October 2023 Newsletter - Community Connections

October 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Inside
This Issue
Page 2 - President Update-
Making a Difference
Page 3- Making a
Difference, Membership
Page 4 - Business Briefs
Ambassador Scholarship Awarded
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Committee has awarded
a $1,000 Scholarship to Kambria Steinhaus.
Kambria is a student at St. Norbert College in
De Pere, Wisconsin.
The Ambassadors Scholarship is offered
annually to a Martin County student who is
in a business related field anf is entering their
junior or senior year at a four year college or
in their final year in a technical college. The
recipient is also required to confirm achievemnet
of a 3.0 GPA or greater on a 4.0 GPA Scale.
The Ambassadors and the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce would like to
congratulate Kambria and wish her the best of
luck in her future endeavors!
Page 5 - Business Briefs,
Junior Achievement
Page 6 -New Teachers
Banquet
Page 7- Glows Parade
Page 8 - Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
The Ambassadors
meet monthly at 3:00p.m.
on the third Monday of the
month at the Chamber office.
After their meeting
they make 3 business visits. Duties of an
Ambassador are to represent the Chamber
at all ground breakings, ribbon cuttings,
and grand openings, assist with the annual
Pork Masters Golf Outing, assist with
Membership Drives and continue contact
with Chamber members encouraging them
to become active in the
Chamber. We are always
looking for more Ambassadors
to represent the
Chamber of Commerce.
If you are interested in becoming an
Ambassador or, if you know a business the
Ambassadors should visit due to relocation,
change of ownership/management, major
remodeling, etc., call us at (507)235-5547
or email info@fairmontchamber.com
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 change of seasons also
initiates a shift in the efforts
of the Chamber.
As I write we are wrapping up
preparations for the first Sip n
Shop in Fairmont! We are excited
to bring something new to our
community! I know everyone will have enjoyed
the shopping experience and tasting a variety of
fall beverages! We will share pictures in the next
Community Connections and on our FB pages.
Thank you the 17 businesses that participated and all
the "Sip n Shoppers" !
It is the weekend of Fairmont's homecoming
and festivities are under way. Go Cardinals!
Bureau 14 began in September
with a great group of members
in attendance at the recently
remodeled Interlaken Golf
Club! We meet again October
11 with Michael Hunter Chief of Police as
our guest speaker. He will update us on
how they are dealing with some of the new
laws passed at the capital that are in effect
now
October :
We are bringing Cindra Kamphoff to
Fairmont on Tuesday October 10th at the Fairmont
Opera House! 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 Amazon best-seller Beyond Grit and Beyond Grit
for Business:. Her podcast, The High-Performance
Mind-set podcast, has over 3 million downloads
and is ranked in the top 100 podcasts where she
interviews thought leaders about mind-set. She is
a proud Minnesotan and lives in Mankato with her
husband and two teenage boys.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and you can
gather in the footlight lounge before you find your
seat in the auditorium to hear Cindra starting at 6:30
p.m. After, the lounge will be open for 1 hour.
This event is FREE to the public – in
thanks to our sponsor Sweet Financial Partners.
Freewill donations will be accepted or bring a toy
to support the newly formed and LOCAL Martin
County “Toys for Tots” Toys and books must be new
and unwrapped. We are excited to support this local
effort in their kick off month!
• School has begun and students and parents
are getting back into a routine. We are actively
looking for volunteer teachers for the Junior
Achievement curriculum in the schools. Through
the generosity of our business
sponsors we purchase and
provide the classroom teaching
kits for grades Kindergarten
thru grade 6th. Junior
Achievement is in SJV, St. Paul’s
and the Fairmont elementary schools
as well as 8th grade! To date are JA kit
sponsors are the American Legion, Kahler
Automation and The Early Risers Kiwanis
If you are looking to volunteer – consider
being a JA volunteer teacher. Call Sydney
at 235.5547 or e-mail info@fairmontchamber.org
• We are also planning our annual banquet to
welcome new teachers to our schools. The evening
is scheduled for Monday October 23. We invite local
businesses to attend and sponsor a teacher’s dinner.
Each new teacher will get a welcome bag. If you
have an item you would like to include in the bags –
give us a call – we will let you know how many new
teachers we will have and what it costs to sponsor a
teacher!
• In October we also begin our Membership
campaign. When you join the Chamber in October
and pay 2024 membership dues you get the rest of
2023 membership for FREE! If you are not already a
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 )
Chamber member there is no better time to join!
