July 2023 Newsletter – Community Connections

July 2023
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - President Update-
The Mission
Page 3- Mission continued,
Pork Masters Golf Outing
Page 4 - Business Briefs
Page 5 - Business Briefs
Continued, Fairmont Area
Life
Page 6 -Chamber Golf
Outing- Success
Page 7- Ambassador Visits
Page 8 - Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
What Have we been up to?
What has the chamber been
working on?
We are well into the summer and as always
the summer brings fun, exciting and familiar events
for the Fairmont area Chambe of Commerce.
The chamber kicked off summer with the Annual
Chamber Golf Outing. The weather was perfect
for golfing this year. We had a great turn out for this
event with twenty two golf foursomes and a large
number of Chamber member sponsors who made the
event possible. Thank you to the Rose Lake Golf Club
for having us.
The very next day the Chamber pulled our
"Boat Float" in the Interlaken Heritage Days parade.
We passed out 1,000 Visitor Guides and City Maps.
The Chamber will now look towards the Pork
Masters Golf Outing on July 24th at the Interlaken
Golf Course. This event is the biggest golfing day of
the summer and celebrates our Martin County Pork
Producers and everything they do for our communities
and out local economy. Tee times are filling up
fast and so are the sponsorships. Call the Chamber
office to get involved.
We are also in the planning stages for the
Martin County Fair in August. The Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce will be at the Fair as always,
with a booth and information about the Chamber
and our Communities. The Chamber's signature
event at the Fair will take place Wednesday August
16th from 5:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will be the 25th
annual Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off. Be sure to get
your tickets at the Chamber Office, they are selling
fast. Come try some of the best pork dishes this area
has to offer, prepared by local cooks and restaurants.
This event and many sponsors make it possible
for the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce's
AgriBusiness Committee to Award 2 Scholarships to
Martin County Students persuing a career in an agriculture
related field. This spring the scholarhsips were
awarded to Lincoln Becker from Fairmont High
School and Carson Pomerenke also from Fairmont
High School. Congratulations Lincoln and Carson.
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook off tickets
The Agri-Business Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Martin
County Pork Producers announce the 25th annual cook off with five restaurants
already signed up! The cook off is held in the Martin County Arena at the Fair
August 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook- Off tickets are available at the Fairmont Chamber of
Commerce for $12.00! If you would like to reserve your tickets stop by the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce or give us a call at (507) 235-5547.
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
The Mission
Kandi Menne: President, Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
“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.”
Our members invest in the
Chamber for many reasons. Many invest to take
advantage of the programs and services that the
Chamber offers, while others invest to support the
work of the Chamber therefore supporting the
business community
The goal of any Chamber is to help to further
the interests of small businesses in our area. The
activities can range from hosting events, to lobbying
local representatives to charitable works for the
betterment of the community.
Some of the ways the Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce works for its Membership
and the Community
Educate
Weekly Enews tht includes local state and nationwide
topics in the enews, hosting seminars, ACE, Jr.
Achievement, MN Chamber Government Forums
Newsletter, Scholarships, Website, Leadership Martin
County
Engage
Bureau 14, Agri-Business ,Ambassadors, Young
Professionals, New Teachers Banquet, Chamber’s
Annual Banquet, Chamber Golf Outing, Glows
Parade, Pork Masters Golf Outing.
Workforce
Fairmont Area Life, ACE, Leadership Martin County,
Lets Get to work committee
Advocate
Chamber Bucks Gift Certificates, RBE Committee,
Downtown Revitalization, Governmental Affairs,
MN Chamber, Visitors Guide Relocation &
Recruitment Packets,
Welcome Baskets, City Map, Fairmont Area Life,
Key Chamber Partnerships, Area Schools, FEDA,
Government, Visit Fairmont, CareerForce
Speaking of Member engagment, we are
taking suggestions for speakers for our networking
events that start back up in September. Do you have
a hot topic/issue you would like to learn more about?
Let us know we will look for an expert!
I am actively searching for an expert on
the newly passed bills the legislature passed. These
bills affect every business even if you have only 1
employee. Some are alreaded in place - some had an
implimatation date of July 1, 2023 while others have
a start date of August 1, 2023, Ocotober 1, 2023 and
some more intense bills January 1, 2024 and January
1 2026. If you are not aware of whats been passed I
suggest you reach out now so you stay compliant.
There is limited availability for
participation in the Leadership Martin County
program which will start in September. Don't dlay
getting your application in
Leadership Martin County is a program
designed to enable candidates to learn about Martin
County resources, values, strengths, weaknesses, 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.
There is still time to Re-discover Fairmont.
Check out this website fairmontarealife.com or the
FAL Facebook page today or scan the QR code to
begin your experience!
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.
Mission (Continued )
Remenber to shop local, support our Martin County businesses,
get out and enjoy our great communities and the amities we are
fortunate to have. The beauty of Minnesota is our 4 seasons!
