Chamber Links: news and updates | | December 29th, 2025 | Volume 7 Issue 12 | | This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
Bright, Bold, and Connected
As we close out 2025 and prepare to welcome a new year—and a new Board of Directors—I find myself reflecting with deep appreciation on everything we accomplished together. December is often a month for gratitude, and while that remains true, this year also feels like the perfect moment for a full annual wrap-up. We’ve grown, we’ve learned, and we’ve continued to strengthen the heartbeat of Lake City.
Read more from Heather's blog here
| | Some Happenings in the Lake City Area | | |
Hok Si La by Candlelight
January 17th, 5pm-7pm
(Hok Si La Park)
Join us for our annual luminous winter walk/snow shoe/ski event and experience enchantment at Hoksila Park under the new moon!
Flickering candlelit paths will guide you through an evening of warmth and connection. The tranquility of the park by moonlight is sure to create memories that glow forever.
The Lake City Lion’s Club sponsors this event and invites the community to gather together. Let’s keep snowy thoughts on our minds for the next couple weeks in anticipation! Warming house and community fire pits will be waiting for you along with light refreshments! Hope to see you!
More here!
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Norweigan Dancers
January 17th, 6-8:30pm
(Wild Wings Plaza)
Join Lake City Area Arts at Wild Wings Plaza for an evening of cultural celebration as they welcome the Stoughton Norweigan Dancers to Lake City!
Doors open at 6:00pm with the performance scheduled for 7:00-8:30pm on Saturday, January 17th, 2026.
Tickets are $10, and kids (up to age 18) are admitted for free.
Norweigan food and beverages will be offered at an additional cost and provided by the folks at Wild Wings Plaza.
This event is sponsored by Lake City Area Arts, WeInvest365 Greater Lake City Community Foundation, and Wild Wings Plaza.
Learn More here
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Chili Cook-Off
January 24th, 4-7pm
(Saint Mary of the Lake)
Come join us for a fun night of delicious food, great conversation and a raffle you won't want to miss.
For a half-century or so, chili-cooking competitions — known as cook-offs — have been a part of the American and world scene. The premise is simple: people get together and compete to see who can make the best pot of chili.
St. Mary of the Lake wants to know... who in Lake City has the stuff to take home the prize at this event on January 24th, 2026!
Think you make the best pot of spicy goodness in the area?
To enter your chili in the cook-off, please email mara@firstchoiceclinic.org
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January 25th, 2026 1:30-3:30pm
(Lake City Area Arts)
Root River Jam performs the original music of David Ross Wilson.
Growing up the son of a veterinarian, he helped with work on many farms within the Root River region of MN. His mother taught David and his siblings to play piano and sing melody and harmony. His songwriting combines life’s experience of love, longing, and learning with his love for music. His songs are a telling experience of his life in relationships gained and lost, social conscience and greater good, and good fun with people you love.
| | Save the Date: Sportsmans Club Ice Fishing Contest! | | | | |
Heidi's Wins Window Contest
Congratulations to Heidi’s Hugamug! 2025 winner of the Lake City downtown business window decorating contest!
Heidi was presented the traveling trophy by Heather representing the Chamber of Commerce, and Teri representing the Shops of Lake City.
Our downtown this truly merry and bright!
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Minnesota Chamber Town Hall
Join us for a virtual town hall with local chamber Federation partners from across the state to learn more about this initiative and the critical role of local chambers in driving it forward. We’ll also share the outlook for the 2026 Legislative Session, and how business leaders can elevate the importance of the private sector economy with policymakers.
Speakers include Doug Loon, President and CEO and Laura Bordelon, Senior Vice President. This is an exclusive meeting for Minnesota Chamber Federation partners and their private sector leaders and members.
RSVP here
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Is Your Business Ready for PFML?
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) provides payments and job protections to people who need time away from work for their own health or to care for a family member.
Make sure you are ready. The policy goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Resources are available to help your business navigate this change.
