Community Connections - August 2023

August 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Pork Masters Golf Outing
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - President Update-
The Mission
Page 3- Mission continued,
Chamber Membership
Page 4 - Business Briefs
Page 5 - Fair Tickets,
Ambassador Visits
Page 6 -Employment Law
Changes Seminar
Page 7- Leadership Martin
County
Page 8 - Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
Martin County Pork Producers along with the
Agri-Business and Ambassador Committees of the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce joined together
to host the 31st Annual Minnesota State Pork
Masters Golf Outing on July 24, 2023 at the Interlaken
Golf Club in Fairmont.
This event recogonizes the importance of the
pork industry to Martin County and the state of
Minnesota while raising funds for Ag-Scholarships
and Ag-Awareness.
Pork producers from throughout the region
came to participate in this day-long event. The golf
outing was completly sold out this year with 288
Golfers. Golfers and sponsors enjoyed a beautiful day
of golf, fun, food and networking.
Congratulations to our Afternoon Session
Winners: Derek, Zach, Dan and David Widman
Thank you to all our
generous sponsors and amazing
volunteers and the staff at
the Interlaken Golf Club who
make this event possible and
recognize the importance of
the pork industry in Martin
County and the state of Minnesota.
Mark your calenders for the 32nd Annual
Minnesota State Pork Master Golf Outing held on
Monday July 22nd, 2024! For more information visit
our website: www.porkmasters.com or email Rachel
at finance@fairmontchamber.org.
Congratulations to our Morning Session
Winners: Cody Lewis, Nick Knute, Pete Gieske
& Chad Mohns
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
Fairmont Chamber Making a Difference!
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.”
In August:
We will be sharing booth space at the Martin
County Fair with FEDA, Martin County Historical
Society, Visit Fairmont and will have Fairmont Area
Life materials, stop in and learn what we all have
been doing and what's new!
The Agri Business committee of the Chamber
will again host the Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off – it
is the Chamber’s signature event Wednesday evening
of the fair. The Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off features
local restaurants and caterers who cook and serve
their unique pork dishes. They will be competing
for the best dish (Connoisseur Award) judged
by our professional judges and (People’s Choice
Award) judged by the public who bought tickets to
have the privilege and experience of sampling the
dishes. As of August 1, restaurants competing are
Dudley’s Garage, Green Mill Restaurant, Hi Lo Club,
Interlaken Golf Club and The Marina Lodge. This
event celebrates the pork industry in our community
as well as promotes our excellent restaurants and
caterers. In addition, the event helps to fund the
two agriculture scholarships that our Agri-Business
committee awards to Martin County seniors going
on to study in an ag related field in college. There are
a limited number of tickets left.
Also, in August we have put together an
informative session covering the 2023 Employment
Law Changes and what every employer needs to know.
There are many new laws that affect business whether
you have 1 or 1,000 employees. Julie Ketchman
Corbett and Alyssa Nelson from Blethen and Berens
will be presenting. You must pre- register to attend.
Check out our Facebook page or call the chamber for
a link to register
Todays youth are tomorrows workforce!
With education being so important to our Chamber’s
efforts and work, here are some of the programs we
organize that contribute to educating our students
and our Chamber members as well.
Junior Achievement: Teaches practical knowledge
and skills related to business and careers in our
community to elementary students in our schools.
This program is organized by the Chamber, funded
by Chamber member sponsors and implemented
by volunteers who take the curriculum to the
classrooms. This program serves over 1,000 area
students in our schools. If you would like to
volunteer teach Junior Achievement contact Sydney
@ info@fairmontchamber.org for all the details.
Area Career Exploration: An annual Career Fair that
connects up to 700 area sophomore students with as
many as 100 or more employers in our community
promoting area businesses, careers and the
opportunities they provide for our students entering
the workforce someday. This one-day event is an
unique and often first opportunity for young future
workforce to meet and interact with our business
community.
Area Career Exploration Website: This website
represents many of the aspects of our annual
Area Career Exploration program. It showcases
area employers and the careers that they offer,
gives students and schools a chance to look at our
businesses and careers at any time. Anyone looking
at this website can link to an interest and ability
assessment tool, locate businesses of interest with the
Career Navigator and view information and videos
about our employers and careers. This collaborative
effort between the Chamber, MVAC, FEDA, Visit
Fairmont, CER and Fairmont Area Schools can be
found at www.areacareerexploration.org.
Fairmont Area Life: Promotes our community
and the many great reasons to live here. FAL has
its own website highlighting our community with
information, visuals and testimonials speaking to our
quality of life. This program works on things such as
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.
Making a Difference (Continued )
Community Recruitment, Retention and Relationships. Fairmont Area
Life is a Chamber of Commerce committee highlighting all of the best
things happening in our community and why this is a great place to live.
Leadership Martin County: A leadership 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. We have just a few
spots available for this. Contact us today for the application form
Sip 'n Shop: We are working out the details and will announce them
soon for Fairmonts first Sip 'N Shop community event. If you are a
business interested in learning how to participate - give us a call!
