Member Brief Bytes
The Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau serves our business members,
promotes our local assets, and shapes the future of our community.
CHAMBER EVENTS
BUFFALO CITY HALL
THIS FRIDAY, November 5th 8:00 a.m.

This is your opportunity to meet with the leaders of our Civic Organizations and learn more about what they do, the needs they may have, and maybe some ideas of how you or your business can be involved during the holiday season.

The Chamber will provide the treats while the City provides the coffee! Remember - it's a Friday - not our typical Thursday morning meeting!
GOOD AFTERNOON BUFFALO

Though a chilly wet day, we were warmly welcomed at DeZiel Heating & A/C last Thursday for Good Afternoon Buffalo. They have an awesome perfectly built space for their business! We hinted that we would like to come back in the summer so we can explore their outdoor space as well. We all felt warm with the mulled wine that Nicole from Buffalo Rock served. Thanks Nicole and thank you Mike and Dana DeZiel for hosting!
SHOP SMALL ALL SEASON - JOIN THE MOB!

Let's have fun while supporting our local small retailers this holiday season. You know what a flash mob is? How about a cash mob? Will plan just an hour - every Friday at noon (except Black Friday November 27th) from November 12th to December 17th we will cash mob a small retailer or two or three!

The meeting place will be announced in an email every Monday starting the 8th. Our group of people who show up will all patron a store together and give them business! It will be a surprise for all involved! The Chamber will even give you $5 in Buffalo Bucks to help you open your wallet. You don't have to spend much to show support and how fun it will be to surprise the owners! You in? Look for the email on Monday!
CHAMBER ANNUAL BANQUET
Thursday, January 27th

WE MISSED THIS EVENT LAST YEAR - SO SAVE THE DATE!

You betcha we made this one easy and expect everyone - guys and gals alike - to find their way out to the Legion. Who can't dress Soooooo Minnesotan?

Sponsor the event and get on the invitation... Fill and decorate a table... Donate a prize or cash to buy a prize for our games....Come ready to win or buy great items at the ever fun live auction! Be sure to mark your calendars now!
MORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities to get involved and volunteer too!
AMBASSADORS ON THE MOVE
Sunfish Dental just celebrated their 1 year anniversary in the office of former Dr. Quinlan in Maple Lake. Dr. Quinlan had 36 years of practicing when he decided it was time to sell. Dr. Nicole Tripp reopened and now has 5 employees, including 2 hygienists and 2 office staff. They enjoy serving patients from 2 to 102, specializing in family dentistry, implant restoration, Visalign and dentures.

If going to the dentist can at all be fun, this is the place to go. Great knowledge, great service, great local location and great people to brighten your smiles!

Below are Ambassador Tina Anderson/Anchor Realty, Jen Peltz, Dr. Trip, Ambassadors Jen Carlson/Am Fam-Chris Chapman and Rob Stark/Edward Jones.
THE WORKFORCE DILEMMA
A COMMUNITY MEMBER IDEA
Community In Action (Be part of the C.I.A.)

I met with a community member who had an idea about how to help fill the gap with employee shortages that many of you are facing. Have a need...people have the time...fill the gap with community members that may not want or be able to commit to a FT or regular schedule, but are willing to put some hours in where they can for those who need it. Imagine a system where the staff (volunteer or paid) would sign themselves up. Does a restaurant need someone to bus tables or deliver food? Does a retailer need someone to help stock shelves?

Of course there are logistics, liabilities and training, but maybe there is a way or a different model to do something that doesn't require all the red tape. Her idea - calling it Community In Action (CIA) where community members help to keep our businesses open by offering up their time where needed. This is to fill the current gap, but maybe a long term relationship/job could come of it. Envision having CIA t-shirts so that the public knows you are a community member that's stepped up.

Not sure of the logistics of it all - but maybe a Facebook page with an open calendar and people can schedule themselves = our own community talent pool. Again - I don't have the details - but am putting it out there for your feedback. We are looking to help you in any way possible.

I commend her spirit and do think it's a creative opportunity/idea. I also believe that there are residents here who have that same community spirit and want to help. Let me know if your business has any interest.


DEED Launches New Platform to Pitch Minnesota to the World
JoinUsMN.com hosts new campaign to promote the state to businesses and talent
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched a first of its kind coordinated campaign with businesses and economic development partners across the state. The goal is to share with the world why Minnesota is a phenomenal place to build a business or advance your career.
People build businesses here that they are passionate about, and they work hard to make them succeed. In fact, if you start a business in Minnesota, it has a better chance of surviving beyond five years than in any other state in the nation.

The effort includes a new economic development website, joinusmn.com, which highlights what makes Minnesota great across a variety of themes, industries, geographies and opportunities. With more than 5.5 million Minnesotans, and a diverse cultural, environmental and economic landscape, Minnesota has something for everyone
MEMBER HAPPENINGS
ANNIVERSARY VISITS

Suzanne and I surprised Kwik Trip with balloons to celebrate their 15 years as Chamber members. We celebrated O Bros Business Services (5 years) and Buffalo Bail Bonds (15 years) with some Buffalo Bucks to use at member businesses!

Your membership is invaluable to us! We appreciate YOU!
Suzanne just happened to have her windows cleaned for fall and was able to catch Jordan, of O'Bros Building Services, to celebrate his 5 years with a photo op!
FARE FOR ALL
THIS Tuesday, November 9th
Zion Lutheran Church 4-6:00 p.m.
Get your Thanksgiving meal in one stop!
TREAT YOUR EMPLOYEES

Our member Maple Lake meat shop - The Butchery - has a deal for you! Talking about retaining your employees - this might be a tasty incentive!
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
A GREAT KICK OFF TO THE HOLIDAYS

If this doesn't age me - looking at 54 years of St. John's hosting this Country Fair....I remember going to this as a kid until well into my adult years. Plan to go again this year! Oh the quilts are beautiful!
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW

Quick-link to the recent City of Buffalo public meetings:
Be sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
Sue@BuffaloChamber.org 
STAY CONNECTED