June 2023 Newsletter - Community Connections

May 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - President Update-
Added Value
Page 3- Added Value
Continued, Fairmont Area
Life
Pork Masters Golf Outing in July
The Martin County Pork Producers, along
with the Agri- Business and Ambassadors Committees
of the Fairmont Area Chamber have joined together
once again to host the 31st Annual Minnesota
State Pork Masters Golf Outing.
Martin County holds the title as Minnesota's
leading pork -producers county. This event serves as
a reminder of the importance of the pork indistry to
our county and the state of Minnesota. The outing
also helps raise funds for the local Ag Scholarship and
to increase ag- awarness among our regianal businesses.
Area pork producers are invited to join us
on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Interlaked Golf Club in
Fairmont for this key networking opportunity. Lunch
and dinner will be provided. Roughly 250 golfers are
expected to participate this year.
There are a few openings to golf in the morning,
for golfer registration or sponsorship information,
call Rachel at the Fairmont Area Chamber office
at 507-235-5547 or visit www.PorkMasters.com.
Volunteers are always needed for this golf outing.
There is a wide variety of positions available. If
you are intersted in volunteering this year give Rachel
a call.
Page 4 & 5- Business Briefs
Page 6 -Chamber Golf
Outing
Page 7- Blue Ribbon Pork
Cook Off Tickets, Become
an Ambassador
Page 8 Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
Business Scholarship- Deadline
Chamber of commerce
is offering a $1,000 scholarship
to a Martin County student in
a business related field entering
their Junior or Senior post secondary
year in a four-year college or their final year in
a technical college. The scholarship is awarded after a
review of grades to confirm achievment of a 3.0 GPA
on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship applications may be picked
up at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce office
located at 323 East Blue Earth Avenue or fill out online
on the Chamber's website www.fairmontchamber.org.
Applications must be submitted and recieved by the
Chamber office no later then July 14, 2023.
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Board of Directors Officers:
Chair
Joe Evans
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Vice Chair
Aaron Speltz
Hy-Vee
Board of Directors:
Rick Ash
United Hospital
District
John Christ
Kahler Automation
Mike Christians
Green Mill
Sara Cyphers
D & S Trophies
Nicole Johnston
Visit Fairmont
Staff:
Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Vision Chamber Statement: of Commerce The Fairmont is an advocate Area for Chamber promoting of a healthy Commerce business will climb
Past Chair
Keith Hoye
KSUM and KFMC
Radio
Treasurer
Vonnie Cone
ReMax Total Realty
Marsha Leschefske
Booj Boutique
Jeff Militello
Militello Motors
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
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
Added Value
Kandi Menne: President, Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Its hard to believe that it is
June already! The time of the year
when we pause some of our regular
Chamber meetings and events and
transition to a summer schedule
that brings a whole new level of
Chamber membership engagement
opportunities.
A few opportunities include: 2 golf outings.
The Chamber Golf Outing in June & Pork Masters
Golf Outing in July, also, look for the Chambers
“boat float “during the IHD parade and our nonprofit
booth during the Martin County Fair. And,
did you know that the Chamber of Commerce Ag
Committee hosts the Blue-Ribbon Pork Cook-Off
held during the Fair? We are working on securing
restaurants to prepare tasty pork dishes to temp your
taste buds! Tickets are on sale now at the Chamber
of Commerce.
A committee for
Fairmont Area Life (FAL)
launched a new FAL website
in January with an open
house. As a follow up
we are hosting a morning session Tuesday June 13
at SMEC with an 8:00 am networking and 8:30 am
learning session. We invite everyone to come and
learn how you can collaborate with us by submitting
information on your events to be included on the
FAL Facebook page and website, learn about blogs
and if you haven’t already – experience the FAL
website fairmontarealife.com
This cutting-edge website is extremely userfriendly
and has things from what to do, to how to
volunteer and so much more! Tabs with drop downs
for food & drink, shopping, arts and entertainment,
outdoors, activities, Life, Non-Profits, Fairmont
and Blogs. If you ever had any doubts that “there
is nothing to do in Fairmont” visiting this site will
CHANGE your MIND! Re-discover Fairmont and
check out this website or the FAL Facebook page
today.
We are actively taking applications for
Leadership Martin County program which will start
in September. We limit it to only twenty participants
so I encourage you to apply now. Contact the
Chamber! This program is held very other year
and is a nine-month, deep dive into community
leadership. They meet once a month for a full day
of leadership education and further education on
specific areas of our community.
