Community Connections January 2024

January 2024
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Connections
Lighting Contest Results
Inside
This Issue
Congratulations to our 2023 1st Place Winner
504 Canyon Drive
Grand Prize $150 Chamber Bucks
Page 2: Presidents
Message
Page 3: New Board
Members, Area Career
Exploration
Pages 4 : Business Briefs
Page 5: Welcome Brooke,
Business of the Year
Page 6: Drama Free Work
Seminar
Page 7: Ambassador Visits
Page 8 : Community
Education Recreation
(CER)
Congratulations to our 2023 2nd Place Winner
979 South Prairie Ave.
Prize $100 Chamber Bucks
Congratulations to our 2023 Business Winner
Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center
Prize $200 Chamber Bucks
Congratulations to our 2023 3rd Place Winner
1234 South State Street
Prize $50 Chamber Bucks
The City of Fairmont and the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce partnered again
this year for the 2023 Holiday Lighing Contest
and the results are in!
Voting this year was s little different as everything
was done on Facebook. Winners for the
conest were chosen by the number of likes on the
Photo they submitted to the event page.
Thank you to those who "lit up Fairmont"
this year and the Residents and Busnesses who
submitted a photo to win one of the four prizes.
Don't forget... the City of Fairmont offers
a rebate on LED Holiday Lights- Check out their
website for more details.
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
United Hospital
District
Kermit Brown
Kinship of Martin
County
John Christ
Kahler Automation
Mike Christians
Green Mill
Staff:
Past Chair
Joe Evans
Mayo Clinic
Health Systems
Treasurer
Joe Loughmiller
Phileo by Lesaffre
Zak Clemetson
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Jeff Militello
Militello Motors
Miranda Tulowetzke
Sweet Financial
Partners
Brooke Wohlrabe
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
Happy New Year!
Kandi Menne
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President
On behalf of The Fairmont Area
Chamber Board of Directors and
staff I would like to thank our 2023
individual and member businesses
who have made the commitment to continue
Chamber membership in 2024. Your belief in
the work we do is valued and we are anticipating
many great things to offer you again this year!
When you are a member, you are investing
in the future of our community! During 2023,
your support has enabled us to bring you events,
local, state and national news and networking
opportunities, seminars, community visibility
and other valuable benefits that have helped to
strengthen our local businesses and personal
environment.
Reflecting back at 2023
• The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
along with partners launched
a refreshed Fairmont Area
Life Website and Facebook
page. These are two excellent
resources for all things
Fairmont. If you haven’t
already, check them out!
• Did a refresh on
the Fairmont Area life
Guide (formerly known as
the visitor and relocation
guide)
• Held a Seminar in
August for businesses to
learn about the various new
law changes, a few that had
already gone into effect,
the Earned Sick and Safe
Time beginning January 2024 and a short briefing
of the Paid Leave Time starting January 2026.
These laws affect every business and employee in
our community
• We held the first annual sip n shop event
in Fairmont! Businesses throughout Fairmont
opened their doors for you to shop and sample 2
a tasty beverage. The proceeds from this event
will accelerate our Fairmont
holiday decorations for
the street lights fund much
quicker! If you, as an
individual or business would
like to make a donation - we
accept them all year long.
• Partnered with Sweet Financial Partners
to bring motivational speaker Cyndra Kamphoff
to our community
• Leadership Martin County started in
September and will run through May 2024.
Fourteen individuals are going thru the program
this year. It’s remarkable to see how engaged
they all are with a new area of exploration each
month. Plan now to apply for Leadership Martin
County 2025
• As Chamber President I attended
Southwest Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Executives (SWMCCE) quarterly meetings,
participated in the 6-month Minnesota Chamber
Executive Leadership program visiting 6 different
Chambers of Commerce’s where we had an
Industry Orientation, discussed organizational
development, learned leadership skills, advocacy,
policy, politics, membership. Partnerships,
workforce, retail, events, programs and more!
Attended the annual Fall and a Winter Conference
through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• Partnered with Downtown Retailers on a
scenic holiday setting which included, beautifully
decorated storefronts and outdoor space,
reindeer, carolers, Santa and a Santa house, glows
parade and a tree lighting!
• The Chamber Ambassadors visited
twenty-eight businesses celebrating their
continued investment in Martin County.
Ambassador ribbon cutting/visits are held
to recognize new ownership, remodel, grand
openings, new managers and more.
• Restructured and implemented tiered
membership dues.

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
2023 continued
We look forward to helping you and your business achieve even
greater success in 2024 and the years to come!
Stop in and see us at the Chamber 323 E. Blue Earth Ave, you
may reach Kandi at 507.235.5547 or 507.525.4324 or by email:
president@fairmontchamber.org
As your Chamber President, I am honored to work
alongside all who share the vision of business growth and a healthy
community environment.
Welcome New Board Members
Zak Clemetson Miranda Tulowetzke Joe Loughmiller
Kermit Brown
Area Career Exploration
Area Career Exploration will be held
on April 10, 2024. Ace is an effort to provide
students with information on careers and
jobs located in Martin County/ South Central
Region of Minnesota.