We will start up our networking meetings beginning in
September with Bureau 14! Speakers and venues are being lined up.
October 10th we are also bringing Cindra Kamphoff to Fairmont
through a partnership with Sweet Financial LLC. Cindra Kamphoff,
Ph.D., CMPC, PCC, is an award-winning keynote speaker and certified
professional coach for leaders, professional athletes, and championship
teams. She is the author of an Amazon best-seller, Beyond Grit: Ten
Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performance Edge and a recent
second book, Beyond Grit for Business: How to Boost Performance,
Leadership and the Bottomline. Her podcast, The High Performance
Mindset podcast, has over 3 million downloads and is ranked in the
top 100 podcasts where she interviews thought leaders about mindset.
Additional details will be announced soon
Re-discover Fairmont!
Visit fairmontarealife.com the FAL Facebook page or scan the QR code.
Remember shop local, support our Martin County businesses, get out,
enjoy our great communities and amities we are fortunate to have.
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.
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!
3
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Chamber Member Business Briefs
Heritage Acres
(507)235-3722
Heritage Acres held their annual meeting on
June 22,2023 for a meal and monthly meeting.
The Fairmont Robotics Team demonstrated
their machine that won in the state champion
competition. On July 10th a Board Meeting was held and election of officers
was decided. President- Jerry Simon, Vice President- Mike Jacobson,
Secretary- Julie Hill, and Treasurer- Dave Bulfer. We are now in the planning
stage for the Threshing Day Festival on August 13th.
Visit Fairmont
(507)235-8585
Have an event coming up? Visit
Fairmont recently purchased
3 moveable structures from
Your-Type 3D Letters. These
are a fun visual and reminder
that Fairmont has five Lakes of Fun. Give us a call at 507-235-8585 or email
director@visitfairmontmn.com if you would like these at your event.
4
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
“Sterling Pharmacy has proudly served the
Fairmont community since 1970. We strive to
empower our patients to build healthier lives
and would love an opportunity to earn your business. Give us a call at
507.238.2797 to transfer your prescriptions today.
There are many ways to save at Sterling! Earn points every time you
shop to earn Reward Certificates by signing up for our Sterling Rewards
program. Even better yet, when you transfer your prescriptions to Sterling
Pharmacy, you'll earn double points as a pharmacy customer!”
Sweet Financial
(507)235-5587
Sweet Financial Partners is excited to invite
everyone to join in celebrating a national holiday
we've established, "Dreams are Possible Day," on August 21st. This day is
a clear reflection of our core mission: transforming dreams into realities.
We firmly believe in the power of dreams and the amazing opportunities
that can arise when we let our imaginations run free. So, on this special
day, we're encouraging everyone to pause, let your dreams take flight,
and envision your biggest aspirations. Consider what you truly want and
then, make the decision to take that first step towards it. This day is more
than just a holiday; it's an invitation, a pledge, and a chance to embrace
the power of possibilities. We hope you can take time to celebrate this
day, dream big, and always keep in mind: Dreams truly are possible.
Red Rock Center
(507)235-9262
On Saturday, August 12, 2-4pm join us in celebrating
18 years of service and see what our upcoming season
has in store. View the visual art exhibit, explore the
make and take stations, and and a special musical performance at 3pm
by Fiona Green and Liam Edberg. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres,
wine and beer.
Pizza Ranch
(507)235-8822
Kids Night on Tuesdays! Every Tuesday is Kids Night
at Pizza Ranch and that means adults who purchase a
buffet at regular price, will earn a kid buffet FREE!
Perfect night to bring the family in to the best buffet in town!
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.
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

Cook Off & Martin County Fair Tickets On Sale
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook- Off tickets
are available at the Fairmont Chamber of
Commerce! The Marina Lodge, Green Mill
Restaurant, Hi-Lo Club, Dudleys Garage and
Interlaken Golf Club will be competing for
the titles this year of the People's Choice and
the Connisseur's 1st, 2nd and 3rd place pork entrees.The 24th annual
cook off is during the Martin County Fair- August 17 from
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Martin County Arena.
State Fair Tickets on Sale!
July Ambassador Visits
Martin County Fair is August 15-20, 2023.
Advance purchase season passes are $25.00 ($30.00
at the Gate). Ride tickets- 10 rides for $20.00.
Wristband coupon $20.00 in advance good for
Wednesday evening (5-10 pm) OR Friday (1-5pm).
Advance season passes and pre-sale ride
tickets are on sale now at the following businesses: CCF Bank,
Bank Midwest (Fairmont and Sherburn), Chamber of Commerce,
Fareway, First Farmers and Merchants, Hy-Vee, State Bank of Fairmont,
Profinium (Fairmont and Truman)
Discount Tickets on sale now through August 23rd
• Admission Tickets: $15.00
• Ride and Game Fun Card: $20.00
• Blue Ribbon Bargian Book: $5.00
5
Kingdom Builders
Chamber Ambassadors visited Kingdom Builders to congratulate
them on the purchase of the old city incubator building. This will be
their new permenant spot for their office.