So, enjoy your summer! Before you know it we will be over and
fall and winter will arrive !
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.
3
How to Get the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership
• Identify what you hope to gain from your Membership
• Include Your entire staff in your membership
• Connect with other Chamber members
• Get involved in Chamber events and seminars
• Join a Committee
• Use the Chamber as a marketing tool
• Let people know you are a member and display your
membership decal
• Read your Monday eNews and Chambers Community
Connections insert
• Use the membership directory & do business with Chamber
Members
• Make Sure the Chamber has your correct information on file
• Provide us with feedback
• Let us know when you have a new manager/owner, have remodeled
or moved. We want to celebrate with you!
Pork Masters Golf Outing July 24th
The Martin County Pork Producers,
the Agri-Business and Ammbassador
Commities of the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce are joining together to
host the 31st Annual Minnesota State Pork
Masters Golf Outing. Martin County is
Minnesota's leading pork producers county.
This even recogonizes the importance of the pork industry in
Martin County and also in the state of Minnesota while raising
funds for Ag-Scholarship and increasing Ag-Awareness among
regional Bussinesses. Lunch and Dinner is provided for the Participants
at Interlaken Golf Club. This event is designed for all golf
enthusiats regardless of their level of ability. Golf registration is
limited to sponsors and pork producers only. There will be games
and prizes with 260 golfers expected to participate.
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
Central Farm Services
(507)446-5035
Headquartered in Truman,MN,serving more
than 4,000 producers in southern Minnesota
and Northern Iowa, welcomes Nick Jackson as
the Vice President of Grain. Nick was a Grain
Division Manager at Superior Ag in Indiana, a multilocation,
grain, energy, feed, and agronomy cooperative.
Before Superior Ag, he was a Senior Strategic
Risk Analyst at Indigo Ag and a Regional Grain
Origination Manager at Kokomo Grain. Growing
up in the grain business, Nick worked at the elevator his dad managed.
After serving in the US Army (Explosive Ordinance Disposal), he attended
the University of Illinois, getting a BA in Environmental Science and
later an MBA in Finance from Concordia University. Bringing Nick on
board in June will allow time to transition the position before Dennis Inman,
the current Vice President of Grain, retires in the fall.
Project 1590
director@project1590.com
Project 1590’s newest project committee Let’s Get to
Work is working to create a comprehensive alumni
database for Martin County. If you or someone you
know graduated from one of the local high schools,
please fill out the survey at https://project1590.com/martin-countyalumni-network/
to be added to our growing list of alumni!
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
“Calling all seniors age 60 or older! Every Tuesday
at Sterling Pharmacy is Senior Citizens Day.
Stop in and save 20% on your entire purchase!
(Offer excludes prescriptions.) Did you know Sterling is a great place to
imagine, create, pretend, and play? Our toy store is packed with fantastic
items that the little ones in your life will love. Who's ready for Christmas
in July? Visit Sterling July 27 through July 29 and save 40% on every gift
or toy item you can fit in a Sterling bag—plus four additional (gift/toy)
items”
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
Sweet Financial
(507)235-5587
Oliver Kollofski recently attained his Certified
Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. This
highlights our team's dedication to assisting
business owners with thoughtful exit strategies. This achievement enhances
our capabilities and reaffirms our focus on supporting business
owners. This summer, we're hosting events specially designed for local
business owners. It's a chance to connect, share experiences, and gain
insights. If you are a local business owner, we'd love for you to join us!
If interested, contact miranda@sweetfinancial.com
United Hospital District
(507)238-2001
United Hospital District Foundation Board has
selected nine recipients for their Healthcare Scholarship
Award Program for the 2022-2023 school
year. Scholarships of $1,000 were offered to seniors
from eight area high schools. To be eligible, seniors must be accepted into
an accredited academic program and planning to major in a healthcare
field. Recipients were selected using several considerations, including a desire
to return and serve their home community after completing their degree
and training. UHD representatives attended six senior awards events
to present these recipients their award certificates:
Blue Earth Area: Emma Ringness, Nursing & Health Science;
and Mya Steinhauer, Dietetics
Fairmont High School: Taylor Madsen, Nursing BSN
Granada Huntley East Chain: Hayley Stensland, Exercise Science
Martin County West: Sydney Borntrager, Biomedical Science
Martin Luther High School: Jakob Fischer, Physical Therapy
North Union High School: Brynn Tirevold, Radiology Technology
United South Central: Ethan Koehler, Nursing;
and Molly Wegner, Surgical Technology
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

Business Briefs continued
Hispanic Voices of Martin County
Save the date for Hispanic Voices of Martin
County! On August 24th, 5 pm at the Knights of
Columbus hall, we will facilitate a panel of local
Hispanic community members and a regional
Hispanic advocacy group. This event will serve
as a starting point to foster meaningful discussions, promote inclusivity,
and raise awareness about issues pertinent to the Hispanic community
in Martin County. Add it to your calendar and keep an eye out for additional
details in the coming months.