See the MN.Gov page for employers here
Learn more about eligibility and benefits for individuals and families here
Get resources from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce here
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Peters Memorial Fund Expands Impact
What began as a small community initiative has grown into one of Lake City’s most active and wide-reaching nonprofit organizations. At the Peters Memorial Fund, we are dedicated to supporting local families, students, and residents in need, and over the past year we’ve dramatically expanded our programs and deepened our roots in the community. After a year marked by over $87,000 in giving and accomplishments worth celebrating, we’re stepping into 2026 with gratitude, energy and ambition. Read more from the Graphic here
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Lake City Visitor Guide Arriving Soon
While we are patiently awaiting the delivery of the printed copies of the 2026/27 Visitor Guide, we have launched a new webpage with a pre-order form and a digital version of the publication. Along with this, we have purchased a massive ad buy on Meta platforms (via an Explore Minnesota partnership with national agency Strike Social) targeting Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and parts of Illinois and South Dakota. The ad features a :30 video collage and it links to our new Visitor Guide page.
We want to get this guide in the hands of all our visitors and potential visitors. If you have a tourism facing business in Lake City such as a vacation rental, hotel, or inn, please contact Annie here to reserve copies for placement in your rooms and at your front desk.
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Willow Brooke Farm Invites You to an Open House
Join Willow Brooke Farm for an Open House — a relaxed and beautiful day to explore the beautiful venue at your own pace.
Willow Brooke Farm, 29212 Orchard Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066
Sunday, January 18th, 2026
1:00p-3:00p
Wander the grounds, tour the venue spaces, chat with local vendors, and gather inspiration. Whether you're newly engaged, planning a special gathering, or just curious — they’d love to have you stop by!
Bring your family or friends, your questions, and your imagination. Willow Brooke Farm would love make your dream event come to life.
RSVP appreciated but not required.
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On 11/25/2025, Lake City Chamber of Commerce staff, ambassadors, and community members gathered at Twice Loved Resale & Consignment Boutique to officially welcome them as a new Chamber member with a Ribbon Cutting.
Owned and operated by longtime Lake City resident and educator Danielle Hegge, Twice Loved reflects a legacy of love, resilience, and second chances—values that guide its mission. The boutique offers quality secondhand clothing, accessories, and select home goods, curated with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and community connection. Consignors can bring in items to sell and earn a portion of the proceeds, or choose to donate items to support community programs, including the Peter’s Memorial Fund or the Jellybean Scholarship, established in honor of Danielle’s late sister, Michelle.
Since opening, Twice Loved has truly become a family affair. Danielle’s son, Colter, joins the shop during the last two hours of his school day for work based learning, and her mother, Pattie, helps on Thursdays and Fridays. Danielle adds that her friends continue to pitch in regularly, and the business “could never operate without all of their support and dedication to this dream.”
“I’m truly honored by the incredible support Lake City has shown us,” said Hegge. “Twice Loved is more than a shop—it’s a place to give beautiful items a second life, create a welcoming spot for the community, and give back to the town we love. I’m excited to keep growing, connecting, and serving this amazing community.”
For more information, visit Twice Loved LLC on Facebook and Instagram @TwiceLovedLC
Pictured Left to Right: Annie Freid (LC Chamber), Dave Breitenfield (Lake City Boat Club and Rentals), Mary Santelman (Ambassador), Doris Schurhammer (Forward Bank), Tim and Danielle Hegge (Owners), Heidi Emerson (Lakes Sothebys International Realty), Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate), Heather Thomas (LC Chamber)
| | Annual Awards Voting Closes Soon! | |
🏆 Last Call for Nominations!
There’s still time to recognize the incredible businesses and volunteers who make Lake City shine! 🌟 If you haven’t submitted your nominations for the 2025 Annual Awards, please take a moment to do so before December 31.
Your nominations help us celebrate the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond for our community—whether through outstanding customer service, innovative leadership, community involvement, or helping Lake City grow and thrive.
👉 Submit your nominations here: Annual Awards Nomination Form
This is your chance to lift up the people who inspire you. Thank you for helping us honor the best of Lake City!
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*Update: Chamber Bucks Changes Reminder
We’re excited to roll out Chamber eBucks. The new digital version of our popular Chamber Bucks program will now kick off on January 1st, 2026. See new link for online sales and current locations here. All the paper bucks need to be used by May 1st or can be converted to eBucks at the chamber. Feel free to contact us for more info or to make sure your business is included in our active locations.
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Lake City Chamber of Commerce
122 N Lakeshore Dr
Lake City, MN 55041
Our office will be closed New Years Eve and New Years Day
Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday through Thursday
9am - 12pm Friday
(651) 345-4123
chamberevents@lakecity.org
lakecity.org
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