Community Connections December 2023

December 2023
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Inside
This Issue
Page 2: Presidents
Message
Page 3: Holiday Tree
Lighting Fund
Pages 4 & 5 : Business
Briefs, Lighing Contest
Starts
Page 6: Glows Photos
Page 7: Ambassador Visits
Page 8 : Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
Glows Parade and Santa's Arrival
The 33rd annual arrival of Santa and the
Glows Parade was held on Friday November 17th.
Santa, Ms.Claus and two elves arrived safe and sound
direct from the North Pole and greeted everyone at
the Fairmont Municipal Airport to kick of the glows
parade.
Area residents and visitors came to witness the
awesome glows parade which started Downtown Plaza
and ended at Lincoln Park. Despite not having any
snow.It was a beautiful night for the many spectators
that came from near and far to see the glowing lights
and enjoy the festivities.
There were several pre and post parade activities
happening in our community. New this year we
had a tree lighing ceremony in the Corner of Downtown
and 3rd Street. The tree is 20 feet tall and filled
with lights and other decore filled the corner to make
it full of holiday cheer.
Local businesses and organizations were very
creative this year decorating their floats with lighs and
other decor as they delivered candy, gifts and cheer to
children, parents, and residents lining the streets.
Our panel of judges had a hard time picking
their top float in each of the three catagories.After
careful consideration of all parade entries,The following
award winners were chosen.
Commercial Float
Award was given to Profinium
Bank of Fairmon. Non-Commercial
Float award was given
to United Hospital District.
The Glow-ing Float award
went to Martin County Toys
for Tots. Congratulations to
our 2023 Glows Parade Float Winners! They each reciever
$50.00 in Chamber Bucks.
Thank you to everyone who entered into the
parade and helping make Fairmont glow during this
event anf throughout the Holiday season!Also Thanks
to the City of Fairmont; Street,Fire and Police Departments,
the Fairmont Municipal Airport, our parade
judges and all the volunteers and spectators who make
this a memorable event each year! The Glows Festival
would not be possible without each and every one of
you and the members of the community. More photos
on Page 6.
323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org • FairmontChamber

Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for promoting a healthy business clim
Board of Directors Officers:
Chair
Aaron Speltz
Hy- Vee
Vice Chair
Vonnie Cone
ReMax Total Realty
Board of Directors:
Rick Ash
UHD
John Christ
Kahler Automation
Mike Christians
Green Mill
Jeff Militello
Militello Motors
Joe Loughmiller
Phileo by Lesaffre
Staff:
Past Chair
Joe Evans
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Treasurer
Zak Clemetson
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Miranda Tulowetzke
Sweet Financials
Kermit Brown
Kinship
Brooke Wohlrabe
Director
Visit Fairmont
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
Who is the Chamber
of Commerce?
Kandi Menne
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
President
• The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is a
non-profit advocate for businesses.
• We are an organization managed by a volunteer
Board of Directors, established to promote civic,
commercial, industrial and agricultural progress
within our community and to work diligently
with community partners for the establishment
of sound legislation and efficient administration
at all levels of government.
• The FACC exists to
make our community a
better place to work, live
and play and our members
are proud to be a part of an
organization that plays a key
role in the community.
• When you or your
business are a member, you
are investing in the future of
our community.
• We offer referrals to
potential customers, provide
you weekly Enews with
local, State and nationwide
events and information, you
can take advantage of many
networking groups, volunteer
activities and committees,
free monthly business
updates and more.
If you are not already
a member of the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce,
join today. Your membership
will benefit your business
and our community for years
to come. We look forward to
working for all of you!
New for 2024 is the change in our membership
dues structure. We are extremely excited about this
transition. There are now 6 levels of membership
with a clear understanding of all the benefits of
membership at each of the levels. If you would like
to have more information on becoming a member,
schedule a meeting today!
