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August 2024<br />

The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce<br />

Community Connections<br />

32nd Annual Pork Masters<br />

Inside<br />

This Issue<br />

Page 2: President's<br />

Message<br />

Page 3: Blue Ribbon<br />

Pork Cook Off; Candidate<br />

Forums<br />

On July 22nd, the 32nd Annual Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing was in<br />

full swing! 280 pork producers and agri-business sponsors enjoyed a day full of golf, food,<br />

sunshine and good times! A huge THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors, our<br />

amazing volunteers (both visible and behind-the-scenes) and the staff at Interlaken Golf<br />

Club who made this year's event one of the best Pork Masters yet!<br />

Mark your calendars for the 33rd Annual Minnesota State Pork Masters<br />

Golf Outing: Monday July 28, 2025! For more information visit our website: www.<br />

porkmasters.com or email Rachel at finance@fairmontchamber.org.<br />

Morning Winners<br />

Afternoon Winners<br />

Pages 4 & 5: Business<br />

Briefs<br />

Page 6: Chamber Board<br />

Member Profile<br />

Page 7: Ambassador Visit<br />

Page 8: Sip & Shop<br />

Sponsored by Schmidt Installation<br />

Ethan Hurn, Tanner Nawrocki, Larry Schmidt & Adam Schmidt<br />

Sponsored by Compeer Financial<br />

Chris Fitzloff, Jason Lloyd, Collin Bode & Ryan Bode<br />

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<br />

Board of Directors Officers:<br />

Chair<br />

Aaron Speltz<br />

Hy-Vee<br />

Vice Chair<br />

Vonnie Cone<br />

ReMax Total<br />

Realty<br />

Board of Directors:<br />

Rick Ash<br />

United Hospital<br />

District<br />

Kermit Brown<br />

Kinship of Martin<br />

County<br />

John Christ<br />

Kahler Automation<br />

Mike Christians<br />

Green Mill<br />

Brooke Wohlrabe<br />

Fairmont Sentinel<br />

Staff:<br />

Past Chair<br />

Joe Evans<br />

Mayo Clinic Health<br />

Systems<br />

Treasurer<br />

Joe Loughmiller<br />

Phileo by Lesaffre<br />

Zak Clemetson<br />

Mayo Clinic Health<br />

Systems<br />

Jeff Militello<br />

Militello Motors<br />

Miranda Tulowetzke<br />

Sweet Financial<br />

Partners<br />

Brittany Hartman<br />

Visit Fairmont<br />

Kandi Menne<br />

President<br />

president@fairmontchamber.org<br />

Rachel Manwarren<br />

Finance Director<br />

finance@fairmontchamber.org<br />

Danielle Moeller<br />

Office Manager<br />

info@fairmontchamber.org<br />

Contact Information:<br />

Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce<br />

323 East Blue Earth Avenue<br />

P.O. Box 826<br />

Fairmont, MN 56031<br />

Phone: 507-235-5547<br />

www.FairmontChamber.org<br />

Opportunities<br />

Kandi Menne - Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President<br />

