Member News Productive Alternatives, Inc. – Facility ......New entrepreneurs starting businesses...
4
UPDATE Chamber Chamber We serve as the lead advocate and resource for our members and create partnerships that foster a healthy business climate. @FergusChamber March 2014 From Start Ups to a Century in Business, Expo Showcases Best and Brightest in Fergus Falls New entrepreneurs starting businesses will open the 10th Annual Fergus Falls Business and Community Expo on Wednesday, March 12 at the Bigwood Event Center. Hear about hand-crafted “bean to bar” chocolate, allergen-free meals and snacks for kids, plus a theatre company special- izing in small-town heritage as well as LifeScience Alley. The morning session, hosted by the Economic Improve- ment Commission (EIC), is free and open to the public from 9:00-11:15am. Victor Lundeen Company celebrates 100 years as a fam- ily owned and operated business in Fergus Falls and will be highlighted at the Expo Luncheon from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Z103 Bar & Grill. New Horizons/Cenex Harvest States and Innova Industries will be recognized for their recent expansions and substantial investments in the region. The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will present 24 businesses who have generously given back to the commu- nity with “Fergus Falls Business Gives” honors. From 1:00-5:00pm, the Expo showcases 100 area busi- nesses and non-profit organizations in the main conven- tion hall. Join regional professionals at the trade show for business-to-business networking -- reach potential clients, develop prospects and thank customers, plus enjoy refresh- ments. Business owners, general managers and human resources specialists are encouraged to attend a free “Affordable Care Act for Business” session from 2:00-3:30pm hosted by the Chamber. Josh Heggem, Labor Employment Attorney with Pemberton Law and Adam Evavold, Lakes Area Commu- nity Healthplan will provide information and answer ques- tions regarding ‘Employer Shared Responsibility,’ health plan basics, options and managing risk and exposure. Lim- ited seating is available and there is no charge to attend. The Expo is partnership between the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Economic Improvement Commission (EIC). Enjoy a light breakfast & networking It’s a “Business Before Hours.” Learn what’s going on in and around the Fergus Falls area. Hear brief updates from schools, government, major employers, non-profit organizations & more. Thursday, March 13 • 7:30-9:00 am VFW Post 612 420 E. Washington Ave belong. connect. succeed. Maurices built a brand new, eye catching, stand-alone building just off Interstate 94. The Fergus Falls Maurices is the 12th store of 900 to come with a brand new decor. The store layout allows for easy traffic flow as you shop for your favorite fashions. Brand new fixtures, hard- wood floors, warm lighting and a smiling helpful staff set the tone for a very customer-friendly shopping experience. Store Manager Juliana Vogl is excited to be part of a brand new store in Fergus Falls that offers such a variety of women’s clothing. Maurices, a Minnesota corporation based in Duluth, targets women ages 19-24, but as Juliana says “There’s something for everybody.” Maurices is located at 601 Frontier Drive. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Phone: 218.736.1163 Maurices – New Business Ribbon Cutting L to R: Lisa Workman (Chamber of Commerce), Tyson Hajicek (Moore Engineering), Kathy Strom, Becky Green, Juliana Vogl and Justine Hammer (all of Maurices), Shari Lohse (Larson Insurance), Bud Nornes (State Representative). “Tasha’s Tips” for the Business Expo from Tasha Rohlfs, Public Speaking Consultant, who presented “Networking 101” at the Cham- ber’s Lunch & Learn in February. Tips for Exhibitors: Stand in front of your booth, not behind. This simple placement makes you more approachable and will cause more people to stop and talk to you than if you were sit- ting behind the booth. Greet each person who walks past you by making eye contact and saying hello. If they glance at your display ask, “Have you heard of (company/organization)?” By noticing who notices you, you are able to capture more leads and draw more people to your booth. Keep your table space clean and clutter-free. Make sure you select only one or two brochures or pamphlets to dis- play. More than two is distracting for the observer and limits their focus. Tips for Visitors: It’s not about you, it’s about them. The exhibitors paid for a booth in order for people to show interest and learn about their business or company. Show interest in the oth- er person and they will think positively of you. Ask questions in order to get to know the exhibitor. Learn about the company, their mission, how long they’ve been in business, and what they specialize in. This curi- osity will have a favorable impression on the exhibitor. Make sure to obtain business cards from people you would like to learn more about or follow up with. Do not hesitate to ask for their card and express your desire to follow up with them. $3 MEMBERS $8 GENERAL PUBLIC C tti f a e L b o w h f 2013 EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
Transcript of Member News Productive Alternatives, Inc. – Facility ......New entrepreneurs starting businesses...
