January2026

The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
January 2026
Community Connections
Inside
This Issue
Page 2: President's
Message
Page 3: Martin County
Leadership; Annual
Banquet cont.
Page 4 & 5: Business Briefs
Page 6: Bureau 14 / Agri-
Business
Page 7: Junior
Achievement;
Ambassadors
Page 8: Chamber Member
Board Profile; ACE
Business of the Year Nominations
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
holds an annual banquet each year open to
Chamber and non-Chamber members alike. This
year, the event will be held on Friday, March 6,
2026, at 6:00PM at the Fairmont Event Center | TPI
Hospitality. During this evening, we will celebrate
the accomplishments of 2025, recognizing not only
our Board and staff, but also outstanding Chamber
Members through our Business of the Year awards.
Businesses are nominated by our community
— that means you. Anyone who resides or does
business in Martin County is invited to nominate
their favorite business in each category, and selfnominations
are welcome.
For 2025, we will focus on the following award
categories:
• Large Business of the Year (over 10 employees)
• Small Business of the Year (under 10 employees)
• Rising Star (less than three years in business, year
ending December 2025)
• Community Champion (an individual or business
that goes above and beyond to make a positive
impact on our community)
To be considered for a Business of the Year
recognition, a business must be setting standards
for excellence and innovation, be a 2024 Chamber
member in good standing through the date of the
ceremony, meet the criteria for the specific award
category, and not have received a Business of the
Year award within the past two years.
To view a list of Chamber Members, ineligible
past winners, other guidelines for nominating, and
ongoing updates, please visit our posting at https://
cca.fairmontchamber.org/businesssearch.aspx.
There is also a link to the nomination form that you
may email or mail back (info@fairmontchamber.org
or 323 E. Blue Earth Ave., Fairmont, MN 56031). We
do request that you share your reasoning behind the
nomination so we can share those positive sentiments
with our winners.
Back By Popular Demand!
You can decide now what events and
marketing opportunities you want to participate in
for 2026. We’ll keep track and include you in all prepromotions,
event day festivities, and coverage of
events!
We’re
planning our
beach vibe annual
banquet/meeting
now. Suggested
sponsorship levels
are $1,000, $500, and
$250.
Major
banquet sponsorship
($1,000) – Let’s
talk about what
comes with this!
Options include
entertainment, photo
booth,
beverage sponsor
(the watering hole),
CONT. PG 3
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:
Past Chair
Vonnie Cone
ReMax Total Realty
Chair
Joe Loughmiller
Phileo by Lesaffre
Board of Directors:
Sara Barnett-Davis
Walmart
Zak Clemetson
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Luke Ebeling
Midco
Brittany Hartman
Visit Fairmont
Sarah McConnell
Compeer Financial
Staff:
Vice Chair
& Treasurer
Michele Miller
Kahler Electric Co.
Sierra McCraw
McDonald's
Mary Ellen Rigby
UHD Home Health
and Hospice
Nicole Simpson
Bank Midwest
Miranda Tulowetzke
CCF Bank
Brooke Wohlrabe
Fairmont Sentinel
Kandi Menne
President
president@fairmontchamber.org
Rachel Manwarren
Finance Director
finance@fairmontchamber.org
Shayla Stortenbecker
Director of Communications
info@fairmontchamber.org
Your Chamber Gets a Fresh Look!
Kandi Menne - Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President
We kicked off the New Year with
a bang—and a fresh new look for
2026!
While we aren’t exactly sure when the current logo
was first adopted, I’ve been with the Chamber for
over 10 years and know it was many years before
that when the Chamber last made a significant
change to its look. For the past few years, we’ve
been talking about updating our logo—yes, talking
and talking! Now, it was finally time to make it
happen.
Why now? We needed to order new envelopes
and Chamber member window clings—both items
that feature our logo and are purchased in bulk
to last several years. Rather than move forward
with the old design, we decided it was time to stop
talking and take action.
Shayla took on the task of leading the
logo redesign, and we’re excited to share that
our 13-member Board of Directors unanimously
approved the new look! You’ll begin noticing the
updated color palette throughout our Monthly
Community Connections, Monday eNews, and
all Chamber correspondence. We loved the fresh
look and rich color scheme so much that we’re
also giving our website a complete makeover.
Website Redesign & Expanded Resources
As part of the website redesign, we are
blending three independent websites into the
Chamber’s site. Pertinent information from Pork
Masters, Area Career Exploration, and Fairmont
Area Life has already been merged into our
current website at www.fairmontchamber.org.
We are anxiously awaiting the full unveiling of the
redesigned site—coming soon!
and seminars, volunteering, and sponsoring
events—and all of it enables us to serve our local
business community.