Its been enlightening at<br />

my business visits this past<br />

month. So many great things are<br />

happening right here in Fairmont<br />

and Martin County! New businesses opening,<br />

remodeling, re branding - business is brisk.<br />

Remember to support our local establishments.<br />

As I write this on a hot, sunny, muggy<br />

90° Minnesota summer day, we are excited<br />

to be planning our fall monthly networking<br />

meetings starting in September. Along with the<br />

kick off of Bureau 14 on Wednesday September<br />

11, September is full of other opportunities for<br />

community involvement<br />

Its Election Year and we will<br />

again host the Candidate forums.<br />

Be informed, ask questions of the<br />

candidates. We cannot stress the<br />

importance of doing your research<br />

of where candidates stand on issues important<br />

to YOU prior to the primaries on August 13 and<br />

Election Day November 5th.<br />

2nd Annual Sip & Shop is Thursday<br />

September 12th. Make it a girls night out or date<br />

night! Up from last year we have 21 participating!<br />

Watch the local medias, the Fairmont Chamber<br />

and our Fairmont Area Life Facebook pages for<br />

Lunch & Learn - Be Energy Smart<br />

Making a few simple<br />

changes can lead to<br />

significant energy savings for<br />

businesses! According to the<br />

U.S. Department of Energy,<br />

implementing energy efficiency<br />

measures in commercial buildings can cut energy<br />

consumption by 10% to 30%, or more. Energy<br />

saving changes can be as simple as programming<br />

the thermostat, performing regular equipment<br />

maintenance, or upgrading to high-efficiency<br />

models when it's time for replacements.<br />

updates and ticket sales information.<br />

Also in September: Tuesday September<br />

24th we will host our first Lunch and Learn. The<br />

Energy Smart service is offered by the Minnesota<br />

Chamber of Commerce. More information below.<br />

Chamber members will receive e-mail invites and<br />

additional information about this energy saving<br />

opportunity. Register early space is limited.<br />

But first, don't forget - in August we have<br />

partnered with GreenSeam in hosting a Business<br />

Retention & Expansion Day (BRE) on Tuesday<br />

August 20th from 10:00 -6:00. GreenSeam’s BRE<br />

visits are in interview format where they learn<br />

about the business and address any urgent<br />

concerns. Information gathered helps<br />

them advocate for the business and create<br />

relevant programs to support them. There<br />

is a networking reception for businesses<br />

connected to agriculture including<br />

manufacturers, professional services, production<br />

agriculture, and logistics. It will take place at the<br />

end of the day from 4:30-6:00pm. Contact me at<br />

the Chamber for a link to register to attend.<br />

As your Chamber President, I am honored to work alongside<br />

all who share the vision of business growth and a healthy<br />

community environment. You may reach me at 507.235.5547<br />

or e-mail president@fairmontchamber.org<br />

In Minnesota, businesses have a<br />

fantastic free resource: the Energy Smart<br />

service offered by the Minnesota Chamber of<br />

Commerce. This free service provides energy<br />

efficiency consultations and practical action plans<br />

customized to each business, focusing on low<br />

and no-cost energy-saving opportunities. Energy<br />

Smart efficiency specialists will be in Fairmont<br />

in September 24 providing free consultations to<br />

businesses.<br />

Chamber members watch your Monday<br />

email for the registration link. We will be sending<br />

it out in the next few weeks.<br />

2


ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.<br />

Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off<br />

3<br />

The Agri-Business Committee of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and Martin County Pork<br />

Producers are excited to announce that the 26th annual Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off will be held in the Martin<br />

County Arena at the Fairgrounds on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.<br />

The restaurants participating this year are: Ambiance on Albion, Dudleys Garage, Farmer’s Daughters<br />

Kitchen, Green Mill, Hi-Lo Club, and Silo67.<br />

Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off tickets are available at the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce, and if still available,<br />

the night of the event! If you would like to reserve your tickets stop by the Fairmont Area Chamber Office at 323<br />

E. Blue Earth Ave. Fairmont, MN. Our hours are Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.<br />

to 3:00 p.m. Restaurant gift certificates are given away and awards will be presented for the People's Choice and<br />

the Connoisseur's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pork entrees.<br />

Candidate Forums<br />

The Candidate Forums will be held on September 10th and 16th<br />

in the Fairmont City Hall Council Chambers. Various candidates that<br />

will appear on the ballot have been/will be invited to answer questions<br />

proposed by moderators and phone call-ins. Gemini Studios will be<br />

recording the event for streaming and delayed broadcast on local TV.<br />

On September 10th at 6 PM will be Minnesota House of<br />

Representative candidates and at 7 PM the Martin County Commissioner<br />

candidates. We are working on scheduling candidates for the 6 PM slot<br />

on September 16th, but 7 PM belongs to City Council candidates. If you<br />

can't make it in person, we hope you are able to catch the discussions<br />

online or on TV.<br />

www.deerequipment.com<br />

PAUL KLOECKNER<br />

Product Specialist<br />

■ Sales & Leasing Expert<br />

■ Customer Focused Service<br />

■ Competitive Pricing<br />

“Your Friendly Ford Dealer Since 1909”<br />

FAIRMONT<br />

FORD<br />

www.fairmontford.com<br />

700 E. Blue Earth Ave.<br />

507-235-6681<br />

email: Paul@fairmontford.com<br />

Mon 8-8; Tues through Fri 8-5:30;<br />

Sat 8-3


Business Briefs<br />

Sterling Pharmacy<br />

(507) 238-2797<br />

Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b<br />

Lose this insert? Find these business briefs on our website<br />

www.fairmontchamber.org under Member News!<br />

Valero Renewables<br />

(507) 728-4000<br />

4<br />

Are you looking for a great deal? Stop<br />

into Sterling Fairmont during August and save! You will get 30%<br />

off all gifts, toys, and home décor items during the entire month!<br />

We also encourage seniors to stop in every Tuesday for Senior<br />

Citizens Day. Shoppers over 60 can save an extra 20% on their<br />

entire purchase (we can’t discount everything in the store; see<br />

store for details). This is an excellent opportunity to save on overthe-counter<br />