UPDATEChamberChamber
We serve as the lead advocate and resource for our members and create partnerships that foster a healthy business climate.
Page 4 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014
Member News
@FergusChamberMarch 2014
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STANDARD
U.S. Postage PAID
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Permit #287
MAILINGLABEL
Pictured from left to right: Dave Cornell (bbg Communications), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Steve Skauge (Productive Alternatives), Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank), and Jean Bowman (Fergus Falls Convention and Visitor’s Bureau).
MEMBERMEMBER
From Start Ups to a Century in Business, Expo Showcases Best and Brightest in Fergus Falls
New entrepreneurs starting businesses will open the 10th Annual Fergus Falls Business and Community Expo on Wednesday, March 12 at the Bigwood Event Center. Hear about hand-crafted “bean to bar” chocolate, allergen-free meals and snacks for kids, plus a theatre company special-izing in small-town heritage as well as LifeScience Alley. The morning session, hosted by the Economic Improve-ment Commission (EIC), is free and open to the public from 9:00-11:15am.
Victor Lundeen Company celebrates 100 years as a fam-ily owned and operated business in Fergus Falls and will be highlighted at the Expo Luncheon from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Z103 Bar & Grill. New Horizons/Cenex Harvest States and Innova Industries will be recognized for their recent expansions and substantial investments in the region. The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will present 24 businesses who have generously given back to the commu-nity with “Fergus Falls Business Gives” honors.
From 1:00-5:00pm, the Expo showcases 100 area busi-nesses and non-profi t organizations in the main conven-tion hall. Join regional professionals at the trade show for business-to-business networking -- reach potential clients, develop prospects and thank customers, plus enjoy refresh-ments.
Business owners, general managers and human resources specialists are encouraged to attend a free “Affordable Care Act for Business” session from 2:00-3:30pm hosted by the Chamber. Josh Heggem, Labor Employment Attorney with Pemberton Law and Adam Evavold, Lakes Area Commu-nity Healthplan will provide information and answer ques-tions regarding ‘Employer Shared Responsibility,’ health plan basics, options and managing risk and exposure. Lim-ited seating is available and there is no charge to attend.
The Expo is partnership between the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Economic Improvement Commission (EIC).
Enjoy a light breakfast & networking
It’s a “Business Before Hours.” Learn what’s going on in and around the Fergus Falls area.
Hear brief updates from schools, government, major employers, non-profi t organizations & more.
Thursday, March 13 • 7:30-9:00 amVFW Post 612
420 E. Washington Ave
Productive Alternatives, Inc. – Facility RemodelP r o d u c t iv e
A l t e r n a t i v e s (PA) has been going strong since 1959. The non-profi t agen-
cy provides a wide range of human services program-ming including employment services for persons with disabilities, short term or permanent contracted labor, assembly, packaging, and other work suitable for per-sons with disabilities. In ad-dition to workforce solutions and product manufacturing, the agency runs a private non-profi t detoxifi cation center, a Crisis Stabilization Unit and operates Transit Alternatives, a public transportation system with wheelchair accessible buses. Through its full-spectrum of services, the agency serves approximately 1,000 people in 33 counties per day.
With all this going on, it’s no surprise that a sprucing up of their “45 year old pole barn” was in order. According to Steve Skauge, PA’s President, the remodel was designed to improve building access and create a more pleasant and roomy waiting area.
With seven offi ces throughout Central and West Central Minnesota, the agency’s main location is located in that remodeled building right here in Fergus Falls at 1205 North Tower Road. The agency’s seven offi ces employ 250 people, 125 of whom are local to Fergus Falls. You can fi nd out more about PA online at http://www.paiff.org/ or reach them by phone at 218-998-5630.
Chamber Calendar of EventsMarch12 10th Annual Business & Community Expo, Bigwood
Event Center 9-11am Entrepreneurial Journeys 11:30am-1pm Luncheon & Business Gives Recogni-
tion, Z103 Bar & Grill 1-5pm Expo – over 90 business booths 2:00-3:30pm Affordable Care Act for Businesses
13 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, VFW Post 612, Fergus Falls
May8 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, StoneL
July10 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am Hosted by Mullen Insurance
August22 10th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble, PLGC
September11 Chamber Café, Legacy Hall M-State, 7:30-9am
October21 TASTE of Fergus Falls, Bigwood Event Center
November13 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, at Salvation Army
(co-hosted by Security State Bank
belong. connect. succeed.