Leadership Martin County is a program
designed to enable candidates to learn about Martin
County resources, values, strengths, weak-nesses,
and challenges. A learning experience geared toward
providing an in-depth look at eight key elements of
our community; education, economic development,
government, healthcare, public safety, quality of life,
agriculture, and culture & diversity. This program
provides opportunities for candidates to exchange
ideas, build networks and begin the process of
identifying and solving important community issues.
Representing the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce, I will be part of a steering
committee that is working on the Workforce issue
in Martin County. In my communications with
area Chamber of Commerce’s we know is that we
are not unique to workforce shortages. With these
connections my goal is to share what others have
already done to bridge the gap while brainstorming
with other local organizations on the workforce
issue.
Another area of work is “Hispanic Voices
in Martin County”. There are plans for an event in
late August, we will keep you informed with all the
details.
At the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
we never stop working! With the school year coming
to an end we just wrapped up Junior Achievement
in our schools and will be re purposing kits in
2

ate e recognized by facilitating as access the leader to leaders, in assisting communication area and businesses education through to prosper. programs and services for its members.
Added Value Continued
preparation for the next school year. Start thinking about being a
volunteer teacher during the next school year.
To continue on the path I set for myself early during my
transition to Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President. We are
researching the possibility of restructuring our membership dues. This
will fit within my mission of realizing value of your membership. It will
clearly define all we have to offer your business and employees. Your
member dues is an investment in the future of community and we ask
that you continue to support us on this journey.
We are beginning to line up impactful speakers for all our
networking meetings . If there is a topic you would like to know more
about please let us know. It can be a local, state or National topic. We
will find an expert in that area!
We all like to save money and the membership incentive
program is beginning to "catch on"! If you would like to find out more
about this program - let's get together and I will walk you thru how you
can earn money to spend on your membership or email blasts.
Don't forget we have "Chamber Bucks" all year! They truly are
the best gift you can give someone. The do not expire, the recipient
gets to pick their own gift. PLUS you are supporting Martin County
businesses.
Remenber to shop local, support our Martin County businesses,
get out and enjoy our great community and the amities we are fortunate
to have. Enjoy your summer
If you would like to learn more about the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce, call us at (507) 235-5547 or e-mail me at
president@fairmontchamber.org.
Fairmont Area Life- Work and Promote Together
3
Visit our website:
www.fairmontarealife.com
We are better when we work together
and promote together. The reimagined
Fairmont Area Life will be
a one-stop-shop for all things Fairmont.
Showcasing through photos and guest articles what it’s like to work, shop,
eat, play and live in the Fairmont area. This is a visual resource with top-level
information that can then direct locals, visitors, or those looking to relocate to the
correct website or information source for deeper info.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Our goal is in addition to the website we’ll revive the Fairmont Area Life Facebook
page. We want to use this to showcase all the great things happening in our
area.
• Send us photos of your business, non-profit, community events, etc. We want to
create a partner network and have a place to promote everything together.
• Submit a guest blog/article. We want to share what living and working in Fairmont
is like from people who are doing it. Share an article on what running a
small business is like, an experience volunteering for a non-profit, an itinerary of
your perfect Fairmont weekend. Share your Fairmont experience.
• Add Fairmont Area Life as a co-host on your Facebook event! This will add your
event to our community Facebook event calendar.
• Spread the word! Share our posts. Engage with our posts. Help spread the positivity
in Fairmont.
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
4
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month at Sterling
Pharmacy! Join us as we raise funding for the
Alzheimer’s Association and have your donations
matched by the Astrup Family Foundation. Swing into Sterling and
celebrate the 4th of July with a bang! Throughout the month of June, we
will have a wide array of fun fireworks to get our nation’s biggest party
started. And if you are looking for a quick, pop-up sale, stop in soon!
You can grab two decorative accents & two toy items June 5 through 10.
Fairmont Opera House
(507)238-5451
Break out your inner nerd and celebrate
Star Wars with us! This is a fun, FREE,
community event. "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" will be
screened at 7:00pm. Star Wars activities will also be available from
6pm-7pm: -Jedi Training -Lightsabers -Retro Video Games by
Replay -Special appearance by the 501st Legion - Central Garrison
-Themed food and drinks available for purchase downstairs
in the Mos Eisley Cantina -Refreshments for the movie available
from Gran D's Popcorn -Costumes encouraged! Join us downstairs
afterward for Star Wars trivia!