To coincide with our membership drive we have exciting news
for our current members and potential members. We listened to what
you want, and, what you wanted is a clear understanding and answer to
the question “What do I get for my membership”? We are changing our
dues structure from employee count based to a Tiered base
membership system. There are five levels of membership.
Supporter, Believer, Champion, Partners and Visionary.
Where do you fall? You'll find out soon!
You will receive information on the structure
of tiered dues works and how it will benefit you. It will
make membership simple and easy and provide a clear
understanding of what you can expect! Many Chambers
that have moved to a tiered dues membership have
witnessed better engagement with members and we are confident we will
see a positive impact too!
As always we will continue to provide our members with the
latest information on local state and national business news. We will
continue to advocate, suppport and help you promote your buisinesses.
We are also in the process of putting together next years
Fairmont Area Life Guide. It is jammed packed with local information
and events and features many of our local businesses. Advertising space
will be available soon.
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.”
Remember to 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
3
• 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!
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
Sweet Financial
(507)235-5587
Exciting news from Sweet Financial and
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 10th, as together, we
bring you an incredible opportunity. Join us at the Fairmont Opera
House at 6:30 PM to hear from Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, a top-notch
speaker and coach. With experience mentally training the Minnesota
Vikings, she knows how to drive success. Get ready for an
energizing evening packed with practical strategies to boost your
personal and professional life.
Martin County Historical Society
(507)235-5178
The book entitled “Martin County –
Merchants and Innovators, Creators
and Risk Takers” is now available
at the Pioneer Museum, the Photo Press, and The
Good News Bookstore.
This book documents the history of those Martin
County businesses, nonprofits, and professional organizations
that submitted their stories to the Martin County Historical
Society for the purpose of being included in this project. This
book, authored by Lenny Tvedten, includes 74 submissions as well
as an additional 34 Northrop businesses submitted by Tom Koeritz.
Fluorescent Bulb Recycling
Fluorescent bulb recycling will be held on
Thursday October 5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. in the Tractor Supply Parking
Lot.There is a charge at the time of disposal.
Straight Fluorescent lamps 4' and under are $.50. Over 4' are
$.90. High Intensity Discharge Lamps (HID) are $5.00. Fairmont
Public Utilities Customers are eligable for a total reimbursement
for the bulb recycling. Ask for a rebate coupon and keep your receipt.
Turn in both to the Fairmont Public Utilities for reimbursement
of the Recycling cost.
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
Fairmont Opera House
(507)238-4900
Fairmont Opera House to host Minnesota Sings
Statewide Finals for 60 contestants who have qualified at City Sings
events this summer to compete for some awesome prizes.Public is
welcome to attend. Grand Finale is Sunday at 5 PM featuring the
top 16 singers from the 2 round competition.Visit our Facebook
Page for more information and ticket prices.
United Hospital District
(507) 238-1287
United Hospital District (UHD) is named one
of America’s Best Small Hospitals Under 25
Beds by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s
trusted referral source for the best in healthcare. The award signifies
that UHD is in the top six percent of 566 U.S. hospitals under 25
beds offering a broad selection of medical services and high patient
recommendation scores. The methodology used to select UHD as
one of the Best Small Hospitals Under 25 Beds is unique. Qualifying
hospitals must offer Emergency Department services and at least
three of the following services (Cardiac Rehab, CT scan, Diagnostic
Mammography, Dialysis, Helipad, ICU, Inpatient Surgery, Joint
Replacement, MRI, Obstetrics, Physical Therapy, Trauma, Wound
Care). UHD provides 12 qualifying services. Hospitals were then
ranked by their patient recommendation rating from the Hospital
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.
Red Rock Center
(507)235-9262
Red Rock Center for the Arts welcomes Melissa
Hamsmith of Ringsted as the new Creative
Arts Specialist and Allison Cobb and
Bill Gonnsen to the Martin County Preservation Association Board
of Directors. The MCPA is a 501c3 nonprofit managing the Red
Rock Center for the Arts and the Chubb House.
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

Chamber Member Business Briefs Continued
Burtis Chiropractic
(507)235-5551
Dr. Scott Burtis recently passed the necessary exams
to become board-certified as a Diplomate of the American
Clinical Board of Nutrition. This post-grad designation is one of the
highest levels of certification one can receive in nutrition healthcare
services. There are currently less than a dozen DACBN practitioners
in the state of Minnesota, including only one other outside the
Twin Cities metro area. Dr. Burtis is eager to continue providing
the Fairmont area and beyond with an even higher level of nutritional
consulting.