Maurices built a brand new, eye catching, stand-alone building just off Interstate 94. The Fergus Falls Maurices is the 12th store of 900 to come with a brand new decor. The store layout allows for easy traffi c fl ow as you shop for your favorite fashions. Brand new fi xtures, hard-wood fl oors, warm lighting and a smiling helpful staff set the tone for a very customer-friendly shopping experience. Store Manager Juliana Vogl is excited to be part of a brand new store in Fergus Falls that offers such a variety of women’s clothing. Maurices, a Minnesota corporation based in Duluth, targets women ages 19-24, but as Juliana says “There’s something for everybody.” Maurices is located at 601 Frontier Drive. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Phone: 218.736.1163
Maurices – New Business Ribbon Cutting
L to R: Lisa Workman (Chamber of Commerce), Tyson Hajicek (Moore Engineering), Kathy Strom, Becky Green, Juliana Vogl and Justine Hammer (all of Maurices), Shari Lohse (Larson Insurance), Bud Nornes (State Representative).
“Tasha’s Tips” for theBusiness Expo
from Tasha Rohlfs, Public Speaking Consultant, who presented “Networking 101” at the Cham-ber’s Lunch & Learn in February.
Tips for Exhibitors:Stand in front of your booth, not behind. This simple
placement makes you more approachable and will cause more people to stop and talk to you than if you were sit-ting behind the booth.
Greet each person who walks past you by making eye contact and saying hello. If they glance at your display ask, “Have you heard of (company/organization)?” By noticing who notices you, you are able to capture more leads and draw more people to your booth.
Keep your table space clean and clutter-free. Make sure you select only one or two brochures or pamphlets to dis-play. More than two is distracting for the observer and limits their focus.
Tips for Visitors:It’s not about you, it’s about them. The exhibitors paid
for a booth in order for people to show interest and learn about their business or company. Show interest in the oth-er person and they will think positively of you.
Ask questions in order to get to know the exhibitor. Learn about the company, their mission, how long they’ve been in business, and what they specialize in. This curi-osity will have a favorable impression on the exhibitor.
Make sure to obtain business cards from people you would like to learn more about or follow up with. Do not hesitate to ask for their card and express your desire to follow up with them.
$3 MEMBERS$8 GENERAL
PUBLIC
Unlimited AutoGlass – New Business
Dan Bolstad has been working in the auto glass industry for nine years, but commuting to Fargo each day after his former em-ployer closed up shop in Fergus Falls in November 2012 wasn’t really working for him so in August 2013 he went into business for himself. His shop, Unlim-ited AutoGlass is located at 609 Pebble Lake Road. But you don’t have to know that because they will come to you for repairs and replacement.
Whether it’s a chip or a ding, or any other kind of windshield fracture, Unlimited AutoGlass can come to your home or workplace. You can stop by the shop, fi nd them online at http://www.unlimitedau-toglass.com/ or call them at 701-205-2500.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Cornell (bbg Communications), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Dan Bolstad (Unlimited Auto Glass), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), and Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank).
To read the full stories, see the Chamber’s Ambassador Visits page at www.fergusfalls.com/pages/AmbassadorVisits
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2013 EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
Julie GrayMortgage
Loan Officer218-998-6604
[email protected] Falls • 736-0110
800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.comMember FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Your mortgage partneris right next door.
For anyone who has visited Minneapolis or St. Paul in March for state high school sports tourna-ments, you know it is a bustling, vibrant and exciting time. Businesses and residents there prepare for these visitors, knowing they are bringing their wallets – and going home with memorable experienc-es.
In late March, Fergus Falls will be “Tourney Town.” During overlapping dates (March 27-30) we are hosting the VFW State Hockey Tournament for Bantam A’s, the Hillcrest Invitational Basketball Tournament and the Western Saddle Club Association at Red Horse Ranch Arena (RHRA).
Thank you to those host organizations – VFW, Hillcrest, RHRA – for inviting and hosting these events in Fergus Falls. It’s a huge job to prepare facilities, line up volunteers, judges, coaches, refs, dining, transportation, programs, lodging, etc. The time you invest in making these events a success
is very much appreciated by the entire business community. When March goes out like a lamb, I hope, and these visitors have returned home, let’s hope that their memories –
and stories – are nothing but positive and enthusiastic. We want them to talk up their great experiences – of customer service, great facilities and friendliness. That attitude is contagious – and it increases the likelihood that other people will want to see what the buzz is about and visit Fergus Falls.