Over the past year, your support has
allowed us to offer seminars, events, news,
networking opportunities, community visibility, and
other valuable benefits that help strengthen our
local business environment. We also work to keep
you informed on issues impacting your business,
including new and evolving laws such as ESST
(2024) and Minnesota’s Paid Leave Law (effective
January 2026). In addition, we provide ongoing
networking opportunities and exclusive advertising
channels to increase your visibility.
We are truly grateful for each of our
committed Chamber members and want you to
take full advantage of your Chamber membership
in the coming year.
Let Us Help You Succeed
Ask us how we can help you:
• Reach your customers
• Fill job openings
• Promote events
• Expand your network
• Strengthen your online presence
• Have a voice in government
Visit www.fairmontchamber.org, call us at
507-235-5547, or email info@fairmontchamber.org
to learn more about the benefits available to you.
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
staff and Board of Directors thank you for helping
make 2025 a great year for our local business
community. We look forward to helping you and
your business achieve continued success in 2026.
2
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
Thank You to Our Members
As we begin a new year, we extend our
sincere thanks to each of our 2025 member
businesses and employees for your continued
support of the Fairmont Area Chamber of
Commerce. Your support comes in many forms—
membership dues, attending networking events
As your Chamber President, I am honored to
work alongside our dedicated Board and Chamber
team, all of whom share the vision of business growth
and a healthy community environment. Stop in and
see us at 323 E. Blue Earth Avenue. You may also
reach me at 507-235-5547 or via email at president@
fairmontchamber.org.

ate by facilitating access to leaders, communication and education through programs and services for its members.
MC Leadership: Healthcare Day
3
Our Martin County Leadership participants spent the day learning about
the people, services, and challenges shaping healthcare in our region—
hosted by Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center.
The day began with leadership lessons led by Peggy Young,
followed by an overview of local healthcare providers including
Mayo Clinic Health System – Fairmont, United Hospital District, Blue
Stone Therapy, Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center, and Sterling
Pharmacy – Fairmont.
Afternoon sessions focused on community health concerns with
Community Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties,
emergency medical services with Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service,
home care, chiropractic care, and end-of-life planning, including a
chapel and crematorium tour at Lakeview Funeral Home.
Another impactful day highlighting how healthcare providers
work together to serve our community.
Interested in the next Martin County Leadership Program?
Contact the Chamber to learn more!
Annual Banquet cont.
CONT. FROM PG 1
food sponsor or specialty drink, table sponsor
(decorate a table in the island theme), and
contest sponsor. If you select a banquet
sponsorship and want to specify a particular
option, just let us know. Proceeds from the
banquet will go toward expanding the Holiday
Lights Decoration Fund, with new lights being
purchased in 2026.
Entertainment
Parker Williams’ stand-up mentalism show
combines laugh-out-loud comedy with impossible
mind reading and visual magic. Fast-paced and
interactive, it keeps audiences fully engaged
from the first moment to the last. Parker’s ability to
involve the audience in a way that feels effortless
and fun makes this an experience people
remember and talk about long after the show
ends.
“Our entertainer tonight is a comedy
magician out of the Twin Cities. He’s been
performing professionally for 10 years for top
events across the Upper Midwest. He’s also
won several awards from the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, including Stage
Magician of the Year in 2020, 2021, and 2024.
Please help me welcome Parker Williams!”
More information on banquet registration
will be shared soon.
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
www.deerequipment.com

Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b
Business Briefs
Aventure Staffing
507-399-2027
Happy New Year from Aventure
Staffing!
As we enter 2026, there has
never been a better time to partner
with us for your staffing needs. With
the implementation of Minnesota
Paid Leave, we can absorb this new
liability and cost for your business.
The Myth: Working with a
staffing agency costs more.
The Reality: Partnering with Aventure lowers your overhead
by taking on the liabilities and costs associated with payroll, health
insurance, unemployment, worker's compensation, and now Paid
Leave.
Additionally, we save you valuable time by handling:
- Advertising open positions
- Pre-screening candidates
- Drug and background screenings
- Employee onboarding
We look forward to the opportunity to show you how Aventure
Staffing can boost your productivity in 2026!
Contact us today:
- Stop in: 209 Downtown Plaza in Fairmont
- Call: 507-399-2027
- Email: fairmont@aventure.com
Check out New Community Calendar!
Fairmont area organizations can now share events in one
easy place. The Chamber’s new online events calendar features
fundraisers, workshops, live music, grand openings, and more. Posting
is simple: scan the QR code (on pg. 6), fill out the form, and submit.
The Chamber reviews and approves listings before they go live—no
account needed.
Add your event to help keep the Fairmont area connected
and active!
