September 2023 Newsletter - Community Connections

September 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook - Off Results
Inside
This Issue
Congratulations to our Cook-Off Connoisseur Judges winners! Pictured left to right:
The Hi-Lo Club (1st Place), Dudley's Garage (2nd Place), and Green Mill (3rd Place).
Page 2 - President Update-
Making a Difference
Page 3- Making a
Difference , Membership
Page 4 - Business Briefs
Page 5 - Sip and Shop,
Fluorescent Light Bulb
Recycling, Ambassador
Visit
Page 6 -Employment Law
Changes Seminar, Junior
Achievment
Page 7-Pork Coof Off
Photo's
Page 8 - Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
Congratulations to our Cook-Off People's Choice winners! Pictured left to right:
The Hi-Lo Club (1st Place), Green Mill (2nd Place), and Dudley's Garage (3rd Place).
The 25th Annual Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off was
held on Wednesday, August 17 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00
p.m. at the Martin County Fairgrounds. Proceeds
from this event support two local Agri-Business
Scholarships each year.
Awards for the Connoisseurs’ judges went
to The Hi-Lo Club (1st Place), Dudley's Garage (2nd
Place), and Green Mill(3rd Place. The Peoples'
Choice awards honored The Hi-Lo Club (1st Place),
Green Mill (2nd Place), and Dudley's Garage(3rd
Place). Congratulations to our 2023 cook-off winners
and contestants.
Thank you to our many volunteers who have
helped to make this event a success over the course
of it’s 25 year history.
A big thank you goes out to our generous event
sponsors, the Agri-Business Committee of the Fairmont
Area Chamber, Agriculture Future of America,
Bank Midwest, CFS, Compeer Financial, Devenish,
First Farmers Merchants Bank, Fairmont Vet Clinic/
Preferred Capital Management, Fraser Farm Service
- Matt Moeller, Kahler Automation, Martin County
Pork Producers, Profinium Financial, and
Valero Renewables for helping to make these scholarships
possible.
We would also like to thank all our contestants:
Dudley's Garage, Green Mill Restaurant, The Hi- Lo
Club, and Martin County Pork Producers for the
time and talent they contributed to this competition.
Each of the contestants, produced creative,
mouth-watering pork inspired dishes, and presenting
a formidable challenge for both judges and
participants alike in selecting this year’s winning
entries.
The Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off is held annually
on Wednesday of the Martin County Fair!
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.”
Navigating thru the first 10 months of leading
the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, I have a
feeling of accomplishment and believe we are headed
in the right direction! My mission was and still is to
bring value to being a Chamber member.
Rounding out the Chamber are Rachel
Manwarren and Sydney Andrews. Together we fill
numerous roles and have many purposes within the
Chamber with the goal of continued camaraderie
and success for our members. October will bring
our annual membership drive: Consider all the
opportunities and benefits of membership
Your investment in our organization is an
investment in your community. Chamber members
have credibility and to answer in part the question of
what comes with being a Chamber member?
• Our networking meetings we offer speakers
that update attendees on hot topics at the local and
state level and allow for discussion. Bureau 14 starts
back up Wednesday September 13
• Be in the Know when you receive our
member-only eNews and be the first to know
the latest news, local announcements, legislature
changes, involvement opportunities, and more.
• eNews also contains links to sign up for
various events and has a schedule of upcoming
Chamber events and meeting dates
• We embrace our young professionals to
learn and take advantage of the amenities of our
community while having fun!
• We play a part in the success of Martin
County by educating our next workforce
• Most importantly we listen to what you're
asking for and find ways to answer your questions
and provide opportunities
Meetings we host
Agri-business
Ambassadors
Bureau 14
Young Professionals
Events
Area Career Exploration for area sophomores
Blue Ribbon Pork Cook off
Chamber Annual Banquet
Chamber Golf Outing
Glows Parade/Santa's Fly-In
Governmental Affairs
Leadership Martin County
PM Exchange/Quarterly Breakfasts/Lunch and Learn
Pork Masters Golf Outing
Sip & Shop Community Event
Banquet welcoming new Teachers
Websites we bring to you
Fairmontchamber.org
Fairmontarealife.com
Areacareerexploration.org
Porkmasters.com
Business Education
We provide the teaching materials and volunteers for
Junior Achievement in our school’s grade K-6 & 8
Ambassador's Scholarship
Area Career Exploration website
Annual Teachers Banquet
2 AFA Scholarships
Advertising/Marketing Opportunities
Area Career Exploration Website Banner
Chamber Bucks Sponsor – on average over $10,000
are purchased annually
Chamber Facebook/Instagram Mention
Chamber Website business and employment listings
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 )
City Map
Community Connections our monthly Chamber insert
Community Connections
E-news Weekly Ad
Fairmont Area Life Banner
Fairmont Area Life and Visitor Guide
Miscellaneous
Certificate of Origin
Chamber Bucks – supporting shopping in Martin County
Chamber Mailing List
Fairmont Area Community Calendar partner
Let’s Get to work Committee
Attend the retailers meetings
Coming up we are bringing you
*Sip n shop in September *A motivational speaker in October
* Shifting to a tiered dues system soon
We are already talking about a new summer community event!