As your Chamber President, I am honored
to work alongside our dedicated staff and Board
who all share the same vision, business growth
and healthy community environment. The
door is always open stop in and see us! You
may reach me @ at 507.235.5547 or e-mail:
president@fairmontchamber.org
2

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
Holiday Street Pole-Lighting Fund
We enter the time of the year of gift giving.
When deciding on where to give, please consider the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. We are in need
of donations to replenish our designated Community
Christmas Decoration Fund. The street pole decorations
are provided by the Fairmont Area Chamber of
Commerce for the enhancement of our community.
(The red lantern lights are getting really old) It costs
approximately $1,500 per year to refurbish them.
Our goal is to purchase new decorations in the
coming years as they continue to age and deteriorate. The replacement
costs, however, are significant.
MN 56031
(continued from page 2)
This past September we held the first annual
fund-raising effort for this fund – the Sip n Shop event.
Proceeds from the annual Sip n Shop will go into the
Holiday lighting fund! With this event we will be able to
purchase new decorations in the near future.
We appreciate all donations from local citizens,
businesses and organizations in any amount which will
help us keep our community shining bright during the
holiday season. Send your donation to : Fairmont Area
Chamber of Commerce 323 E. Blue Earth Ave, Fairmont,
Residential and Business Lighting Contest Starting!
This year the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is
parterning with the City of Fairmont to hold the holiday lights
decorating contest.
A few changes have been made to this years Residential/
Business lighting contest. We have decided to do everything
through the Chambers Facebook Page. With this we hope that
this will help us get more people to participate in the lighting
contest. To get into the contest all you have to do is upload your
photo to the comments of the post on the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce Facebook Page. The winner will be chosen by
the amount of likes they get on the photo they submitted.
Four categories of lighting decorations will chosen with
a new catagorie added this year. Catagories are as follows:First,
Second and Third Place(Residential),and Best Business Decorations.
A heads up as we look torward to next year of the lighting
contest there will be a new rulethe house/business that
won First Place the year prior cannot win First Place again the
following year.
Check out our Facebook Page for rules and to enter your
photo into lighting contest. Winning entries will receive Chamber
Gift Certificates and will be announced Monday Dec 18th.
Reminder … the City of Fairmont offers a rebate on LED
holiday lights, visit their website for all the details on these and
other rebates.
For more information contact Sydney at the Chamber,
info@fairmontchamber.org
ph. 507.235.5547
3
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

Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Chamber Member Business Briefs
4
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
"Have a holly, jolly Christmas with the best deals
of the year at Sterling Pharmacy. We've created a series of weekly deals to
help you find everything you need to dazzle your holiday guests and astound
your gift-getters! Watch our website (YourSterlingPharmacy.com)
and our Facebook page (Sterling Fairmont) for updated deals as you roll
into the gift-buying season. Not sure what to buy? A Sterling gift card is
the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend. Our store is packed full
of fun and unique home décor, clothing, kitchen items, gifts, gourmet
food, and even a huge selection of toys! And if anyone in the family gets
sick heading into the holidays, don't forget about our new Test & Treat
option. Available to patients five years and older, this option allows rapid
and reliable testing and treatment for strep throat, RSV, flu, and COV-
ID-19. Your Sterling Pharmacy team can test and treat Monday through
Friday from 11am to 4pm. Tests are $75 per person. For questions, stop
in or give us a call at 507.238.2797."
The Marina Lodge
(507) 235-5990
THE MARINA LODGE Brings back POETS
Club (and no, there are no poems)
The Marina Lodge will bring back an old Fairmont tradition of POETS
club on Fridays from 5-7:00 in the Sisseton SkyBar. Live music, free appetizer
buffet, and happy hour pricing for everyone. The first time you
come you will get your free membership card. Each time you come you
will get card stamped. When you have 5 stamps you turn in for a new
card and a free beverage. What a great way to end your week. Come
check out POETS club at The Marina Lodge.
Fairmont Opera House
(507)238-4900
The Fairmont Opera House is still hosting shows at
off site locations in Fairmont.