Martin Couny Relay for Life
Community Event
Saturday June 24th, 2023 4:00p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Martin County Fairgrounds- Fairmont, MN
4-7p.m. Silent Auction, Car Show, Survivor Registration,
Live Music, Themed Laps, Kids Activities and more
5:30 p.m. Little Scrapper Pedal Pull
5-7 p.m. Pork Meal- Gazebo
7:05p.m. Live Auction, Opening Ceremony Survivor Celebration & Lap,
Butterfly Release
8-11 p.m. Live Music, Themed Laps, Kids Activities, and more
Dusk- Luminaria Ceremony
11:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony & Lap of Reflection
Culligan Water Conditioning
(507)238-4451
Congratulations to Mike Geerdes from
Culligan Water of Southern Minnesota’s
Fairmont office, who achieved the prestigious “Sales
Performance Hall of Fame” award recognition along
with a Blue Jacket, for his outstanding career achievement
in Sales for the Culligan System, an honor many
sales associates never achieve. Because of his outstanding
sales & service, Geerdes earned a trip for he
and his wife, Vicki to attend the The CDANA (Culligan
Dealers of North America) National Culligan conference held at The
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Hotel and Resort, Nassau, Bahamas. Geerdes has
been employed with Culligan Water of Fairmont since January 1997 in
both sales and Service. We are very proud of his achievement.
Kinship
(507) 238-4440
Kinship of Martin County is hosting
Community Resiliency Courses
monthly in an attempt to promote
resiliency in our community! This month we are
partnering with the Masonic Lodge and hosting one
for kids! The course will be on June 24th from 12-
4pm at Gomsrud Park. We will have bounce houses,
500 free hotdog meals, and a safety company that will be teaching children
how to break out of zip ties and duct tape, how to escape a trunk
and how to get out of a locked vehicle. We’d love to see you there!
Red Rock Center for Arts
(507)235-9262
Join us on Wednesday, June 14 at 6 pm at Gomsrud Park
for musical entertainment by Good Morning Bedlam
(GMB). Good Morning Bedlam, 4 piece folk band with
pop spirit captivates audiences of all ages with its three-part harmonies
and contagious energy. Their music will have you crying, dancing for joy,
and singing your heart out! GMB has been featured on Bluegrass Today,
Relix Magazine, Glide Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, and Under
the Radar Magazine. Martin County Pork Producers will be serving pork
chops on a stick. Mini donuts and Sno Cones will be available by B-lo
Zero. Don't miss a fun evening in one of Fairmont's finest parks overlooking
Budd and Hall Lake.

Business Briefs continued
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
(507)238-4700
Graduation time is here and Father's Day is just
around the corner! Until June 10th every $25 gift
card purchase, you receive a $5 bonus card! Bonus
cards are valid July 1st - August 31st, 2023 for Dine-in only. Stop by and
pick yours up today!
Waste Management
(507)235-9898
Waste Management is still in need of filling positions
for non-experienced CDL Drivers in Fairmont, MN.
Sign on bonus for these positions has been increased
to $7500. Waste Management offers exceptional,
unmatched benefits, and career advancement opportunities. We have
found that veterans are a great fit in our organization – in fact, one in
twelve of our employees are former military. We encourage any and all
qualified veterans to apply online, at https://wm.com/careers [wm.com]
Fairmont Opera House
(507)238-5451
It’s that exciting time of year again! Registration
for Fairmont Area Community Theater’s summer
camps! We are so thankful for the participation from the previous
year! We hope to see more smiling faces on our stage!
Register at fairmontoperahouse.org/community-theater or by emailing
us at info@fairmontoperahouse.org.
Channel Inn
(507)238-9700
June 9th:Rock of Ages 8pm
June 15th:Kelly Artz 7pm
June 17th- Misguided Band 7pm
June 23rd: Lance Allen Band 8pm
June 24th: More than Enough 8pm
June 30th: Fat City All Stars 7pm
Marina Lodge
(507)235- 5990
June/July Music Schedule
June 2nd: Jul & The Chrome Wheels 7pm-11pm
June 3rd: Jul & The Chrome Wheels 7pm-11pm
June 4th: Jul & The Chrome Wheels 12pm-4pm
June 10th: Dale Engquist & Friends 7pm-11pm
June 11th: Marv & Kaat 12pm-4pm
June 16th: Zach Thomas 7pm-11pm
June 30th: Iam Hilmers "Drivestation" 7pm-11pm
July 2nd:Tom Hipps 12pm-4pm
July 4th: Anthony Koester 7pm-11pm
Heritage Acres Agriculture Interpretive Center
(507)235-1257
Head down to Heritage Acres on June 10th, 2023 from
Noon to 2:00p.m. All Building will be open for the
Heritage Acres Open House. This is a free admission event.