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
along with businesses, educational entities
, MN/VAC, Career Force and Fairmont
(continued from page 2)
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed four new
faces to our Chamber board of Directors. They will serve on our
board for the next three years.
Zak Clemetson- Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Miranda
Tulowetzke Director of Marketing & Communications at Sweet
Financial Partners, Joe Loughmiller Head of Technical Services
wuth Phileo by Lasaffre, Kermit Brown with Kinship Martin
County. We are grateful for the strengths each have and will bring
to the Chamber
Area Schools will be hosting their annual Area Career Exploration or ACE
day in the Fairmont Area Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium. On average, over
650 sophomored from 12 area schools visit over 100 businesses, colleges and
organizations.
Business wishing to have a representative at the ACE event should
contact Sydney at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce for more
information Email: info@fairmontchamber.org Phone: (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

Chamber Member Business Briefs
Sterling Drug
(507)238-2797
It’s a new year! Is it time for a new look? With
50% off select lighting and select framed and canvas art at Sterling
Fairmont, you can transform any room of your home into something
you absolutely love.
Or perhaps you have a little one in your life who needs something
new to ward off cabin fever during the cold winter months. Visit
our fantastic toy department or visit YourSterlingToys.com and
save 25% throughout the entire department all month long!
While you are visiting your friends at the store, don’t forget to
sign up for our Sterling Rewards program to grab exclusive deals
throughout the year. Members also earn Reward Certificates to use
on purchases—including prescriptions!”
Pizza Ranch- Fairmont
(507) 235-8822
All Winter - Get Double Points on Wednesdays!
We're continuing to offer Double Points every
Wednesday this Winter! Get two points for every
dollar spent on your Ranch Rewards account. Make it a buffet day
or order your favorites to-go to start earning points towards your
next $5 reward!Offer valid through 2/28/24.
Fairway Independent Mortgage
Jeff Sauer- Loan Officer, NMLS
Office: (507)773-7330
Fairway Independent Mortgage was recently presented with the
Number 1 Award in Customer Satisfaction with Mortgage Origination-
J.D. Power. Helping our customers achieve homeownership is
our why and we work everyday to ensure that they recieve the best
level of care. An accomplishment this great would not be possible
without the people like you helping us guide our customers toward
their homeownership goals.
Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Valero Renewables
(507)728-4000
Granada Huntley East
Chain School robotics program
recently recieved a
charitable grant of $12,500. Donated by Valero Renewables of
Welcome. This was part of the 2023 Valero Partner for Children.
Fairmont Youth Hockey Association
2024 Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey
held January 12th – 14th in Fairmont.
Kicking off Friday, January 12th for an
evening of open skating, great food, music , and endless fun. In
the event of inclement weather, the hockey arena at the Martin
County Fairgrounds serves as an alternate location. Keep informed
with Southern MN Pond Hockey on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/SouthernMNPondHockey
Fairmont Opera House
(507) 238-4900
The Fairmont Opera House needs your
support to repair its roof truss system and
preserve our historic facility. We ask that you give generously to
ensure that our institution remains able to provide cultural experiences
for generations to come.
Sweet Financials
(507)235-5587
Sweet Financial Wealth Advisor, Amber
Knips, recently passed the Certified Farm
Succession Coordinator exam. This training
has taught her even more about farm succession planning and
how to help our clients have a comprehensive succession plan
when wanting to retire from farming. Congratulations to Amber!
4
Business Briefs are one of the many benefits of being
a Chamber member. Deadline for the February Community
Connections insert is January 24. 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.
Welcome Brooke to Visit Fairmont!
Hi, my name is Brooke
Wohlrabe and I’m the new
director of Visit Fairmont. I
grew up in Fairmont and after
graduating from high school in
2011 I attended the University
of St. Thomas in St. Paul where
I got my bachelor’s degree in
Communication and Journalism.
After working in the Twin
Cities area for a few years I moved back to Fairmont and started
working as a reporter for the Fairmont Sentinel. I was with the
Sentinel for 6.5 years before I recently made the move to Visit
Fairmont.
Free Christmas Tree Recycling
Now Through January 8, 2024
Take your Christmas Tree to any of the following locations for recycling.
Fairmont: Fairmont City Street Shop - Fairmont Drop Site
Sherburn/ Dunnell: Sherburn Nursery Drop Site
Questions: Contact Andy Geiger, Solid Waste Coordinator (507)776-
3232
Business of the Year Nominations
Fairmont area Chamber of Commerce
holds an annual meeting each year. This
year it will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024
at the Best Western/ Green Mill. During this
meeting we celebrate the accomplishments
of 2023, acknowledge not only our board
and staff but 4 outstanding Chamber Members. Businesses are nominated
by our Chamber Members, nomination forms are in the Monday
E-News or you can call or email the Chamber Office. Nominations will
close on January 19, 2023. Nominated businesses will be announced
and Voting will begin. Everyone can vote for their Business of the Year!
