commitment to our patients and their families." To
be eligible for this list, hospitals had to carry an "A" or "B" letter grade on the
spring 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assessment and meet criteria in six
areas specific to maternity care.
Bank Midwest
(507) 235-3327
Bank Midwest Pledges $500,000 to YMCA
Facility, Fairmont Area Community Center.
The Fairmont Area Community Center is well on its way to making a
new state-of-the-art facility a reality. The project began with a feasibility
study in 2016, and as of the last report, they were at 80% of their fundraising
goal. Bank Midwest has pledged $500,000 to the project over the next
five years. “Our pledge to this project is on behalf of the Bank Midwest
customers and employee-owners who work in Fairmont and Sherburn,
or call this area home,” said Tom Lytle, Executive Vice President at Bank
Midwest.
“I’m excited about the resources that will soon be available to our area,
ensuring our community will thrive for years to come.” Lytle who lives
in Fairmont, has three grown children who have remained in the area.
“The YMCA will be a great addition to our community, and I believe it will
benefit people of all ages.”Bank Midwest employees about 70 people in
Martin County, including bank locations in Fairmont and Sherburn, and an
operations center on the northside of Fairmont. “The Fairmont Area Community
Center will have a lasting impact on all generations of residents,”
said Kevin Pfingsten, Market President at Bank Midwest, who also lives in
Fairmont. “Helping the YMCA become a reality is important to the longterm
success of our community.”
5
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
507-235-5547
Due to an internal promotion we have an Office Manager and Director of Communications position available immediately.
This is a full time position Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. For more informaion email your resume to Kandi at president@
fairmontchamber.org or call the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce today 507.235.5547
Residential Lighting Contest
Last year we partnered with the
city of Fairmont and brought back the
holiday lights decorating contest. We
are thrilled to be able to do this again
in 2022.
Four categories of lighting decorations
will be judged: Categories
judged are 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 timeframe
that their displays will be judged. Winners will be announced Monday
Dec 19th.
Reminder … the City of Fairmont offers a rebate on LED holiday
lights, visit their website for all the details on these and other
rebates. Call or e-mail us with your participation no later than Dec.
10th to be entered for judging:
Contact: Rachel at the Chamber,
finance@fairmontchamber.org - ph. 507.235.5547 or Jannelle at
City Hall, jschomberg@fairmont.org
- ph. 507-238-3920
with your name, address,
phone number and an email
address.

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
November 3
PM Exchange
November 9
Bureau 14
November 15
Agri Business
November 16
Ambassadors Meeting - Ribbon Cuttings
November 17
Young Professionals
November 18
Santa Fly in and Glows Parade
WELCOME NEW
MEMBER
HEARTLAND
GREENWAY
Call 235.5547 to join
during our Membership drive
Thank you Teachers Banquet Sponsors
Monday October 24th
was the Chamber Banquet to
welcome new teachers. Thank
you to everyone who attended.
There are 25 new teachers and it
was inspiring to learn more about all of you!
As always our Chamber members stepped up to make this
banquet possible
Thank you to our Event Sponsor:
United Hospital District
Teacher Dinner Sponsors:
Bank Midwest, BowlMor Lanes. D & S Trophies, First
Farmers and Merchants Bank, Optimal Health Chiropractic &
Acupuncture, Profinium, Inc., St John Vianney School, Thrivent
Financial
Welcome Bag Contributors:
Bank Midwest, Bowlmor Lanes, Burtis Chiropractic Center,
CCF Bank, Dee's Floral and Designs, Early Childhood Initiative
(ECI), Fairmont Opera House, First Farmers & Merchants Bank,
Graham Tire, Green Mill, Martin County Youth Foundation,
McDonald's, Minuteman Press, Optimal Health Chiropractic &
Acupuncture, Profinium, Inc., Thrivent Financial,
United Hospital District and Visit Fairmont
Ambassadors
Are an owner or employee of a Chamber member
• Acts as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
• Meet the third Wednesday of every month @ 3:00
• Will attend the majority of all Ambassador functions.