We are always looking for new Ambassadors:
• Are an owner or employee of a Chamber Member
• Acts as a goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce
• Meet the third Wednesday of every month at 3:00 p.m.
• Will attend the majority of all Ambassador Functions
Beantown Bar and Grill
Change is good! Our Chamber Ambassadors welcomed new Owner/
Operators William & Miriam Parra at Bean Town Grill. Offering the
same menu we all know and love along with the same hours Tuesday-
Saturday 11AM-9PM.
If you know of a business the Ambassadors should visit due to relocation,
change of ownership/manager, remodeling, etc. please call
the Chamber office 507-235-5547 if you would like us to schedule a
visit at your business. The business does not have to be a Chamber
Member

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
August 16
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off
August 17
Young Professionals
August 24
ESSL Presentation
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
GUTTER
AUTHORITY
PIZZA RANCH
FAIRMONT
Call 235.5547
to learn the benfits of
being a chamber member
2023 Employment Law Changes Seminar
2023 Employment Law Changes
What Every Employer Needs to Know!
Will you be compliant?!?!
Confused by all the changes made in employment law
this legislative session? Need to know what policies you
need to adopt for your business?
Whether you have 1 employee or 1000... There are many new laws that are a reality
for your business.
Learn more August 24th with Julie Ketchman Corbett and Alyssa Nelson from
Blethen and Berens will be presenting. This presentation will provide leaders and decision
makers with the right information and insight for becoming compliant.
This event is open to the Public:
Chamber Member Rate: $40.00 Non- Chamber Member Rate: $60.00
If you would like to get registered call the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at
(507) 235-5547 or email info@fairmontchamber.org
Topics covered:
• CROWN Act
• Nursing Mother and Pregnancy Accommodations
• Drug & Alcohol Policy and Testing Changes after the Legalization of Marijuana
• Employee Sick and Safe Leave
• Noncompetition Agreements
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (coming in 2026)
8:30-9:00AM Light Breakfast and Networking
9:00-11:00AM Presentation
6
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.
Leadership Martin County 2023
What: A leadership 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 will provide opportunities for candidates to exchange
ideas, build networks and begin the process of identifying and
solving important community issues.
Who: Current or prospective leaders in the Martin County community.
Candidates are drawn from business, industry, education, public and private
agencies, civic groups, non-profit and virtually all other facet of the
professional community. Class size will be limited.
Program Development: Riverland Community College, the Chamber
and individual day-leaders develope seminar curriculum.
Where: All sessions are facilitated locally and focus on topics directly affecting
our community. Seminars are held at a different location each session.
Why: To develop candidate knowledge and understanding of our community,
its assets, complexities and potential. To provide an opportunity
for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current
community leaders. To develop leadership skills through classroom instruction,
interactive exercises and small group discussion.
How: A series of topical seminars
held over a nine month period and
conducted by local and regional
professionals. Area leaders volunteer
their time to raise awareness to the assets and opportunities of our
community by providing an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at eight
key elements of our community. Peggy Young, Business Consultant with
Riverland Community College’s Training and Development Department
will nurture leadership development by leading discussions that integrate
community information through dialogue, interactive exercise and small
group discussion.
Cost: $650 - Tuition is payable at the time a participant is accepted to
candidacy. Scholarship opportunities are available.
When: Monthly sessions run September - May on the first Wednesday
of each month. LEADERSHIP requires a serious commitment of time
and energy. Candidates meet the FIRST WEDNESDAY, a full day each
month. Attendance at the work sessions and all day program meetings is
imperative. Class participants are expected to attend all sessions with the
exception of an extreme emergency or illness.
7
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What's Happening at CER in August?
8
What’s Happening at
Fairmont Community Education and
Recreation
August 2023
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Adult Basic Education classes are offered Tuesday – 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!
Do you know a 15-year-old looking to take their written permit test?
CER is now offering Diver Knowledge testing opportunities. To schedule
your test or find out more, call the CER office.
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Microsoft Word: Basic August 7
Youth Summer Olympics August 7
55 Defensive Driving-Refresher August 8
Fairmont Football Golf Outing August 11
Microsoft Excel: Basic August 12
Elementary Cross Country Program August 21
Introduction to Voiceovers
TBD
Flag Football September 6
Food Label Class September 26
Watch for our new online brochure the end of August! Stay up to date
with new offerings by liking us on Facebook!
Are you 55+? The MN Highway Safety and Research Center will be
holding an in-person refresher course on August 8 from 5pm – 9pm at
the Southern MN Educational Campus (115 S Park Street). You must
PRE-REGISTER as space is limited! To register call 1-888-234-1294 or
visit: www.mnsafetycenter.org
Where to Find Community Events
…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
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 us 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.
Call your
Sentinel advertising
representative
to place your ad here each
month!
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