Chamber Links: news and updates | | July 29th, 2026 | Volume 8 Issue 7 | | This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
Building a Future Together
As Water Ski Days comes to a close, we're already looking ahead to what's next. One thing I've learned during my time at the Chamber is that there really isn't an off season in Lake City. While one event ends, another is just around the corner, and the work of strengthening our community continues every day.
We often hear, "The Chamber does so many events." While that's true, I'd challenge that statement just a bit. The Chamber doesn't do events alone—our community does.
Read more from Heather's blog here
| | |
Y-Knot Tri
August 8th, 7:30am
(Ohuta Beach Park)
Join us for this 5th annual race to paddle, bike, and run your way through a fun course in beautiful Lake City, Minnesota.
There are three options for registration.
1. Individual and complete all three legs of the race; OR
2. Two person team – paddle together and then complete the last two legs individually (participants would share the same paddle time); OR
3. Three person relay team – each person completes one leg of the race
Register here or same day registration is open from 6-7:30am
| | |
Pepie Party!
August 9th, 1-4pm
(Treats and Treasures)
We're throwing a party to celebrate Lake City’s favorite lake monster, Pepie!
Celebrate the children’s activity book, “Going Places With Pepie”.
Meet Chad Lewis, the author of “Pepie the Lake Pepin Monster”.
Have your picture taken with Pepie.
Enjoy Pepie Monster Cookies, Pepie Popcorn, Pepie Facepainting, Pepie Hopscotch, and more!
August 1, 2026
1-4pm
at Treats and Treasures in downtown Lake City! See more here
| | |
Lake City on a Stick
September 5, 10am-5pm
(The Shops of Lake City)
Lake City On A Stick is a wacky, fun twist on all things on a stick at the MN State Fair. The Shops of Lake City have "On A Stick" items for you to purchase. Have a laugh and hop around to our local retailers!
More details are forth coming, but you can bet our local establishments will have fun activities and contests for their customers!
Follow the
Shops of Lake City on Facebook to see the shops/eateries hopping on board for this event!
See you downtown!
| | |
Drive for the Tigers Just Around Corner
The Lake City Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament is almost here!
Gather your foursome and join us on Friday, September 18 at The Jewel Golf Club for a day of golf, friendly competition, and fun while supporting the Lake City Chamber's Community Pride Scholarship Fund.
Click here for event details or scan the QR code to register!
Questions or have donations for the raffle? Contact Annie our Event Coordinator
chamberevents@lakecity.org 651-345-4123
or Travis at the Jewel
theitman@kempersports.com
(651) 345-2672
We can't wait to see you on the course!
| | | | | |
Small Employer Assistance Grants
Minnesota Paid Leave, a division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is accepting grant applications from small employers who need help covering costs when an employee has taken leave. If you qualify as a small employer under Paid Leave, you can apply for a Small Employer Assistance Grant (SEAG). These funds help manage the cost of hiring temporary workers, increasing hours or wages, or training staff while an employee is out on Paid Leave.
Grants offer up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employer each calendar year. As this is a reimbursement program, funding is for costs already incurred.
Learn more here
| | | | | |
Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota Nominations Open
Minnesota companies have a long legacy of innovation — and we believe Lake City businesses are no exception. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is once again searching for The Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota, and we want you to be part of it!
This statewide contest shines a spotlight on the incredible products made right here in our state — products that fuel our economy, support our communities, and showcase the best of Minnesota manufacturing.
Submit your nominations here
| | | | | |
National Night Out is August 4th
National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
If your neighborhood would like to organize an event, please fill out this form here
| | | | | |
Minnesota Chamber Podcast
In an increasingly busy world, stay ahead of the curve with The Minnesota Business Podcast, your essential weekly digest of Minnesota business and public affairs news.
NEWEST EPISODE: A NEW POLL SHOWS WHO IS LEADING IN MINNESOTA'S PRIMARY RACES
3M makes its Formula 1 debut. A new poll shows who is leading in Minnesota's primary races. Later, Chamber President and CEO Doug Loon shares an overview of this week's Women in Business Minnesota Conference. Find it on your favorite platform here
| | | |
Mixto Grill and Bar
The Lake City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting event to welcome Mixto Grill and Bar to the Lake City business community.
Mixto owners are excited to bring their business to Lake City and become part of the community. Friends, family, Chamber representatives, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the occasion and extend a warm welcome.
The Mixto team expressed their appreciation for the support shown by the community, sharing their gratitude for everyone who came out to celebrate and support their new venture.
The Chamber encourages the community to stop by, support Mixto, and welcome this great business to Lake City.
Pictured Left to Right: Jon Bohmbach (Lakeshore Agency), Annie Freid (Lake City Chamber of Commerce), Angie Foss (Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity), Nancy Denzer (Lakeshore Real Estate Krage & Associates), Zach Steichen (St. Croix Hospice), Jonathan (Mixto), Dayana (Mixto) , Luis (Mixto) , Anthony (Mixto), Ana (Mixto), Doris Schurhammer (Forward Bank), Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate Krage & Associates), Brian Quinn (Mayor of Lake City), Anne Tabat (Cookies & Conversations), and Derek Helm (Forward Bank).
| |
Pelican Point Yacht Club and Resort
and
Midwest Marine and Mechanical, LLC
The Lake City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate two exciting additions to the local business community: Pelican Point Yacht Club & Resort and Midwest Marine & Mechanical LLC.
Community members, Chamber representatives, ambassadors, and local business leaders gathered to welcome both businesses and recognize their investment in Lake City and the future of recreation along the Mississippi River.
Pelican Point Yacht Club & Resort was created with a vision to bring new life to a beautiful marina property on the Mississippi River. What began as a marina in need of restoration is being transformed into a premier destination featuring a campground, waterfront bar and restaurant, upgraded fuel docks and pumps, an event pier for live music and community gatherings, as well as pickleball and sand volleyball courts. Through the dedication and hard work of the Pelican Point team, the property is becoming a destination where boating, recreation, entertainment, and community come together. The owners look forward to continuing to grow the resort and creating a place that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.
Midwest Marine & Mechanical LLC, owned and operated by Blaze Bergmann, is a full-service marine repair shop serving Lake City and the surrounding communities. With more than 13 years of experience repairing boats on Mississippi River Pool 4, Bergmann provides quality marine service for all makes and models of boats. Whether performing routine maintenance or major repairs, Midwest Marine & Mechanical is committed to keeping boats performing their best so customers can spend more time enjoying the water.
Pictured Left to Right: Mary Santelman (Banks Heating and Air Conditioning), Nancy Denzer (Lakeshore Real Estate), Lisa Zmuda (Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty), Anne Tabat (Ambassador), Elizabeth Greenawalt (Sievers Creative), Heather Thomas (Lake City Chamber), Heidi Hartzell (Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty) Teagan Hansen (Pelican Point), Jesse Hansen (Owner), Alex LaRocque (Owner), Blaze Bergman (Midwest Marine and Mechanical), Dalton Petersen (Pelican Point), Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate), Zachary Steichen (St. Croix Hospice), Amy Henderson (Lake City Graphic), Derek Helm (Forward Bank), Angie Foss (Habitat for Humanity), Jodi Gillard (Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty), Andrea Hazard (Forward Bank)
| THANK YOU Y-Knot Tri Sponsors | ISO: Harvest Market Vendors at Johnny Appleseed Day | | | | |