To say the least – we are excited about the future!
Re-discover Fairmont! We recently inserted a card for the
Fairmont Area Life Website. If you haven't already take a look at it
and the opportunity to Work, Shop, Eat, Play & Live in Fairmont
Visit fairmontarealife.com the FAL Facebook page or scan the QR code.
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
• 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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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
Marina Lodge
(507)235-5990
The Marina Lodge has hired Brianna
Carlson to coordinate all our scheduled events.
Brianna recently moved from Arizona with many years of event planning
experience there. She can be contacted via email at marina.lodge.
events@gmail.com or by phone at 507-432-6364. Call Brianna to discuss
all your required details and options.
Private business meetings, company parties, wedding showers,
birthday and anniversary parties, class reunions, are just a few of the perfect
uses for the Sisseton SkyBar looking out over beautiful Lake Sisseton.
It is perfect for groups up to 50+. Pick from the Marina Lodge menu or
your own menu ahead of time served in a buffet.
Fairmont Opera House
(507)238-4900
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 AT 7 PM
Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos theater style shows
fill theaters with loads of laughter and tons of interaction - making it the
most unique, memorable and intimate theater experience you'll ever have!
You'll be amazed by their full bodied range of music and genres, and entertained
to no end by our performers who've been acting crazy together
for over twelve years. Suitable for all ages, your group is sure to have the
time of their lives.
Red Rock Center
(507)235-9262
Support your community art center and
purchase a season pass for the 2023-24 concert
series. Enjoy all six concerts for just $60. Visit
www.redrockcenter.org for complete details. Hurry, sale ends September
23.
Red Rock Center for the Arts will present their season opener
Saturday, September 23 at 7pm. Enjoy an evening of live music by country/pop
artist Dan Rodriguez and local brew served by Fairmont Brewing
Co. Tickets on sale now or at the door.
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
Visit Sterling during the Fairmont Sip &
Shop. You can enjoy a taste of cranberry punch
while taking advantage of great deals throughout
the gift & toy departments. Local author Jennifer Nauman will be
onsite doing a book signing from 5-6:30pm featuring, “Dogs Don’t have
Wings". Her book celebrates everyone’s unique features.
Then on September 22 and 23 stop in for our Fall Fest sales
event! You will find savings on everything you need for the fall season,
including local fan gear, game-time snacks, warm clothes, and much
more! We will also have game-time snack samples to help you decide
what to serve your football-loving friends.
4
Fairmont Rotary Club
(308)440-2641
We are switching things up for 2023! Same
location - different party! For $15/$20 at the
door you get entrance and 2 drinks of your choice while you enjoy the
music of one of Iowa's hottest bands - BIRDCHILD! Food and snacks will
be available for purchase from Lola's Food Truck. Additional drinks will
be available for purchase for $5/each. Harmony Spirits will be back with
their signature drinks and Fairmont Brewing Company will be pouring
three different varieties of brews. Proceeds from the event will support a
local project.
Kahler Automation
(507) 235-6648
WELCOME to several new recent additions
to “Team Kahler”: Field Technician Danny Pavelko, Inside Sales Specialist
Sam Muenstermann, Administrative Finance Specialist Cindy Runge,
Software Support Specialist Samuel Best, and Production Associate Ryan
Pixler. We’re glad to have you all with us at Kahler Automation! And BEST
WISHES to Ethan Grunewald, who worked as an intern in our Software
Engineering department this summer. Good luck back at school!
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

First Annual Sip and Shop 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited
to announce the First Annual Sip and Shop
event in Fairmont!
This event will provide a unique shopping experience
for our community by allowing individuals to
sample a variety of bevarages while browsing over a
dozen local businesses who are participating in this
event. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a craft beer lover, or just simply
enjoy a good snack, this event has something to satisfy every taste
bud!