If you know of a business the Ambassadors should visit due to relocation, change of ownership, major
remodeling, etc., please call the Chamber office 507.235.5547. The business does not have to be a
Chamber member to receive a visit from the Ambassadors.
6
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 Ambassador Visits
7
FAIRMONT SCHOOL DISTRICT
One year after breaking ground, the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors
held a ribbon cutting with the Fairmont Area Schools for the newly built Career
and Technical Education building. Fairmont is fortunate to have this educational
opportunity for our students.
Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to coordinate
the Junior Achievement (JA) program in our schools each year through the
generous support of our area businesses, local grants and individuals in our
community. The mission of Junior Achievement is “To inspire and prepare
young people to succeed in a global economy.” JA teaches principles of market-based
economics and entrepreneurship in age appropriate increments,
creating a stronger understanding of how the world around them works and
how they fit into the greater economic picture. Our local Junior Achievement
program relies on over 40 volunteer teachers and reaches an average
Medicare can be complicated.
A Farm Bureau agent makes it easy.
Call me to find a Medicare
supplement plan that’s right
for you.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, FAIRMONT
Chamber Ambassadors attended another Chamber member in celebration of 150
years of patient care in Martin County and Mayo Clinic Health Systems 30th anniversay.
of 57 classrooms totaling 1154 students in grades
K-6th and 8th grade. Our annual cost is $12,850 for
the classroom kits alone.
We are in need of a few more volunteers!
If you can help please contact the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce at 507-235-5547.
Find out how your life can be enriched by volunteering
or sponsoring a classroom!
Chamber Bucks make a great gift
And, they 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
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Jeff Schlomann
201 Downtown Plaza | Fairmont | (507) 238-4218
jeffreyschlomann.fbfsagents.com
Authorized independent agents for Blue Cross ® and Blue Shield ® of Minnesota and Blue Plus ® , nonprofit
independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
W-5018029 10/17
(507) 238-4949

What's Happening at CER in November?
Fairmont Community Education
and Recreation
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Grab your friends, family, and your creative spirit! This Sip N’Paint class will
walk you through the process, from mixing paint colors to what sort of brush
strokes to use. Beginners welcome! Nov. 7th
Come join us for cookies and coffee! CER is hosting a community Open House
on Thursday, November 10 from 3pm to 6pm. Help us celebrate National Community
Education Day and 50 years of Fairmont CER!
Adult Volleyball/Pickleball Open Gym on Tuesday nights, from 7:00-9:00 pm, at
Fairmont Elementary School, Little Cardinal Gym, enter through door #21.
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!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Posture, Get is Straight Virtual Class Nov 3
How to Play Piano or Guitar by Ear Nov 3
Microsoft Excel: Basic Nov 3
Microsoft Word: Intermediate Nov 5
De-Age Your Brain Virtual Class Nov 7
Instant Piano Nov 7
Sip N Paint with Designs by Kandvas Nov 7
Strong Is the New Skinny! Virtual Class Nov 9
Make a Kaleidoscope Nov 10
Is Your Waistband Too Tight? Virtual Class Nov 10
Make your Own Wreath Nov 12
Spruce Pot Nov 12
Improve your Health at Any Age Virtual Class Nov 15
Vitamins & Herbs: Facts and Fallacies Virtual Class Nov 17
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Nov 19
Metabolism Boosters & Busters Virtual Class Nov 29
Activate Your Brain's Creativity Center Virtual Class Nov 30
Overcome Your Carbohydrate Cravings Virtual Class Dec 1
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Dec 10
Thyroid Things You Need To Know Virtual Class Dec 13
Acupressure to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia Virtual Dec 14
Microsoft Publisher: Basic Dec 14
... 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
Chamber Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts
Before you know it the snow will be flying and you'll be thinking about
holiday's and gift giving. Keep in mind the easiest most apppreciated gifts are
"Chamber bucks". They are actual checks and can be presented to Martin
County businesses for payment!
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.
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.
We are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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