Chamber Links: news and updates | |
February 27th, 2025 | Volume 7 Issue 2 | |
This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
A Year in Lake City Tourism
While Heather takes a much deserved break this week, I decided to hijack the monthly blog with a Ed Hoffman style long winded tome on the state of tourism in Lake City. Bear with me.
As you know, tourism is the front door to economic development. It brings $16.6 billion dollars to Minnesota’s economy each year and generates over 180,000 jobs. Tourism keeps our community members’ taxes lower and improves their quality of life. At the Chamber, we go to work every day with this knowledge, and take our mission to make Lake City one of the top destinations in Minnesota seriously.
As we approach spring and embark on a new tourism season in Lake City, I think it's a good opportunity to look back on 2024...
Read the rest of Ed's letter here
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Enjoy These Upcoming Area Events | |
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Annual Dinner
Friday, March 21, 4:30pm
(The Jewel Golf Club)
The Chamber is excited to present our Annual Dinner Celebration! This year, we invite you to the Jewel Golf Club for a Cruise Ship themed Party, complete with cocktails, a plated dinner, Lake City Awards, and live comedy with Jason Douglas & the Comedian Company.
We encourage you to register early and remind you that some Chamber membership tiers include admission to this event. Contact the Chamber to learn more.
Get your tickets here
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Itching for Spring
Sat, March 22,10am-5pm
(The Shops of Lake City)
The Shops of Lake City are ITCHING for SPRING!!!
Join them and
Shop fresh spring inspired decor, fashion, and more!
Experience our adorable downtown Lake City,MN while shopping all things spring.
*FREE garden-related item at participating shops (*limited supplies - COME EARLY!
The Shops of Lake City are a group of local retailers working together to make Lake City a great place to "shop, unwind, and experience"
Learn more about the event here
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Soar with the Eagles
Sat & Sun, March 22 & 23, 1pm
(National Eagle Center)
The Bald Eagle is now officially the National Bird of the United States, and the public is invited to join the celebration at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha for their annual SOAR With the Eagles festival.
Feature programs will be held both days at 1 p.m. in St. Felix Auditorium in Wabasha.
This is a perfect weekend event for all ages, this program includes several opportunities for audience engagement, especially kids.
Learn more here
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Thursday, March 27th, 5pm-6:30pm
(Lake City Boat Club and Rentals)
Lake City Boat Club & Rentals is a family-owned and operated boat rental Company in Lake City, MN & Wabasha, MN. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the water, the warm glow of an evening sunset, fishing or better yet, the opportunities it provides spending time with friends and family, boating is quality time spent creating an atmosphere that brings people together and creates fond memories that will last a lifetime.
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Business After Hours are events that provide a great opportunity to network with other Lake City professionals over beverages and snacks, and learn about the great things happening at local businesses!
RSVP on our Facebook Event Page
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Visit Lake City Wins Marketing Award
Visit Lake City brought home the award for Best Co-op Marketing Campaign at Explore Minnesota’s 2025 Tourism Conference on Wednesday, February 19th.
According to Explore Minnesota, the award recognized Visit Lake City, “for their YouTube Co-op of captivating videos created by influential Minnesota directors, featuring music by Minnesota musicians, and showcasing the unique charm of Lake City in fall and winter.” Visit Lake City had previously won the Only in Minnesota Award at the 2023 tourism conference.
Watch the videos and learn more here
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2025 Chamber Lunch and Learns
Lake City Chamber Lunch and Learns are back in a big way in 2025!
These educational opportunities are a great way to network and develop skills to help your businesses or organizations. Topics in 2025 include Workforce Development, Small Business Fraud Prevention, Employee Theft Prevention, Security through Design, and an exciting 4-part series on Social Media Marketing. Learn more and register here
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Diverse Minds Event
The Diverse Minds Alliance, a new initiative in Lake City, invites you to a free educational session designed for business owners and managers. On March 25, 2025 5:30pm-7:00pm at Wild Wings Plaza, learn how to create a more inclusive workplace by understanding and supporting neurodiverse individuals—enhancing both your team and customer interactions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to strengthen your business and community. More here
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Engage with the Future at the Career Fair | |
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Lake City businesses, connect with future talent at our Career Fair on Thursday, March 13th from 12-3 PM! Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your company and inspire students.
Interested? Contact Annie Freid at chamberevents@lakecity.org or call 651-345-4123 to reserve your spot!
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Tour de Pepin Jerseys Available | |
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Tour de Pepin registration is open, and this year we are again offering a new custom designed Borah jersey! You can secure yours here
2025's Tour de Pepin is in its 18th year as one of the most unique rides in Minnesota.
Tour de Pepin offers bicyclists from amateur to expert an opportunity to experience Lake Pepin from the saddle. The Lake City Chamber of Commerce hosts this supported ride, which features manned rest areas with food and water and your choice of routes.
Choose between 32, 40 or 50 mile rides between Lake City and Stockholm and get transported via boat or bus. Or, you can enjoy the 72 mile full loop all the way around the lake!
Feel ambitious? Well, we also have a Century Ride option! This year the 100 miler will follow a new route through Weaver Dunes area.
The event wraps up with a party in Ohuta Park where you can unwind with live music, food trucks, and beverages.
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