Fluorescent Bulb and Ballest Recycling
Held Thursday, September 28th, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Only 300 tickets will be sold for this event. Tickets on sale now at the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. Pre-sale ticktes $20.00 or $25.00
at the door. There will be a shuttle service for this event to get everyone to
the locations safely.
For more information give us a call at (507) 235-5547 or email
info@fairmontchamber.org
Proceeds for this event will go towards the Holiday Street Light
Fund and future events of the Retail Business and Entertainment Committee
(RBE) .
5
Fluorescent bulb recycling will be held Thursday October
5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Fluorescent lamps contain a
certian mercury and are considered a hazardous waste product. It
is against the law to dispose of fluorescent bulbs in your regular
garbage. This recycling event serves the residents and businesses
in Martin and Faribault Counties. When transporting the lamps
be careful not to break them. There is a charge at the time of disposal.
Straight Fluorescent lamps 4' and under are $.50.
August Ambassador Visit
Over 4' are $.90. High Intensity
Discharge Lamps (HID) are $5.00. Fairmont
Public Utilities Customers are
eligable for a total reimbursment for the
bulb recycling. Ask for a rebate coupon
and keep your receipt. Turn in both to the
Fairmont Public Utilities for reimbursment of the Recycling cost.
For specific pricing call Retrofit Recycling Inc. at (800) 274-1309
American Legion Post 36
(507)235-9862
Ambassadors stoppped at American Legion Post 36 to geta tour of all the
renovations they did to their building down town. Their new location is used
as a veteran resource center, meeting place for the legion and the auxiliary
and can now be rented for community events! For more information about
renting give them a call.
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
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
September 6
Leardership Martin County Begins
September 13
Bureau 14 Begins
September 20
Ambassadors Meet
September 24
Sip and Shop
September 28
Young Professionals Meet
JOIN
THE
CHAMBER
TODAY
Call 235.5547
to learn the benfits of
being a chamber member
2023 Employment Law Changes Seminar
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a
Seminar on Thursday August 24th at the Best Western in
Fairmont about the 2023 Legislative Changes.
This Seminar was open to the public and was provided
to leaders and decision makers. Several local businesses
joined us to get the right information and insight for becoming compliant with these
changes.
We had presenters Julia Ketcham Corbett Attorney at Law and Alyssa T. Nelson
Attorney at Law from Blethen Berens Law of New Ulm and Mankato. They gave us some
insight on what employers need to know about several topics including Changes/ Additions
to Equal Employment Opportunity, Non- Discrimination Policies, Wage History
Prohibitions, Nursing and Lactating Employee Rights, Changes to Minnesota Parenting
Leave, Updates to Pregnancy Accommodations , Noncompete Agreements, Legalized
Marijuana and Employer Drug Testing Policies, Minnesota Earned Safe and Sick Leave,
and the Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave Act Overview ( Coming in 2026).
Junior Achievment Volunteers Needed
Junior Achievment in our schools starts in October 2021and
continues through April 2022. 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
5 - 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!
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.
Pork Cook Off Photo's
7
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.
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What's Happening at CER in September?
8
What’s Happening at
Fairmont Community Education
and Recreation
September 2023
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure
Opportunities for All Ages”
Our Fall Catalog is now live on our website! Registration is
open on our webstore: www.fairmont.k12.mn.us/o/cer or call
CER to register!
New 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. Classes start September 12. Please call the
CER office at 507-235-3141 for more information!
Have you ever looked at the back of a food label and tried
to decipher what all that information is really telling you? If
you’d like to learn more about how to read a food label and
what it tells you, register for the upcoming Food Labels Class!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities:
Microsoft Word: Basic Sept 9
Microsoft Excel: Basic Sept 11
Safe Routes to School Sept 12
English Language Learner Fall Classes Sept 12
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Sept 13
Adult Basic Education Fall Classes Sept 13
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Sept 15
Microsoft Excel: Basic Sept 16
Microsoft Word: Basic Sept 18
Microsoft Word: Intermediate Sept 20
Microsoft Publisher: Basic Sept 23
Acupressure to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia... Sept 26
Food Labels - What does all this information mean? Sept 26
Card Making-Stampin' Up Sept 26
Strong Is The New Skinny! Virtual Class Sept 27
Face Yoga Virtual Class Sept 28
Beginning Your Family Tree Sept 28
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Sept 30
The Art of De-Aging: Peel Years Off Your Biological Age Oct 2
55 Defensive Driving-First Timers Oct 2/3
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
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
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111 EAST 6TH STREET
BLUE EARTH, MN
PH: (507) 526-2020