I’m excited for my new role because despite living here
for most of my life, I have learned a lot more about what our
community has to offer through the many articles I’ve written
for the Sentinel. I believe Fairmont has appealing amenities and
local leadership that has confidence in the future of our community
and will continue to work on making it stronger.
As director of Visit Fairmont my job is to help show people
outside of our community everything Fairmont has to offer and
entice them to come visit for a day or weekend with the hopes
that maybe they’ll want to make a permanent move here. I have
some exciting ideas for how I can promote Fairmont but I welcome
anyone with their own ideas to reach out to me, too. Afterall,
it’s working together that will help strengthen and grow our
community.
Thanks To:
* Sherburn Nursery
* Fairmont City Parks and Recreation Department
*Martin and Faribault County Sentence to Service
Program
PLEASE: Trees Only, No Artificial Trees, Wreaths,
Roping or lights or Ornaments
To be considered for a Business of the Year award! The organization must
be setting the standards for excellence and innovaion with their business
practices and community involvement. The business must be a chamber
member in good standings at the time of the nomination through the date
of the ceremony, must meet the criteria for the specific award for which
the business is being nominated for and may not have recieved a Business
of the Year Award in the past two years.
We focus on outstanding chamber members in four catagories:
•Large Business of the Year (over 15 employees)
•Small Business of the Year (15 employees and under)
•New Business of the Year (less the 3 years in business-year ending Dec
2023)
•Non- Profit of the Year
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
January 10
Bureau 14
January 16
Agri- Business
Drama Free Work Seminar
6
January 17
Ambassadors Meeting - Ribbon Cuttings
February 6
Drama Free Work Seminar
March 8
Annual Banquet
WELCOME
NEW MEMBER
THE
SALVATION
ARMY
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
Indulge & Co.
Ambassadors recently visited Indulge & Co. to congratulate
them in the updates they made to the building along with
having both the Salon and Spa in one location.
Canna Culture
Fairmont Area Chamber Of Commerce Ambassadors
one of our Chamber Members Canna Culture to welcome
them into town with their new location Down Town
Ambassadors
Sovell Jewelry
Our Chamber Ambassadors had a full day downtown they also
stopped at another Chamber Member Sovell Jewelry to see the
updates they made on the outside of the building.
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.
Professional Window Cleaning
Insured
Residential &
Commercial
Cleaning
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the windows
of your home sparkling clean!
Please allow us to give you a free estimate.
You will be pleasantly surprised!
Call Now! Matt Petrowiak at (507) 236-5207
Be Seen by 1,000's of
Potential Customers
Call the Sentinal today
to to put your Message
HERE
Fine Jewelry
Sovell Jewelry
Your Professional Jeweler
Since 1954
Full Service-In House Repair
Jessica & Steve Sovell
Gemologist • Goldsmith

What's Happening at CER in January?
Fairmont Community Education and
Recreation
“Lifelong Learning and Leisure Opportunities for All Ages”
Looking to do something fun and different for Valentine’s Day? Grab your
favorite Valentine and join Chef Joseph Kreiss for a super fun and delicious
afternoon of learning, cooking, and eating! Class is held February 10, reserve
your spot today!!
NEW offerings on the webstore! Our winter brochure is live on our website
www.fairmont.k12.mn.us/o/cer. Check it out for new classes and courses
offered this Winter! Healthy Living virtual classes, after school enrichment,
and much more!
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!
Always wanted to play Cribbage but don’t know how to play? Register for
this 2-hour session that teaches you the basics along with some tips and
tricks!
A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
Snowmobile Safety Jan 6
Mache' Squishmallows Jan 9
Rick Pauly-Advanced Movement Pitching Clinic Jan 13
Rick Pauly-Mechanics of Elite Pitchers Clinic Jan 13
Acupressure to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia... Virtual Class
Jan16
Adaptive Hoops-Youth Basketball for All Abilities Jan 16
Is Your Waistband Too Tight Today? Virtual Class Jan 17
Co-Rec Volleyball Jan 18
Learn to Play Cribbage Jan 19
Strong Is The New Skinny! Virtual Class Jan 22
Face Yoga Virtual Class Jan 23
Mudras: The Ancient Art of Hand Yoga Virtual Class Jan 24
Fairmont Dance Team Dance Clinic Jan 25
The Art of De-Aging: Peel Years Off Your Biological Age Virtual Jan 29
Posture, Get is Straight Virtual Class Jan 30
Sip N Paint with Designs by Kandvas Jan 30
Hips, Thighs & Otherwise Virtual Class Jan 31
Heart Health for Women Virtual Class Feb 5
Dollars for Scholars-Financial Aid Application Seminar Feb 5
Overcome Your Carbohydrate Cravings Virtual Class Feb 6
Baton Twirling Level 1 (Butterflies) Feb 6
Canvas Pet Paintings Feb 6
Couples Valentine Dinner Party Feb 10
Abdominal Strengtheners Virtual Class Feb 12
Archery I Feb 12
Archery II Feb 12
Acupressure & Other Tools for Women 35 & Older Virtual Class Feb 13
Sip N Paint with Designs by Kandvas Feb 13
Baton Twirling Level 2 (Honeybees) Feb 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
8
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