Fairmont Roofing
(507) 236-4928
“Stop by FAIRMONT ROOFING on
the evening of Thursday, July 20th
from 5pm to 8pm as we help celebrate “Going Hog
Wild Days” in downtown Fairmont. A fun evening in downtown Fairmont
is planned and Fairmont Roofing will have some fun games and
door prizes. Stop by and meet our Team!
EXIT Realty
(888)446-2973
EXIT Realty - Great Plains is pleased to announce
that Mark Nibbe has joined its growing team of
dedicated real estate sales professionals.
EXIT Realty - Great Plains, located at 400 South State Street, Ste #330,
Fairmont, Minnesota is a proud member of EXIT Realty Upper Midwest's
rapidly expanding network of independently owned and operated brokerages
across the region.
Red Rock Center
(507)235-9262
Annual membership drive going on now.
Support your community art center with a tax
deductible contribution. Your contribution assists
with the day to day expenses of operating and maintaining two historic
landmarks, the Red Rock Center for the Arts and the Chubb House. Individual
membership starting at $25 a year. Donations can reach us at
Red Rock Center, 222 E Blue Earth Ave., Fairmont, MN 56031, or
visit our website at www.redrockcenter.org/support.
Fairmont Area Life- Work and Promote Together
5
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
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
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.
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.

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
July 19
Ambassadors Meeting- Business Visits
& Ribbon Cuttings
July 20
Young Professionals
July 24
Pork Masters Golf Outing
Chamber Golf Outing- Success
Thank you to our major golf outing
sponsor this year United Hospital District.
Also to the 2023 hole and green sponsors:
Advanced Drainage Systems, Bank Midwest,
Bolton Menk, Fairmont Ford, Fairway Independent
Mortgage, Gold Finch Estates, Hyvee,
Krueger Realty. Lakeview Methodist Health
Care Center, Midwest IT, Minnesota Energy,
Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency, Pierce
Accounting, Remax Total Realty, and Valero.
The weather was perfect for golfing this
year. We had 22 golf teams this year at our 26th
Annual Golf Outing at Rose Lake Golf Club.
Our outing is a fundraiser for our Youth Programs.
The winner this year for the golf bag
drawn by Midwest IT was Mark Hughes.
6
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
PROJECT 1590
INSURANCE AGENCY
Your Possessions. Your Protection. Our Business.
FAIRMONT
SHOP CONDOS
Call 235.5547
to learn the benfits of
being a chamber member
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.
June Ambassador Visits
7
Maplewood Independent Living
Chamber Ambassadors visited Maplewood Independent Living
to see all the updates they have made to the facility.
Fleet Farm/ Ace Hardware of Fairmont
Ambassadors stopped at Fleet Farm during their grand re- opening
after an extensive remodel of the store.
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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What's Happening at CER in July?
8
What’s Happening at
Fairmont Community Education and
Recreation
July 2023
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Fascinated with kaleidoscopes? Come and join the Kaleidoscope
Factory as you make your own Kaleidoscope. Great for all ages,
make it a family affair! (12 and under must be accompanied by an
adult) To find out more call the CER office or register online.
Have you ever looked at the back of a food label and wondered
what it all meant? If so check out the Food Labels class being offered
in September. Call CER or go onto the webstore to register!
Adult Basic Education classes offered Monday – Thursday as well
as Distance Learning options. Learn English, Prepare for Your
GED, Improve Reading-Math-Writing Skills, and much more.
Please call the CER office at 507-235-3141 for more information!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate July 8
Laser Tag July 10
I-90 Boys Basketball Camp July 11
Make a Kaleidoscope July 11
Legend Quest- Dragon Kingdom July 11
Dynasty Leagues - Flag Football July 11
Family Roller Skating July 13
Microsoft Publisher: Basic July 15
Easel Does It-Acrylic Painting July 17
Survivor July 17
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp July 18
Microsoft Excel: Basic July 20
Summer Rec Soccer July 24
Cardinal Football Camp July 24
Imagination Station July 24
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic July 25
Dynasty Leagues - Kickball July 25
Summer Run July 29
Microsoft Word: Intermediate July 29
Treasure Hunters July 31
Legend Quest- The Gold Heist August 1
Microsoft Word: Basic August 7
Summer Olympics August 7
…and much more!
For an up-to date list of activities, see the CER Web Store located
at
www.fairmont.k12.mn.us/o/cer (Register online with your MasterCard/Visa.)
For more information contact the CER Office located at,
115 South Park Street, Suite 131 Fairmont.
Call 507-235-3141 or Email sbusiahn@fairmont.k12.mn.us
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