Bowlmor Lanes
(507)235-5719
Announcing the new Bowlmor Summer Kids Club!
Ages 7 - 12
Bowling, Crafts, Games, and other activities
June 19th to the 23rd 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
For more info send us a message or email Hello@Bowlmor-lanes.com
Where to Find Community Events
To view upcoming Community events visit
www.fairmontareacalendar.com or the Fairmont
Area Life Facebook page. Did you know you can
post your own events on the calendar? Go to the
website, scroll down to the orange button that says submit events! If you have
questions about updating your events to the Fairmont Area Community Calendar
please contact me at info@fairmontchamber.org. Calendar Funding Partners:
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Fairmont, City of Fairmont, Fairmont
Area Schools, and Blandin Community Broadband Grand. Other Partners:
Fairmont Community Education and Recreation.
5
Business Briefs are one of
the many benefits of being a Chamber
member. Deadline for the May
Community Connections insert is Aptil
24, 2023. 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. .
Email to info@fairmontchamber.org

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
June 9
Chamber Golf Outing
June 21
Ambassadors Meeting- Business Visits
& Ribbon Cuttings
June 22
Young Professionals
July 24
Pork Masters Golf Outing
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
JANZEN'S GREEN
HOUSE
LAURI'S HEARING
CENTER
Call 235.5547
to learn the benfits of
being a chamber member
Chamber Golf Outing
Preperation for the 26th annual Chamber
Golf Outing is in full swing. The Chamber Golf Outing
is among the earliest outings of the season! This is a
much anticipated afternoon of fun, networking and of
course golfing.
The outing will be held at the Rose Lake Club
on June 9th. This will be a 1:00 p.m. shot gun start. If
you would like to participate this year call Sydney at
507.235.5547 or email info@fairmontchamber.org.
The annual outing serves as an opportunity
for local businesses to network while making a local
impact by supporting of 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. We purchase the volunteer
teacher kits abd coordinate volunteers for the Junior
Achievment program in the public and private schools
( grades K-6 and 8th). We also organize the
Area Career Exploration for sophomores with 12 area
schools in attendence in April each year at the Fairmont
High School.
Each hole has a different game challenge with
chamber bucks given as a prize. Door prizes and golfer
bags are also part of the annual event. Dinner at the
clubhouse is also provided and served after golf. If you
have anything you would like to donate as a door prize
call the Chamber for more information.
6
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

ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook off tickets
The Agri- Business Committee of the Fairmont
Area Chamber or Commerce and Martin County Pork Producers
announce the 25th annual cook off will be held in the
Martin County Arena at the Fairgrounds August 16th from
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We are excited to announce! Blue Ribbon Pork
Cook- Off tickets are available at the Fairmont Chamber
of Commerce! If you would like to reserve your ticktes not
stop by the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at 323
East Blue Earth Ave. Fairmont , Mn. We are open Monday -
Thurday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m.
Restaurant gift certificates are given away and awards will
be presented for the People's Choice and the connoisseur's
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pork entrees.
7
Become an Ambassador!
RESPONSIBILITIES of an Ambassador:
• Is and employee if a Chamber member
• To act as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Attend the majority of all Ambassador functions.
• Meet the third Wednesday of every month.
If you know of a business the Ambassadors should visit due to relocation,
change of ownership/manager, remodeling, etc. please call the
Chamber office. The business does not have to be a chamber member to
receive a visit from Ambassadors. Call the Chamber at 507-235-5547 if
you would like us to schedule a visit at your business.
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Your Professional Jeweler
Since 1954
Full Service-In House Repair
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What's Happening at CER the Summer?
8
Call your
Sentinel advertising
representative
to place your ad here each
month!
James Busche, O.D.
The Best
Optometry
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1307 ALBION AVENUE, SUITE 102
FAIRMONT, MN
PH: (507) 238-4228
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Plans Welcome
Spencer Seibert, O.D.
111 EAST 6TH STREET
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020