Page 2 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014 Page 3
Directors: Chamber & CVB Member News
MEMBERMEMBER
MEMBERMEMBER
1133785
2010 South Pebble Lake RdFergus Falls
218-739-4633
Our Ribs are Bone-lickin’
Finger-stickin’ Good!
Serving: Mon-Fri 11-9 Sat 5-9
Join us for HAPPY HOURMon-Fri 3-5
Try our homemade cakes and pies!
Lakeland Home Care Broen Home Sheridan House Alcott Manor noror11
3272
2
LBHomes.org
218-998-1400
Broen Short Stay Woodland Lodge Lakeland Hospice
Largest Selection of Ink & Toner Cartridgesin the Area! Great Prices Too!
102 East Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls
www.coopersinc.com
XNLV
1369
89
• sales manager has too much on their plate • sluggish sales
• no marketing department • lack of time for marketing • leveraging growth • new competition
218.736.5232EggenGroup.com
since 1994inc.
HELP for marketing dilemmas
Find out more: FBecky Eggen Hauschild
Your Landmark in Historic Downtown Fergus Fallswww.victorlundeens.com • (218) 736-5433 Hours: M-F 8-5:30 , Th 'til 7 pm, Sat 9-5
The Fun Place To Shop!Stop infor avisit!
driving peoplehappysince 1922
Shop 24/7 atwww.mnmotorco.comFergus Falls1133827
Providing diverse and holistic care since 1928
1131 Mabelle Ave. S., Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone 218-998-150
www.pioneercare.org998-9000 • 321 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls
Quality | Service | Convenience
serving you best since 1938!
Thank You for RenewingAmerican National Bank of Minnesota
Ameripride Services Inc.
Annabelle H. Lee Agency – American Family Insurance
Bremer Bank
Communicating for America
Cullen’s Home Center
Design Electronics – Radio Shack
East Silent Lake Resort
Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals
Lakeland Mental Health Center
Lakes Area Web Services
LPL Financial – Kevin Johanson
Mauk Jewelers
Minnesota Motor Company
Northern Contours
Otter Tail County Historical Society
Prairie’s Edge Dental – Drs. Greenagel & Rude
Spangler Real Estate & Insurance Partners
Summerfest
Swenson, Saurer, Gerber, Anderson & Co.
Thrivent Financial – Kurt Nygaard
Xanadu Island Resort and Bed & Breakfast
See our business directory at www.fergusfalls.com for a complete list of members.
Success Training and Consulting – New Member
Jacqi Glenn is a business coach and small business success consultant with more than 20 year’s practi-cal experience in sales, marketing and business devel-opment. Success Training and Con-sulting offers the resources to help small businesses succeed, run more effi ciently and maximize their profi tability. Call Jacqi at 218-205-2739 to set up an on or off-site workshop or discuss how she can help your business succeed. Email her directly at [email protected] or visit her on the web at www.successtrainingandconsulting.com.
Annabelle H. Lee Agency American Family Insurance –New Location Ribbon Cutting
The Annabelle H. Lee Agency - American Family Insurance offi ces just moved to a new location downtown and we were there to help celebrate with a ribbon cutting. As we pulled up to the new offi ce, we took notice of the nice spacious parking lot, as well as all the cars
parked in it. The open house held on February 6th was well attended, with a number of Annabelle’s clients on hand to join in the festivities. This is no surprise, as the team at Annabelle H. Lee Agency strives to provide their clients with the best customer service along with educating them so they can make informed insurance decisions.
Stop in and see the professional and friendly staff and let them assist you with your insurance needs; whatever they may be. The new offi ce is located at 119 Friberg Ave, Suite A. Offi ce hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Evening and weekend appointments are available. You can reach the offi ce at 218-739-3977 or Annabelle via eMail at [email protected].
Biffl ey’s Bookmark – 20th AnniversaryBoard Games, Books, Card Games, Crib-
bage, Dice, Jigsaws, Marbles, Mind Teasers, Playing Cards, Popcorn and so much more…
Biffl ey’s Bookmark is in their 20th year of providing family fun. Owners Robert Stout and Jona Brown pride themselves on being
committed to great service and affordable pricing. There is a refreshing personal touch found at Biffl ey’s Bookmark when placing an order online or shopping at their down-town Fergus Falls location. Bob tells us “You don’t have to wade through twelve layers of bureaucracy to get someone accountable for your order – we’re all accountable here.” This is one of the many reasons Robert and Jona have many years of success in Fergus Falls. Biffl ey’s is continually adding fun and games that are both, fresh to the market and a few long-forgotten favorites.