Lose this insert? Find these business briefs on our website
www.fairmontchamber.org under Member News!
Fairmont Chamber
507-235-5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
Final opportunity to advertise
in the 2026–2027 Fairmont Area Life (FAL)
Guide.
Why you *should* do this:
• 5,000 printed copies across the
Fairmont area
• Digital version included for
extended reach
• Seen all year, not just one day
• Trusted local guide people keep
forever
• Reaches residents + visitors
Ad space is almost gone.
Once spots are filled, that’s it.
P.S. This is the official Fairmont, MN Visitor’s Guide — a MUST HAVE for your
business to be seen locally and digitally.
Raider Wind Project
Coffee Chat
hosted by Next Era Energy
608-705-0054
Please join us for coffee and the opportunity to learn more
about the proposed wind project in Jackson and Martin counties.
Residents are invited to stop in and meet our development team to
discuss the proposed project at Graffiti Corner on Wednesday, Jan. 21
or Thursday, Jan. 22 Please note, there will be no formal presentation.
This is simply a chance to meet and have your questions answered.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, Jan 21 @ 2:30 - 6p OR Thursday, Jan 22 @ 8a - 12p,
Graffiti Corner, 1500 S State St, Fairmont MN 56031
4
Business Briefs are one of the many benefits of being a Chamber
member. Deadline for the February Community Connections
insert is January 30th. Please limit to 100 words or less. Lengthy
submitted briefs may be included, but only on a space-available
basis. A photo or business logo can also be included. No pricing
allowed. Things to include are: open houses, expansions, new
managers/employees, new products, milestone anniversaries,
events, awards, etc.

e recognized as the leader in assisting area businesses to prosper.
Business Briefs
FAHRO
507-236-4968
Visit Fairmont
507-235-8585
5
Welcome to the Chamber, Fairmont
Area Human Rights Organization (FAHRO)!
We’re proud to welcome FAHRO, a
grassroots advocacy group based in Southern
Minnesota, to the Fairmont Area Chamber
of Commerce. FAHRO’s mission is to make
the Fairmont area a place where everyone
can lead lives of dignity, joy, and equal opportunity.
FAHRO actively organizes events, activities, and fundraisers
that promote inclusivity and equity in our community. Notably, they
helped organize the Disability Awareness Day at the Martin County Fair
– featuring free fair admission, rides, activities, and a new talent show
celebrating abilities and inclusion.
FAHRO is committed to education, accessibility, and fostering a
welcoming community for all who live and work in the Fairmont area.
For more information contact Jane: 507-236-4968, fairmontareahro@
gmail.com
Welcome to the Chamber family — thank you for helping make
Fairmont a welcoming place for all!
MidwestIT Systems
507-526-5979
Midwest IT Systems, Inc. Eliminates the Top IT Concerns for Small
to Mid-Sized Business Owners Leading MTSP Raises the Bar for All Technology
Providers
Midwest IT Systems, Inc., announced initiatives to eliminate the
top IT concerns for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs).
“Small business owners wear many hats, but IT shouldn’t be one
of them,” said Allen Aukes, President. “We’ve designed our solutions to
take the worry out of technology so owners can focus on growth, not
on system downtime or security risks.”
Midwest IT Systems, Inc. tackles cybersecurity, budgets, IT expertise
gaps, technology integration, and data management, delivering
enterprise-grade protection and scalable solutions.
“Small business owners are right to feel frustrated with how complex
IT has become,” stated Mr. Aukes. “At Midwest IT Systems, Inc., we
hold ourselves to a higher standard because our clients deserve technology
that truly drives their success.”
Fairmont is proud to be featured
on the hit streaming series My
Town, which highlights the unique
stories of thriving small towns across
the U.S. The Fairmont episode showcases
what it’s like to live, work, and
raise a family here, told through local
residents who choose to call Fairmont
home.
My Town is directed and hosted by threetime
Emmy Award–winning journalist Cory Hepola,
whose small-town roots inspired the series. The
episode features Char and Wayne Kahler of Kahler
Automation, Angie Toothaker of Hugoson Pork,
and Fairmont Area Schools Superintendent Andy
Traetow. Watch now on the My Town Series You-
Tube channel.
FRONTIER
507-236-4968
Welcome to the Chamber, Frontier Internet!
We’re excited to welcome Frontier as the newest
member of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce!
Frontier is working hard to bring blazing-fast
fiber internet to homes and businesses right here in
Fairmont, Minnesota.
Fiber internet uses advanced fiber-optic cables to deliver fast,
reliable, and symmetrical upload and download speeds — perfect for
streaming, gaming, working from home, and more. Fiber is also durable
and weatherproof, keeping you connected when it matters most.