Fri. December 15: Mick Sterling Presents- A Grand Ole Opry Christmas
at Cutting Edge Fittness
Sun. December 17: Mankato Symphony Orchestra Presents: The Messiah
at Fairmont Grace Luthern Church
Tickets are available online at fairmontoperahouse.org/tickets
Fairmont 5 Theatres
(507)399-7788
Looking to attend one of our FREE Merchant
Matinees this season? We ask you to stop by
one of the many sponsoring businesses in the community to pick up free
tickets! Look for this poster when you're out and about to see where. This
series is only possible because of their generous contributions, and we
can't thank them enough!
December-7th, 8th& 9th National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
December 14th, 16th & 17th Dr. Suess' The Grinch
December 22nd, 23rd & 24th The Polar Express
United Hospital District
(507)238-1287
United Hospital District (UHD) is pleased to announce
that the Dulcimer Clinic expansion project continues to
progress smoothly and on time. Most recently, construction
on the basement of the addition has been completed, allowing the
construction team to start on the ground level walls and roof. UHD continues
to prepare for the transition and currently plans on moving into
the building on March 1st, 2024. Construction will be ongoing while operations
resume in the main clinic, with the add-on set to be finished on
May 1st, 2024.
Gold Finch Estates
(507)235-9405
Come home for the holidays with
Goldfinch Estates Senior Living
in Fairmont, Minnesota! Moving
into senior living can help you or
your loved one get back independence,
increase socialization, and
enjoy the change of seasons free
from worry of winter snow and ice.
Guests will enjoy delicious holiday cookies & refreshments, guided tours
and meet our Resident Ambassadors. You can relax with peace of mind,
knowing that your needs are being met with our new Aspire - Life on
Purpose lifestyle model, all within our beautiful community. RSVP to
Brody Bents at 507.262.1401 or email brodybents@vistaprairie.org
Business Briefs are one of the many benefits of
being a Chamber member. Deadline for the January Community
Connections insert is December 21. 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.

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Chamber Member Business Briefs
Rotary
The Fairmont Rotary Club is set up for their annual book
sale which takes place inside the Five Lakes Centre. The
book sale is a free will donation with all proceeds going
to benefit the Fairmont Rotary Club STRIVE mentoring
program. Book donations are also being accepted at the
site, there are barrels labeled for anyone looking to drop off books during the
book sale. The book sale runs now through the end of the year. Thank you to
our community for the continued support!
~Erica Berhow, Fairmont Rotary President
Valero Renewables
(507)728-4010
AREA ROBOTICS PROGRAMS RECEIVE
$12,500 FROM 2023 VALERO BENEFIT FOR
CHILDREN
Fairmont Area Schools and Martin Count West
Robotics programs each received a charitable
grant of $12,500 from the Valero Benefit for
Children this year, thanks to the Valero Texas
Open golf tournament and associated events.
Due to the incredible generosity of Valero’s business partners, donors and
sponsors, $23 million in net proceeds from the Valero Texas Open will be
distributed to agencies across the United States.
Re/Max Total Realty
(507)235-5666
Holiday Open House Friday, December 8th,2023
Join us at our Fairmont Office (1007 E. 10th
Street) for a little Holiday Cheer
Chamber Bucks make Great Gifts!
By now most of you have started with your holiday
gift giving. Keep in mind that one of the easiest gift you
can give is " Chamber Bucks".
How do "Chamber Bucks" work? "Chamber
Bucks" are actual checks and can be used at any Martin
County Business that accepts checks for payment! When
using Chamber Bucks, if your purchase is greater then the
amount of the gift certificate you pay the remainer of the
amount.
Who can buy "Chamber Bucks"? Everyone! We accept cash or
Hyvee- Fairmont
(507)238-4323
Join us on Saturday, December 16th as we will have
a very special visitor - SANTA!! Santa will be at your
Fairmont Hy-Vee on December 16 from 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Join us for holiday fun.