Biffl ey’s is located at 119 West Lincoln Ave. You can reach them by phone at 218-739-3545 or toll-free at 888-999-4360. Store hours at Monday thru Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and closed Sundays. You can fi nd them online at www.biffl eys.com and by eMail at orders@biffl eys.com.
Pictured from left to right: Katie Barbre, Annabelle Lee, Jason Lee and Lesley Knudson (all of American Family Insurance) and Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce).
MEMBERMEMBER
Pictured from L to R: Mary Pettit (Keller Williams), Jacqi Glenn (Success Training and Consulting), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce).
Chamber Director Elected to State Chamber Executives Board
At the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) in January, Lisa Workman, Executive Director of the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce was elected to serve on the MCCE Board of Directors. “I am honored to have been selected to serve and share our chamber’s successful endeavors with my peers across the state,” said Workman. “As a new chamber director, I attended MCCE conferences on scholarship since our budget was so tight,” she added. “Over the past 7 years, we applied MCCE tools and have grown into a fi nancially thriving organization, offering our “Best Practices” to help other chambers succeed.”
MCCE advances the effectiveness of chamber professionals by providing career development, communications, and networking to ensure professional and organizational growth. Workman has been a member of MCCE since 2007 and successfully hosted the organization’s fall conference in September
2013 in the Fergus Falls area.“Probably one of the most valuable MCCE benefi ts is the support of chamber executives. Whether it’s providing
ideas on a specifi c program or training for our members, MCCE executives are willing to share their experience and suggestions on any topic related to chamber management,” Workman said. “MCCE has been one of the keys to our chamber’s growth and I am thrilled to give back.”
Bowman
Ta Dah! Fergus Falls – Tourney Town
To read the full stories, see the Chamber’s Ambassador Visits page at www.fergusfalls.com/pages/AmbassadorVisits
Jct. 210 & I-94, Fergus Falls • Open 24/7 • 739-5552Save money. Live better.SM
Walmart recognizes the importance ofcaregivers. We are here to serve you
24 hours a day for groceries & shopping.
CONVENIENT PHARMACY HOURS:Mon.-Fri.: 9am-9pm • Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm
CONVENIENT PHARMACY HOURS:Mon.-Fri.: 9am-9pm • Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm
Rx phone: 218-739-5559
We are here to serve you24 hours a day for groceries
& shopping.
Pictured from left to right: Jean Bowman (Fergus Falls Convention and Visitor’s Bureau), Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank), Robert Stout (Biffl ey’s and Bookmark), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), and Dave Cornell (bbg Communications).
Member FDIC
For a quick turnaround on your loan, call John Hansen at 218.998.5600.
Let us help your small business grow.
3653
bellbanks.com
205 West Washington AvenueFergus Falls
Workman
For anyone who has visited Minneapolis or St. Paul in March for state high school sports tourna-ments, you know it is a bustling, vibrant and exciting time. Businesses and residents there prepare for these visitors, knowing they are bringing their wallets – and going home with memorable experienc-es.
In late March, Fergus Falls will be “Tourney Town.” During overlapping dates (March 27-30) we are hosting the VFW State Hockey Tournament for Bantam A’s, the Hillcrest Invitational Basketball Tournament and the Western Saddle Club Association at Red Horse Ranch Arena (RHRA).
Thank you to those host organizations – VFW, Hillcrest, RHRA – for inviting and hosting these events in Fergus Falls. It’s a huge job to prepare facilities, line up volunteers, judges, coaches, refs, dining, transportation, programs, lodging, etc. The time you invest in making these events a success
is very much appreciated by the entire business community. When March goes out like a lamb, I hope, and these visitors have returned home, let’s hope that their memories –
and stories – are nothing but positive and enthusiastic. We want them to talk up their great experiences – of customer service, great facilities and friendliness. That attitude is contagious – and it increases the likelihood that other people will want to see what the buzz is about and visit Fergus Falls.
Page 2 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014 Page 3
Directors: Chamber & CVB Member News
MEMBERMEMBER
MEMBERMEMBER
1133785
2010 South Pebble Lake RdFergus Falls
218-739-4633
Our Ribs are Bone-lickin’
Finger-stickin’ Good!
Serving: Mon-Fri 11-9 Sat 5-9
Join us for HAPPY HOURMon-Fri 3-5
Try our homemade cakes and pies!
Lakeland Home Care Broen Home Sheridan House Alcott Manor noror
1132
722
LBHomes.org
218-998-1400
Broen Short Stay Woodland Lodge Lakeland Hospice
Largest Selection of Ink & Toner Cartridgesin the Area! Great Prices Too!
