Chamber Newsletter
February 2021
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February! It’s February!
For me, January seems like the longest month of the decade, and I am excited to make it to the shortest month of the year.
Not because I wish time to move faster, but for me…. It brings early month birthdays to celebrate, that dang rodent on the east coast, and a theme of mushy love, hearts and wait… are there conversation hearts again? Squirrel.
Here’s what I really want to remind you…
- LOVE LOCAL: Supporting local businesses is VERY important, not only for our economy and their survival, but each business is part of the vibrancy of Hutchinson.
- BE KIND: we have some businesses closing. We have some businesses NOT closing… the rumor mill is rampant with closures that are untrue. If you find yourself in that elementary school game called telephone, I ask you to call me with your rumor questions, if you don’t want to ask the actual business.
- BOTTOM LINE:
- Today (February 1) is the deadline for the McLeod County Coronavirus Relief Grant Fund!
- Utilize the newest round of PPP- connect with your local financial institution. They have access to all the PPP information AND other programs that may be helpful to you.
- Small Business Development Center has a Hutchinson office, with LOCAL experts to help you and your business. Many times with little or no cost to you. PLEASE reach out to them if you are struggling, have questions or need a new pair of eyes and ears! Call to set up an appointment 507-537-7386
- STILL GROWING: Hutchinson has a significant number of businesses opening, expanding or moving/renovating.
- CELEBRATE: the small wins are many times more important than the big wins. Cheer, Ring the Cow Bell, or whatever makes you smile!
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE: call us, email us, or stop in the office. We are here for YOU!
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Annual Event- "Hutchinson" A Community You Can Bet On--- THANK YOU!
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With members like YOU, we can continue to make positive differences in the Hutchinson Community. After a year of ups, downs, twists and turns we were able to bring the Chamber Membership together, pass the gavels, honor the community award winners and celebrate the business community at the Hutchinson Chamber Annual Event.
A special Thank You to our sponsors below for their support in the Hutchinson Chamber Annual Event and to all who attended.
Welcome Sponsors: Citizens Bank & Trust Co. & MITGI
Event Sponsors: Hutchinson Health & Uponor
*In kind Donations were made by Hutchinson Health, Oakdale Golf Club & Tri County Water.
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The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & The Hutchinson Jaycees are excited to announce the Community Award winners for 2020.
Volunteer of the Year: Morgan Baum (Left)
Teacher of the Year: Annika Ring (Middle)
Business Person of the Year: Mara Koepp (Right)
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Passing of the Gavel- Chamber Board Chair
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The Chamber takes this opportunity to Thank 2020 Chamber Board Chair Beth Gasser (Vivid Image) for her service to the Board and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2021 Chamber Board Chair Don Martinez (Cen Bank) into that position.
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Passing of the Gavel- Hutchinson Ambassadors
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The Chamber takes this opportunity to thank 2020 Ambassador President Matt Bielke (Edward Jones) for his service to the Ambassadors and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2021 Ambassador President Don Martinez (Cen Bank) into that position.
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The Chamber would also like to thank Jeremy Crosby (B & B Sports), the outgoing Chamber Board Member for his committed service.
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Hutchinson Ambassadors- ACE Award
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The Ambassadors presented a first time Ace Ambassador Award. This award was presented to Brian Renner (Edina Realty) for his outstanding efforts for the Downtown Banner Project. This project is a collaborative effort between the Hutchinson Center for the Arts, Hutchinson Ambassadors and the City of Hutchinson. Brian personally sold all of the 48 Main Street Banners, and then sold all of the Library Square Park Banners as well. Brian loves the work he does and is well connected within the community. He has said on many occasions he does what he does because he loves Hutchinson and the community of people. Congratulations Brian on this well deserved recognition and thank you for all you do for Hutchinson.
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What is Chamber Check In Friday? It is a quick zoom call on the first Friday of each month where you can learn what's new in Hutchinson, share your business updates and enjoy community conversation.
This is a great networking opportunity to attend until our regular business connections are back in full swing.
Our next Chamber Check In will be February 5th @7:30am.
-All you need to do is register and we'll see you there!
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Utilize your membership to it's fullest potential
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Have you recently reviewed your listing on the Chamber website?
Finding the time to update your business information can sometimes be a challenge. Don't worry, the chamber staff regularly reviews your webpage and will suggest updates that may have been missed. Although, we don't always learn or hear about everything so feel free to reach out and we'll be happy to help!
Having the most up to date information on your webpage is beneficial to you & your business. Did you know that updating your webpage/website will improve your search engine rankings!
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Warmest Welcome
to our NEWEST MEMBER
~Nekton Sports Performance
Thank You to the following members for continuing their Membership as a January renewal
- Ace Hardware
- Adara Home Health, Inc.
- Allina Home Health Services
- Applebee's
- Area 22 Paintball
- Central MN Jobs & Training Services
- Country Kitchen
- David Larson Financial and Insurance Services, Inc.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) #37
- Echo Family Dental
- Farm Bureau Financial Services- Ryan Elbert
- Hillyard, Inc.
- Hutch Cafe
- Hutchinson Bus Line
- Hutchinson Center For The Arts
- Hutchinson Co-Op
- Hutchinson Downtown Association
- Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427
- Hutchinson Health
- Hutchinson Health Foundation
- Hutchinson Lions
- Hutchinson Rotary Club
- Kiwanis Club of Hutchinson
- Piehl, Hanson, Beckman, PA
- McCormick's Family Restaurant
- McDonald's
- McLeod Cooperative Power
- Mediacom Communications
- Nuvera
- Plumbing & Heating by Craig, Inc.
- Redline Systems Inc.
- Ridgewater College
- Runnings
- Simonson Lumber Co.
- South Skyview Estates
- The Paint Factory
- Tri County Water Conditioning Inc.
- Walmart
- Valley Sales of Hutchinson, Inc.
- Viking Signs, Inc.
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2021 Tourism Marketing Grant
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Grant applications are due by March 1, 2021!
Since 2013, the Chamber has enjoyed granting money to events held in Hutchinson hosted by nonprofits and for-profits. These grants help cover the expense of marketing that covers a radius outside the Hutchinson area for the event. These events help the Chamber bring more people to our beautiful and welcoming community – there really is #MuchInHutch!
Tell your friends, co-workers, committees, and organizations about the Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Grant. We love to help events as they help us and increase the traffic and awesomeness of Hutchinson!
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In 2005, Innovative Foam opened their doors in Hutchinson, MN. This extremely talented and highly detailed team has made the seemingly impossible projects become possible! Together they have created props, monument signs, interior and exterior signage plus so much more. Yes, this all was made of the highest quality foam!
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Did you know...
-Their products ship all over the country
-They once built a 16 foot trophy
-They have done work with small companies all the way up to large ones including Apple, ESPN and Snapple
-Products receive a hard coating to withstand harsh weather for many years
Reach out to Innovative Foam today for a quote on your next project!
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Are you under 40 and looking for a professional group to be apart of? Look no further... PULSE is here.
PULSE is a group of Professionals Under 40, Leading, Socializing, and Educating. This group hosts monthly lunch & learn events and holds four social events throughout the year.
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Wondering how to have your business displayed here? Call Cegi at the Chamber to have yours placed next month!
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