The Low~Down!

Get the low-down on recent developments happening in Chisago County

Business of the month:

Clean Haven Naturals

Clean Haven Naturals is more than just a place to buy candles - It’s an experience for everyone who believes that home is an incredibly special place.

Charlene started Clean Haven Naturals from her desire to create products made of clean, high-quality ingredients to ensure your home will feel like a safe retreat. Examples are:

All soy-based products are created from pure, non-GMO, USA-made soy.
All fragrances are 100% phthalate-free
All products are hand-made in small batches with YOU in mind

In 2023, after creating and manufacturing products out of her home, Charlene purchased an old gas station in Rush City and transformed it into a workspace with a charming retail store open to everyone passing through.

What she initially thought would be a "periodic opening" one weekend a month, quickly became a "open every weekend"! Now, she is excited to be able to gather people together both in the store and through the seasonal markets, featuring many kinds of unique and special local vendors. The store also lets Charlene fulfill another dream of supporting other amazing small businesses in the area by sharing their products in our space!

Visit Clean Haven Naturals' website to learn more and join Charlene at her next upcoming event!

Grand Opening!

On August 15th Boka Haven held a ribbon cutting to officially open their doors at the facility located in North Branch, near the corner of Hwy 95 and Falcon Ave N.

Boka Haven Assisted Living is an affordable senior housing complex where care meets comfort. This is a family-owned and operated mid-size customized assisted living facility and the brand-new building boasts a modern urban vibe, providing a welcoming and uplifting environment for the residents. Boka Haven provides exceptional care and support services to individuals aged 55 and older and are licensed to offer a comprehensive range of health-related and support services tailored to meet the unique needs of their residents.

For more information, visit their website.

Manufacturing Month is Coming...

The manufacturing industry is a dynamic part of Chisago County and Minnesota’s economy, and promotion of this sector’s strength, success and high quality of life is an integral part of Chisago County’s economic development strategy. Manufacturing provides high skill, high wage jobs which significantly contribute to Minnesota’s high standard of living and economic vitality.

Watch for our October 'Special Edition' Newsletters for sponsorship articles, manufacturing appreciation and photos from tours & events.

Now Required for Small Businesses:

Beneficial Ownership Information – BOI is a new requirement for small businesses as of January 2024. Businesses are required to create an account with FinCEN (Financial Crime Enforcement Network), a department of the Internal Revenue Service.

This is an effort to identify and reduce money laundering and the process is simple, but be aware - third parties are offering to do this for fee to benefit from the requirement.

If you have questions or need assistance please contact our

SBDC Consultant, Kathy Lindo.

All work and no play?! - Not for the HRA-EDA!

The HRA-EDA staff networked with Commercial Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Developers at the MN RE Journal’s Golf Classic held at Rush Creek Golf Course on August 19th. These events are important to the HRA-EDA as one of the key aspects of this department is to market the county for commercial development. By attending these events, staff had the opportunity to meet with individuals who have a key role finding locations for business relocation or expansion. They will now consider Chisago County as a site for their clients.

Moulton's Apple Orchard Ribbon Cutting!

This apple orchard is not brand new - but it is new to the owners, Luke and Whitney Moulton.

Moulton’s Orchard was founded in 2008 by Brad and Betty Moulton. It has evolved over the years to the beautiful orchard it is now. The Orchard first started with grape vines in 2008 and the first apple trees were planted in 2010. Every year following, Brad and Betty have grown the property to the 5 acre Orchard it is today.

At the end of 2023, Luke and Whitney Moulton, took over the Orchard and are looking forward to many years of carrying on the legacy that Uncle Brad and Aunt Betty Moulton have started.

Upcoming Events!

The fall is filled with many celebrations across the county, enjoy the treats, games, rides and live entertainment! Here are a few to check out:

September 14: Stagecoach Day (Wyoming)

September 13 - 14: Shafer Days (Shafer)

September 28: Fall Harvest Festival (North Branch)

Also check out the North Circle Online Farmers Market, a local gem that offers online ordering and in-person weekly delivery for fresh, sustainably grown produce and goods from local family farms in Chisago County.

City of Shafer

Located less than 6 miles from the Wisconsin border, Shafer is a small town with big opportunity!

Shafer hosts a trail head of the Swedish Immigrant Bike Trail segment that runs through the center of town and is a popular area for biking and walking. In this growing community there are brand-new residential developments and land available along Highway 8 ideal for commercial development. Shafer is a quiet community with an easy commute to the Twin Cities.

Visit the City of Shafer's website to learn more.

Issue: September 12, 2024