medications and other important pharmacy needs!<br />

Vista Prairie at<br />

Goldfinch Estates<br />

(877) 295-3747<br />

Kassandra Lopez, the new Director of Health Services at<br />

Goldfinch Estates, is excited to be bringing a warm and energetic<br />

presence to Vista Prairie. With over 6-years of nursing experience,<br />

5 of which being in leadership positions, Kassandra is eagerly<br />

taking this next step in her career. Her priorities and vision for<br />

Goldfinch this year include an enhanced sense of company loyalty,<br />

increased career satisfaction, and<br />

overall improved employee retention.<br />

Most importantly, the Fairmont High<br />

Alumna is thrilled to be able to serve<br />

her community through her nursing<br />

craft. Stop by and see Kassandra at<br />

Goldfinch today!<br />

Valero Renewables recently donated $25,000 to Bravo Zulu House<br />

to help with the construction of a sober home in Martin County for<br />

veterans.<br />

Relay for Life<br />

507-236-1231<br />

The American Cancer Society<br />

and Valleyfair Cares are teaming up to host the inaugural "Gold<br />

Together for Childhood Cancer Day" on Friday, August 23rd. A<br />

day dedicated to creating magical memories for childhood cancer<br />

warriors and their family, while we raise funds for childhood<br />

cancer.<br />

Join us at Valleyfair for this special day! Thanks to the<br />

generosity of our Hero Sponsors, this event is<br />

free of charge for familiesthat have experienced<br />

childhood cancer directly.<br />

Scan the QR code to apply or visit:<br />

https://form.jotform.com/241894950124157<br />

For event individual tickets go to:<br />

https://e.givesmart.com/events/COF/<br />

Business Briefs are one of the many benefits of being a<br />

Chamber member. Deadline for the mid-September/October<br />

Community Connections insert is September 6. Please limit to<br />

100 words or less. Lengthy submitted briefs may be included,<br />

but only on a space-available basis. A photo or business logo<br />

can also be included. No pricing allowed. Things to include<br />

are: open houses, expansions, new managers/employees, new<br />

products, milestone anniversaries, events, awards, etc.