102 East Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls
www.coopersinc.com
XNLV
1369
89
• sales manager has too much on their plate • sluggish sales
• no marketing department • lack of time for marketing • leveraging growth • new competition
218.736.5232EggenGroup.com
since 1994inc.
HELP for marketing dilemmas
Find out more: FBecky Eggen Hauschild
Your Landmark in Historic Downtown Fergus Fallswww.victorlundeens.com • (218) 736-5433 Hours: M-F 8-5:30 , Th 'til 7 pm, Sat 9-5
The Fun Place To Shop!Stop infor avisit!
driving peoplehappysince 1922
Shop 24/7 atwww.mnmotorco.comFergus Falls1133827
Providing diverse and holistic care since 1928
1131 Mabelle Ave. S., Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone 218-998-150
www.pioneercare.org998-9000 • 321 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls
Quality | Service | Convenience
serving you best since 1938!
Thank You for RenewingAmerican National Bank of Minnesota
Ameripride Services Inc.
Annabelle H. Lee Agency – American Family Insurance
Bremer Bank
Communicating for America
Cullen’s Home Center
Design Electronics – Radio Shack
East Silent Lake Resort
Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals
Lakeland Mental Health Center
Lakes Area Web Services
LPL Financial – Kevin Johanson
Mauk Jewelers
Minnesota Motor Company
Northern Contours
Otter Tail County Historical Society
Prairie’s Edge Dental – Drs. Greenagel & Rude
Spangler Real Estate & Insurance Partners
Summerfest
Swenson, Saurer, Gerber, Anderson & Co.
Thrivent Financial – Kurt Nygaard
Xanadu Island Resort and Bed & Breakfast
See our business directory at www.fergusfalls.com for a complete list of members.
Success Training and Consulting – New Member
Jacqi Glenn is a business coach and small business success consultant with more than 20 year’s practi-cal experience in sales, marketing and business devel-opment. Success Training and Con-sulting offers the resources to help small businesses succeed, run more effi ciently and maximize their profi tability. Call Jacqi at 218-205-2739 to set up an on or off-site workshop or discuss how she can help your business succeed. Email her directly at [email protected] or visit her on the web at www.successtrainingandconsulting.com.
Annabelle H. Lee Agency American Family Insurance –New Location Ribbon Cutting
The Annabelle H. Lee Agency - American Family Insurance offi ces just moved to a new location downtown and we were there to help celebrate with a ribbon cutting. As we pulled up to the new offi ce, we took notice of the nice spacious parking lot, as well as all the cars
parked in it. The open house held on February 6th was well attended, with a number of Annabelle’s clients on hand to join in the festivities. This is no surprise, as the team at Annabelle H. Lee Agency strives to provide their clients with the best customer service along with educating them so they can make informed insurance decisions.
Stop in and see the professional and friendly staff and let them assist you with your insurance needs; whatever they may be. The new offi ce is located at 119 Friberg Ave, Suite A. Offi ce hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Evening and weekend appointments are available. You can reach the offi ce at 218-739-3977 or Annabelle via eMail at [email protected].
Biffl ey’s Bookmark – 20th AnniversaryBoard Games, Books, Card Games, Crib-
bage, Dice, Jigsaws, Marbles, Mind Teasers, Playing Cards, Popcorn and so much more…
Biffl ey’s Bookmark is in their 20th year of providing family fun. Owners Robert Stout and Jona Brown pride themselves on being
committed to great service and affordable pricing. There is a refreshing personal touch found at Biffl ey’s Bookmark when placing an order online or shopping at their down-town Fergus Falls location. Bob tells us “You don’t have to wade through twelve layers of bureaucracy to get someone accountable for your order – we’re all accountable here.” This is one of the many reasons Robert and Jona have many years of success in Fergus Falls. Biffl ey’s is continually adding fun and games that are both, fresh to the market and a few long-forgotten favorites.
Biffl ey’s is located at 119 West Lincoln Ave. You can reach them by phone at 218-739-3545 or toll-free at 888-999-4360. Store hours at Monday thru Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and closed Sundays. You can fi nd them online at www.biffl eys.com and by eMail at orders@biffl eys.com.
Pictured from left to right: Katie Barbre, Annabelle Lee, Jason Lee and Lesley Knudson (all of American Family Insurance) and Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce).
MEMBERMEMBER
Pictured from L to R: Mary Pettit (Keller Williams), Jacqi Glenn (Success Training and Consulting), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce).