Red Rock Center
(507)235-9262
December at the Red Rock is full of holiday cheer.
Come and join us for music, art, and a beautiful
quilt exhibit by the Prairie Star Quilters. We are also
hosting the Christmas Tea fundraiser at the Chubb House this year. For
complete details visit our event page on Facebook.
Fairmont Roofing
(507)235-8565
“Some of the Fairmont Roofing
team were able to come together and
give back to the community during
their yearly Thanksgiving Meal Give-Away! Made possible by the generous
contribution from company owners, Marcus & Alisa Eytcheson. It
was a pleasure serving the community!”
check when purchasing the gift certificates.
If you are a business owner ot manager that wants to
give your employees a Holiday bonus while supporting local
businesses. This is the perfect way to do so.
if you are a business accepting "Chamber Bucks" you
deposit them like you would with any other check right into
your bank account. Thank you fot shopping local.
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is located at
323 E Blue Earth Ave.
Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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
December 13
Annual Meeting of
Bureau 14
Agri Business
Young Professionals
December 20
Ambassadors Meeting - Ribbon Cuttings
December 23,24,25,26
Office Closed
Glows Photos
6
WELCOME NEW
MEMBER
JH LARSON
Call 235.5547 to join
during our Membership drive
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 personconsider
Chamber Bucks.
The Chamber of Commerce is located at
323 E. Blue Earth Ave in Fairmont
We are open Monday- Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Chamber Ambassador Visits
7
Aventure Staffing
Ambassadors recently visited our Chamber Members at
Aventure Staffing to congratulate them on their new location
BowlMor Lanes
Fairmont Area Chamber Of Commerce Ambassadors
stopped and visited Chamber Members at BowlMor Lanes
to check out the new arcade they recently added.
Tami's on the Ave
Chamber Ambassadors also went to see another Chamber
Member to at Tami's on the Ave to see the updates they did
to the parking lot and doors.
Ambassadors
Are an owner or employee of a Chamber member
• Acts as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
• Meet the third Wednesday of every month @ 3:00
• Will attend the majority of all Ambassador functions.
If you know of a business the Ambassadors should visit due to relocation,
change of ownership, major remodeling, etc., please call the Chamber
office 507.235.5547. The business does not have to be a Chamber
member to receive a visit from the Ambassadors.
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Your Professional Jeweler
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Gemologist • Goldsmith

What's Happening at CER in December?
8
Fairmont Community Education and
Recreation
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Happy Holidays from all of us at CER! Our office will be closed
December 22 and January 1. We would like to wish you and yours
a Happy Holiday Season!
Thank you to those that helped us celebrate National Community
Education Day on November 9! Congratulations to our Facebook
winners- Kristy Olson, Patti Matthews, and Nicole Shaw!
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!
NEW classes starting after the holidays. Make sure to check out
the webstore or our new Winter Digital Brochure on our website!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Microsoft Excel: Basic Dec 2
Face Yoga Virtual Class Dec 4
Women Weight & Hormones Virtual Class Dec 5
Microsoft Word: Basic Dec 9
Acupressure to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia-Virtual Dec 11
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Dec 11
Acupressure & Other Tools for Women 35 & Older Virtual Dec 12
Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Dec 12
Mudras: The Ancient Art of Hand Yoga Virtual Dec 13
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Dec 16
Microsoft Word: Intermediate Dec 23
STEM-Explore Magnets and Electronics Dec 27
Introduction to 3D Printing Dec 28
Snowmobile Safety Jan 6
Welding Academy Jan 6
Boys Saturday Basketball 4 yrs-3rd Jan 6
Learn to Skate Jan 10
Learn to Play Hockey Jan 10
Rick Pauly-Advanced Movement Clinic Jan 13
Rick Pauly-Mechanics of Elite Pitchers Clinic Jan 13
…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
www.fairmontarealife.com
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