Check availability: Enter your address to see if Frontier Fiber
Internet is available or coming soon, or nominate your area for fiber:
https://frontier.com/local/minnesota/fairmont
For more information contact Lynn Nguyen: 714-922-0773, Lynn.
Nguyen@ftr.com
Welcome to the Chamber family, Frontier — here’s to connecting
Fairmont at the speed of light!
Interested in local happenings? Check out the new
Community Calendar at fairmontareacalendar.com
to see upcoming events in the area. From festivals and
parades to local meetings and fundraisers, there’s always
something happening in our community. You can post
your own events—just go to the website, click Submit
Events, and fill out the form.

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
Bureau 14 & Agri-Business
6
January 14th
Bureau 14
January 20th
Agri-Business
Visit
www.FairmontChamber.org
under "Events" to find out
more about these and other
happenings
NEW MEMBERS:
Frontier
FAHRO
Martin County Star
JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY!
INTERESTED IN BEOMING
A CHAMBER MEMBER?
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
Each December, the Chamber brings
together its Bureau 14 and Agri-Business
meetings into a single event. On December
10, Chamber members gathered to hear
legislative updates from Senator Rich
Draheim, who shared news and insights from
the Minnesota State Capitol. The annual
meeting provided members an opportunity
to stay informed and engaged on issues
impacting local business and agriculture.
Chamber Bucks
507.235.5547
info@fairmontchamber.org
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-Thursday
8-5PM and Friday 8-3PM.
Community Calendar

ment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement has proven to be engaging and
fun while stressing the importance of an education as economic
concepts and information about the world of work are
introduced to students. For the future of our community, it is
essential for businesses to work with the schools so our children
are aware of the opportunities here in virtually any occupation
in which they may be interested. Junior Achievement is
an ideal way to start this process.
The Junior Achievement program has included grades
K-6. We are still in need of 26 volunteer teachers to serve one
hour each week for five weeks, during the school day. The following
sessions are available.
OCTOBER START CLASSES
3rd Grade – 3 volunteer teachers needed
4th Grade – 3 volunteer teachers needed
6th Grade – 5 volunteer teachers needed
MARCH START CLASSES
1st Grade – 4 volunteer teachers needed
5th Grade – 2 volunteer teachers needed
APRIL START CLASSES
Kindergarten – 6 volunteer teachers needed
All materials for your session are provided along with a training
manual. If you or anyone in your business is interested in volunteering
for this important community program, please call the
Chamber at (507) 235-5547.
Please consider helping the Junior Achievement program
in any way you can. Your future workforce depends on
such initiatives. We appreciate all past involvement and we
hope that you can help again this year. We cannot do it without
you!
Please send your donation to:
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031
7
- Are an owner or employee of a Chamber member
- Act as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of
Commerce
- Meet the third Wednesday of every month @ 3:00PM
- 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 (507-235-5547) or email (info@fairmontchamber.
org).
The business does NOT have to be a Chamber
member to receive a visit from the Ambassadors.
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Chamber Board Member Profile
Nicky Simpson - Market President at Bank Midwest
8
Nicky Simpson is the Market President at Bank Midwest with 25 years of experience in the financial
services industry, including 14 years with Bank Midwest. She currently serves as an Ag and Commercial
lender, supporting local agricultural producers and businesses with their financial needs.
Nicky is a 2017 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado and brings strong
industry knowledge and leadership experience to her role. She is actively involved in the Fairmont
community, serving on the Fairmont Charter Commission, the Fairmont Post Prom Committee,
and assisting with the audit committee at her church. Nicky has been involved with the Fairmont
Area Chamber of Commerce for 14 years, where she enjoys attending Agri-Business and Bureau
14 meetings, volunteering in the classroom through Junior Achievement, and participating in
Chamber events such as the Pork Cook-Off, annual golf tournament, and the Glows Parade.
She serves on the Chamber Board because she values Fairmont’s strong sense of community
and the many opportunities it offers businesses, and she is passionate about promoting a healthy
and thriving business climate.
ACE: Area Career Exploration
Area Career Exploration or ACE will be held on May 6, 2026. ACE is an effort to
provide students with information on careers and jobs located in Martin County and
the South Central Region of Minnesota.
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce along with businesses, educational
entities, MN/VAC, Career Force, and Fairmont Area Schools will be hosting their
annual ACE Day in the Fairmont Area Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium. On average,
over 650 sophomores from 12 area schools visit with over 100 businesses, colleges, and
organizations.
Business wishing to have a representative at the ACE event should contact the
Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce for more information. Please email info@fairmontchamber.org or call (507) 235-5547.
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.