Chamber Director Elected to State Chamber Executives Board
At the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) in January, Lisa Workman, Executive Director of the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce was elected to serve on the MCCE Board of Directors. “I am honored to have been selected to serve and share our chamber’s successful endeavors with my peers across the state,” said Workman. “As a new chamber director, I attended MCCE conferences on scholarship since our budget was so tight,” she added. “Over the past 7 years, we applied MCCE tools and have grown into a fi nancially thriving organization, offering our “Best Practices” to help other chambers succeed.”
MCCE advances the effectiveness of chamber professionals by providing career development, communications, and networking to ensure professional and organizational growth. Workman has been a member of MCCE since 2007 and successfully hosted the organization’s fall conference in September
2013 in the Fergus Falls area.“Probably one of the most valuable MCCE benefi ts is the support of chamber executives. Whether it’s providing
ideas on a specifi c program or training for our members, MCCE executives are willing to share their experience and suggestions on any topic related to chamber management,” Workman said. “MCCE has been one of the keys to our chamber’s growth and I am thrilled to give back.”
Bowman
Ta Dah! Fergus Falls – Tourney Town
To read the full stories, see the Chamber’s Ambassador Visits page at www.fergusfalls.com/pages/AmbassadorVisits
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Pictured from left to right: Jean Bowman (Fergus Falls Convention and Visitor’s Bureau), Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank), Robert Stout (Biffl ey’s and Bookmark), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), and Dave Cornell (bbg Communications).
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We serve as the lead advocate and resource for our members and create partnerships that foster a healthy business climate.
Page 4 Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.fergusfalls.com March 2014
Member News
@FergusChamberMarch 2014
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Pictured from left to right: Dave Cornell (bbg Communications), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Steve Skauge (Productive Alternatives), Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank), and Jean Bowman (Fergus Falls Convention and Visitor’s Bureau).
MEMBERMEMBER
From Start Ups to a Century in Business, Expo Showcases Best and Brightest in Fergus Falls
New entrepreneurs starting businesses will open the 10th Annual Fergus Falls Business and Community Expo on Wednesday, March 12 at the Bigwood Event Center. Hear about hand-crafted “bean to bar” chocolate, allergen-free meals and snacks for kids, plus a theatre company special-izing in small-town heritage as well as LifeScience Alley. The morning session, hosted by the Economic Improve-ment Commission (EIC), is free and open to the public from 9:00-11:15am.
Victor Lundeen Company celebrates 100 years as a fam-ily owned and operated business in Fergus Falls and will be highlighted at the Expo Luncheon from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Z103 Bar & Grill. New Horizons/Cenex Harvest States and Innova Industries will be recognized for their recent expansions and substantial investments in the region. The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will present 24 businesses who have generously given back to the commu-nity with “Fergus Falls Business Gives” honors.
From 1:00-5:00pm, the Expo showcases 100 area busi-nesses and non-profi t organizations in the main conven-tion hall. Join regional professionals at the trade show for business-to-business networking -- reach potential clients, develop prospects and thank customers, plus enjoy refresh-ments.
Business owners, general managers and human resources specialists are encouraged to attend a free “Affordable Care Act for Business” session from 2:00-3:30pm hosted by the Chamber. Josh Heggem, Labor Employment Attorney with Pemberton Law and Adam Evavold, Lakes Area Commu-nity Healthplan will provide information and answer ques-tions regarding ‘Employer Shared Responsibility,’ health plan basics, options and managing risk and exposure. Lim-ited seating is available and there is no charge to attend.
The Expo is partnership between the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Economic Improvement Commission (EIC).
Enjoy a light breakfast & networking
It’s a “Business Before Hours.” Learn what’s going on in and around the Fergus Falls area.
Hear brief updates from schools, government, major employers, non-profi t organizations & more.
Thursday, March 13 • 7:30-9:00 amVFW Post 612
420 E. Washington Ave
Productive Alternatives, Inc. – Facility RemodelP r o d u c t iv e
A l t e r n a t i v e s (PA) has been going strong since 1959. The non-profi t agen-
cy provides a wide range of human services program-ming including employment services for persons with disabilities, short term or permanent contracted labor, assembly, packaging, and other work suitable for per-sons with disabilities. In ad-dition to workforce solutions and product manufacturing, the agency runs a private non-profi t detoxifi cation center, a Crisis Stabilization Unit and operates Transit Alternatives, a public transportation system with wheelchair accessible buses. Through its full-spectrum of services, the agency serves approximately 1,000 people in 33 counties per day.
With all this going on, it’s no surprise that a sprucing up of their “45 year old pole barn” was in order. According to Steve Skauge, PA’s President, the remodel was designed to improve building access and create a more pleasant and roomy waiting area.