Heritage Acres
Sunday October 15, 2023 10 am to 4pm
Enjoy the last of our great fall weather at the Heritage
Acres Harvest Festival. FREE and fun for the
whole family! Blacksmith demonstrations, food, live music with
Steve Lang and Bob Petrowiak, train rides, horse-plowing, apple
pressing, corn shelling and more! Come tour our historical buildings
and see what life and farming was like 100 years ago!
At 10am, there's an ecumenical church service in the chapel, and
then all other events begin at 11am.
Pizza Ranch- Fairmont
(507)235-8822
All Fall - Get Double Points on Wednesdays! Get
two points for every dollar spent.
Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
“The flu and cold season is here. Sterling
Fairmont now provides rapid testing AND
treatment for strep throat, RSV, flu, and COVID-19 for patients
five years and older. We are available for testing Monday through
Friday from 11am to 4pm. Tests are $75 per person.
For some shopping fun, pharmacy customers are invited to join us
on Thursday, October 26 for our Pharmacy Customer Appreciation
event! We want to thank our patients with 50% off five gift
or toy items, 40% off four items storewide, special treats, refreshments,
and giveaways. Stop on by—you are sure to have a fabulous
time!”
Visit Fairmont
(507)235-8585
Visit Fairmont now had 3 moveable
structures that would go great at any event. These letters serve as a
fun visual and reminder of the 5 Lakes Fairmont has to offer! Call
us at 507-235-8585 or email director@visitfairmont.com if you
would like these at your event.
US Bank
507-238-8329
US Bank in Fairmont is proud to announce
our new branch hours. To better serve our customers we are now
open 9AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.
Junior Achievement in our schools starts in October 2023and continues through April 2023.
Nearly 1200 students from 55 classrooms grades K-sixth and 8th grade will benefit from the JA
Curriculum. A volunteer is needed for each classroom to teach five 45 minute sessions with a
provided materials kit and instruction manual. Enrich your life by volunteering or sponsoring a classroom!
The annual cost for all the classroom teaching kits averages $12,000. Our ability to continue to offer Junior Achievement
in our public and private schools depends on the generosity of our community through you, the volunteers and donations.
If you would like to support Junior Achievement by volunteering or a donation, contact Kandi at the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce at 507.235.5547 or info@fairmontchamber.org.
You can mail a donation to Fairmont Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031 or stop by our office
at 323 E Blue Earth Avenue to learn more!
5

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
October 10
Speaker- Dr. Cindra Kamphoff
October 11
Bureau 14 Meets
October 18
Ambassadors Meeting- Ribbon Cutting
October 23
New Teachers Banquet
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
SOUTH CREEK HR
BRAVO ZULU HOUSE
HOSANNA'S NURSERY
Call 235.5547
to learn the benfits of being a
chamber member
New Teachers Banquet
Each year the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce plans
a Banquet to welcome new teacher and teachers celebrating 25
years with their school. Teachers and principals of the Fairmont
public and private schools, and Arise Academy/Southern Plains
are in attendance. The date is set for October 23rd and will be at
the Best Western.
We are looking for businesses or individuals to sponsor one or more new teachers
at the banquet.
Each new teacher is given a "welcome bag" filled with information about Fairmont
and Martin County. Area businesses may contribute a promotional item or store coupon
to the welcome bags
If you are interested in being a sponsor or contributing to the welcome bag please
call Sydney at (507)235-5547 or email info@fairmontchamber.org
New Law Changes
There are many new employment law changes that have come out in 2023 that are a reality for
your business. Here is a overview of all the laws that have been changed along with a couple that will be
in affect soon. These laws are affective to all employers whether you have 1 employee or 1000.
• CROWN Act
• Nursing Mother and Pregnancy Accommodations
• Drug & Alcohol Policy and Testing Changes after the Legalization of Marijuana
• Employee Sick and Safe Leave (coming January 2024)
• Non-competition Agreements
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (coming in 2026)
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide
paid leave to employees who work in the state. Minnesota’s current sick and safe leave law remains in
effect until Dec. 31, 2023 and will be replaced by the new earned sick and safe time law on Jan. 1, 2024.
Sick and safe time is paid leave employers must provide to employees in Minnesota that can be used for
certain reasons, including when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member or to seek
assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse.