e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.<br />

Business Briefs Cont.<br />

MCSAP<br />

507-236-4118<br />

Locking bags intended for medications are<br />

being offered for free by Martin County<br />

Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition<br />

through a grant from the U.S. Health<br />

Resources and Services Administration. The intent is to keep<br />

medications locked up to prevent accidental ingestion by children<br />

or pets and is part of the organization’s Lock It Up campaign.<br />

These bags can fit five or 10 standard prescription bottles and have<br />

either a keyed lock or key and tumbler locks and will be available<br />

at the organization’s fair booth in the Bank Midwest building.<br />

There is a one-per-household limit. To request one ahead of time,<br />

email Liz at director@mcsapcoalition.com<br />

Martin County Fair<br />

507-235-9576<br />

The 158th annual Martin County Fair will<br />

be held August 12th-18th. Visit https://<br />

www.mnotherbigfair.com/schedule-of-events.html to view the<br />

daily schedules, events, and entertainment in detail. Monday -<br />

Entry Day, Tuesday - Veterans Day, Wednesday - Unlimited Rides<br />

Day, Thursday - John Deere Day, Friday - Senior Citizen Day, and<br />

Saturday - Bacon Capital Day. See you at the fair!<br />

Heritage Acres<br />

Threshing Day & Antique Tractor Display:<br />

Sunday, August 11 from 10AM-4PM.<br />

Music, kids games, and fun for all ages!<br />

We could use volunteers.<br />

We will be celebrating our 50th year of operation next year (2025).<br />

We are seeking individuals with any life-skills that were used<br />

with early farm life (e.g., butter making, washing clothes, wood<br />

working, rope making, etc.). If you would like to demonstrate<br />

your skill this year, give Jerry Simon a call: 507-236-1257.<br />

Fairmont Area Chamber<br />

(507) 235-5547<br />

Until August 21, the Fairmont Area<br />

Chamber is selling Minnesota State Fair tickets at discounted<br />

prices. We have admission tickets, midway/kidway ride/game<br />

cards, and the bargain books as well. Stop in Monday through<br />

Thursday 8AM-5PM, or on Friday from 8AM-3PM.<br />

Fairmont Roofing<br />

(507) 236-4928<br />

Employee Highlight:<br />

Meet Samantha “Sam” Herman! Sam is our<br />

social media and digital marketing guru!<br />

She does so much behind the scenes and<br />

we truly appreciate all her hard work. She<br />

can run a drone like a pro! If you see her<br />

around, say Hi!<br />

The Marina Lodge<br />

(507) 235-5990<br />

August:<br />

10 - Dale Engquist and Friends (6-10PM)<br />

16 - Eric Grunden (6-10PM)<br />

17 - Jul & The Chrome Wheels (7-11PM)<br />

18 - Jul & The Chrome Wheels (12-4PM)<br />

23 - Marv & Kaat (6-10PM)<br />

25 - Relativity Band (12-4PM)<br />

September:<br />

1 - Andrea Lyn Duo (12-4PM)<br />

14 - Dale Engquist and Friends (6-10PM)<br />

5


Core Values: We value for our members, employees and community: integrity in all we do, collaboration with all our stakeholders, growth and develop<br />

CHAMBER EVENTS<br />

Chamber Board Member Profile<br />

6<br />

August 14<br />

Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off<br />

@ The Martin County Fair<br />

September 10 & 16<br />

Candidate Forums<br />

September 12<br />

Chamber Sip & Shop<br />

Visit<br />

www.FairmontChamber.org<br />

under "Events" to find out<br />

more about these and other<br />

happenings<br />

WELCOME<br />

NEW MEMBERS:<br />

ZENBUSINESS<br />

THE TITLE TEAM<br />

Interested in joining? Call<br />

the Chamber today!<br />

Find out more info from<br />

our president<br />

Brittany Hartman is the Executive Director of Visit Fairmont. She<br />

received a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services from<br />

MSU, Mankato, and she also minored in both Non-Profit and<br />

Geography. She and her husband, Jeremiah, are recently married<br />

(September 2023) and have a dog named Bemmy. Brittany has a<br />

variety of hobbies including gardening, canning, raising some farm<br />

animals, being on the lake year-round, snowmobiling, camping,<br />

running, essentials oils, crafting, spending time with family and<br />

friends, and most outdoor activities. She decided to become a<br />

Chamber board member to “make an impact on the community and<br />

businesses in a positive way.” Brittany said that she “hope[s] to bring valuable contributions<br />

to the discussions” and that being a board member “is also a great opportunity to network<br />

and build relationships with others.” Lastly, she is “honored to be one of the board members<br />

for the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and represent Visit Fairmont.”<br />

James Busche, O.D.<br />

The Best<br />

Optometry<br />

In Sight.<br />

1307 ALBION AVENUE, SUITE 102<br />

FAIRMONT, MN<br />

PH: (507) 238-4228<br />

Most Insurance<br />

Plans Welcome<br />

Spencer Seibert, O.D.<br />

111 EAST 6TH STREET<br />

BLUE EARTH, MN<br />

PH: (507) 526-2020<br />

Chamber Bucks<br />

Promote shopping local. They may be<br />

spent in Martin County at most businesses.<br />

If you have that hard to buy for person,<br />

consider Chamber Bucks.<br />

The Chamber of Commerce is located at<br />

323 E. Blue Earth Ave in Fairmont<br />

We are open Monday- Friday<br />

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<br />

507.235.5547<br />

info@fairmontchamber.org<br />

Fairmont Area Life


ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.<br />

Chamber Ambassador Visit<br />

7<br />

In July, the Ambassadors visited Chamber member,<br />

United Hospital District (UHD), to celebrate their grand<br />

opening in Fairmont! The community was also invited<br />

to tour the facility expansion and to take part in other<br />

festivities held. Congratulations UHD!<br />

- Are an owner or employee of a Chamber member<br />

- Act as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of<br />

Commerce.<br />

- Meet the third Wednesday of every month @ 3:00PM.<br />

- Will attend the majority of all Ambassador functions.<br />

If you know of a business the Ambassadors should visit<br />

due to relocation, change of ownership, major remodeling, etc.,<br />

please call (507-235-5547) or email (info@fairmontchamber.<br />

org). The business does NOT have to be a Chamber member to<br />

receive a visit from the Ambassadors.<br />

Professional Window Cleaning<br />

Insured<br />

Residential &<br />

Commercial<br />

Cleaning<br />

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the windows<br />

of your home sparkling clean!<br />

Please allow us to give you a free estimate.<br />

You will be pleasantly surprised!<br />

Call Now! Matt Petrowiak at (507) 236-5207<br />

Be Seen by 1,000s of<br />

Potential Customers<br />

Call the Sentinel today to<br />

to put your Message<br />

HERE<br />

Fine Jewelry<br />

Sovell Jewelry<br />

Your Professional Jeweler<br />

Since 1954<br />

Full Service-In House Repair<br />

Jessica & Steve Sovell<br />

Gemologist • Goldsmith


8

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