With seven offi ces throughout Central and West Central Minnesota, the agency’s main location is located in that remodeled building right here in Fergus Falls at 1205 North Tower Road. The agency’s seven offi ces employ 250 people, 125 of whom are local to Fergus Falls. You can fi nd out more about PA online at http://www.paiff.org/ or reach them by phone at 218-998-5630.
Chamber Calendar of EventsMarch12 10th Annual Business & Community Expo, Bigwood
Event Center 9-11am Entrepreneurial Journeys 11:30am-1pm Luncheon & Business Gives Recogni-
tion, Z103 Bar & Grill 1-5pm Expo – over 90 business booths 2:00-3:30pm Affordable Care Act for Businesses
13 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, VFW Post 612, Fergus Falls
May8 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, StoneL
July10 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am Hosted by Mullen Insurance
August22 10th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble, PLGC
September11 Chamber Café, Legacy Hall M-State, 7:30-9am
October21 TASTE of Fergus Falls, Bigwood Event Center
November13 Chamber Café, 7:30-9am, at Salvation Army
(co-hosted by Security State Bank
belong. connect. succeed.
Maurices built a brand new, eye catching, stand-alone building just off Interstate 94. The Fergus Falls Maurices is the 12th store of 900 to come with a brand new decor. The store layout allows for easy traffi c fl ow as you shop for your favorite fashions. Brand new fi xtures, hard-wood fl oors, warm lighting and a smiling helpful staff set the tone for a very customer-friendly shopping experience. Store Manager Juliana Vogl is excited to be part of a brand new store in Fergus Falls that offers such a variety of women’s clothing. Maurices, a Minnesota corporation based in Duluth, targets women ages 19-24, but as Juliana says “There’s something for everybody.” Maurices is located at 601 Frontier Drive. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Phone: 218.736.1163
Maurices – New Business Ribbon Cutting
L to R: Lisa Workman (Chamber of Commerce), Tyson Hajicek (Moore Engineering), Kathy Strom, Becky Green, Juliana Vogl and Justine Hammer (all of Maurices), Shari Lohse (Larson Insurance), Bud Nornes (State Representative).
“Tasha’s Tips” for theBusiness Expo
from Tasha Rohlfs, Public Speaking Consultant, who presented “Networking 101” at the Cham-ber’s Lunch & Learn in February.
Tips for Exhibitors:Stand in front of your booth, not behind. This simple
placement makes you more approachable and will cause more people to stop and talk to you than if you were sit-ting behind the booth.
Greet each person who walks past you by making eye contact and saying hello. If they glance at your display ask, “Have you heard of (company/organization)?” By noticing who notices you, you are able to capture more leads and draw more people to your booth.
Keep your table space clean and clutter-free. Make sure you select only one or two brochures or pamphlets to dis-play. More than two is distracting for the observer and limits their focus.
Tips for Visitors:It’s not about you, it’s about them. The exhibitors paid
for a booth in order for people to show interest and learn about their business or company. Show interest in the oth-er person and they will think positively of you.
Ask questions in order to get to know the exhibitor. Learn about the company, their mission, how long they’ve been in business, and what they specialize in. This curi-osity will have a favorable impression on the exhibitor.
Make sure to obtain business cards from people you would like to learn more about or follow up with. Do not hesitate to ask for their card and express your desire to follow up with them.
$3 MEMBERS$8 GENERAL
PUBLIC
Unlimited AutoGlass – New Business
Dan Bolstad has been working in the auto glass industry for nine years, but commuting to Fargo each day after his former em-ployer closed up shop in Fergus Falls in November 2012 wasn’t really working for him so in August 2013 he went into business for himself. His shop, Unlim-ited AutoGlass is located at 609 Pebble Lake Road. But you don’t have to know that because they will come to you for repairs and replacement.
Whether it’s a chip or a ding, or any other kind of windshield fracture, Unlimited AutoGlass can come to your home or workplace. You can stop by the shop, fi nd them online at http://www.unlimitedau-toglass.com/ or call them at 701-205-2500.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Cornell (bbg Communications), Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce), Dan Bolstad (Unlimited Auto Glass), Jodi Sjolie (Park Region Tel/OtterTail Telcom), and Matt Kennedy (Bremer Bank).
To read the full stories, see the Chamber’s Ambassador Visits page at www.fergusfalls.com/pages/AmbassadorVisits
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2013 EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
Julie GrayMortgage
Loan Officer218-998-6604
[email protected] Falls • 736-0110
800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.comMember FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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