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
6

ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Get ready for the Glows Parade
7
The Annual Glows Parade and Santa Fly-In will be
Friday November 17, 2023. Santa will fly into the Fairmont
Municipal Airport at approximately 4:15 and the parade
starts at 6:00p.m. starting on Downtown Plaza and ends
at Lincoln Park. We encourage Clubs, Organizations, and
businesses to participate as this time-honored Martin
County Tradition. Get creative and let your lights shine!
Call us at (507) 235-5547
33 rd Glows
The Tradition Continues
Kicking off the 2022 holidays with the
Parade
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023
5:15 p.m. Lineup - 6:00 p.m. Parade starts
ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday, NOVEMBER 11, 2022
Let’s make Fairmont “GLOW”!
We encourage all units to have lights and signage. Santa will be part of the parade courtesy of
the Glows Committee. To avoid confusion among the younger audience, we discourage other
Santa appearances. For safety reasons please do not throw candy from your ‘float’
Return registration form by November 10 - Glows Parade, P.O. Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031
Or email it to Rachel at finance@fairmontchamber.org
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 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.
3 - $50 Chamber Gift Certificates awarded in the following categories:
Commercial, Non-Commercial/Churches, and Glowing Parade Float
Entry Fees offset ongoing expenses
Non-Chamber Business: $30.00
Chamber Member Business: $20.00
Non-Profit: $10.00
REGISTRATION FORM
BUSINESS NAME _____________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________
PHONE _______________________________ CELL PHONE ___________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON _______________________________________ $ Enclosed ___________________
TYPE OF FLOAT_________________________ LENGTH _______________________________________
MUSIC? ___ YES ____NO LIGHTS? ____YES ____NO
You will receive line up # confirmation via email
For more information, contact the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-235-5547.
Email Rachel at finance@fairmontchamber.org .
We hope you can join us!
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What's Happening at CER in October?
8
What’s Happening at
Fairmont Community Education
and Recreation
October 2023
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure
Opportunities for All Ages”
Top ten estate planning mistakes to avoid will focus on the tools and
the process of creating effective estate plans that work on disability and
death. Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney, Cassandra Lustfield, will
teach you how to control your assets while you are alive and well. Trusts,
wills, powers of attorney, health care directives and their best uses will all
be discussed. Free! Please pre-register to ensure class is held.
Thank you to our Flag Football Sponsors: Becker Financial, Sterling
Drug, Land Services, ADS, Taco Johns, Hy-Vee,
and Seifried Photography.
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! October 17
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
The Art of De-Aging: Peel Years Off Your Biological Age Virtual Class
Oct 2
First Timers 55 Defensive Driving Oct 2
Posture, Get is Straight Virtual Class Oct 3
Hips, Thighs & Otherwise Virtual Class Oct 4
Upholstery/Caned Chair Restoration Oct 5
Microsoft Word: Basic Oct 7
Soothe Those Achy Joints- Virtual Class Oct 9
Refresher- 55 Defensive Driving Oct 9
Afterschool STEM Activities Oct 9
Women Weight & Hormones Virtual Class Oct 10
Microsoft Word: Intermediate Oct 14
Is Your Waistband Too Tight Today? Virtual Class Oct 16
Avoid The Pitfalls Of Perimenopause & Menopause Virtual Class Oct 17
Sip N Paint with Designs by Kandvas Oct 17
Microsoft Word: Basic Oct 18
Top Ten Estate Planning Mistakes Oct 19
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Oct 21
Thyroid Things You Need To Know Virtual Class Oct 23
Archery I and Archery II Oct 23
Posture & Osteoporosis Workshop Virtual Class Oct 24
Microsoft Excel: Basic Oct 24
De-Age Your Brain Virtual Class Oct 30
Vitamins & Herbs: Facts and Fallacies Virtual Class Nov 1
Child & Babysitting Safety Nov 4
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Nov 4
Overcome Your Carbohydrate Cravings Virtual Class Nov 6
Card Making-Stampin' Up Nov 7
Just Breathe! Techniques to Calm, Center & Balance Virtual Class Nov 8
Microsoft Excel: Basic Nov 8
National Community Education Day Nov 9
…and much more!
For an up-to date list of activities, visit the CER Web Store
www.fairmont.k12.mn.us/o/cer
(Register online with your MasterCard/Visa.)
For more information contact the CER Office:
507-235-3141 or Email sbusiahn@fairmont.k12.mn.us
Call your
Sentinel advertising
representative
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month!
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1307 ALBION AVENUE, SUITE 102
FAIRMONT, MN
PH: (507) 238-4228
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Spencer Seibert, O.D.
111 EAST 6TH STREET
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020