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.
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AND THE SURVEY SAYS...

The results of my less than scientific job survey last week showed the following:

  • Of the 290 surveys, there were 41 respondents where only 7 of them were not in need of employees.
  • There were about 41 job titles as well, that members are in need of, but most mentioned were kitchen/dietary, caregivers/CNA's, retail, sales, administration, customer service, installers and skilled trades.
  • Most responding members needed between 1 and 4 employees while 6 needed 10 or more.
  • The top three most used methods to attract employees were Indeed, Facebook or LinkedIn along with some "other" methods such as word of mouth, finders fees, signs, billboards etc...

Now what? I have had several conversations with various business members trying to get a handle on what we could do with our schools to better equip our next generation of employees to understand, first, what type of careers we have in our own community and then understand what could be done to gain their employment, whether while in high school or graduating from high school or college. There is much yet to be learned, but the best part is, there is much want to make something happen. I will be keeping you in the loop as conversations progress, hopefully making some small steps that will mean bigger gains long term. Thank you to all I have spoken with thus far - I so appreciate you taking time out to talk with me!
CHAMBER EVENTS
CUSTOM ROASTING
NEXT Thursday, September 16th 8:00 a.m.
311 12th Ave S
763-682-4604

Ever smelled the aroma of coffee around town? Well that's coming from Custom Roasting near Target. Come and see the roasting process and sample some delicious coffee while networking with other business leaders. Just follow your nose!
MEMBER VISITS
CENTRAL MINNESOTA MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (CMMHC)

Suzanne and I stopped in at CMMHC and got a full tour of the building. Due to privacy concerns, we couldn't take any photos, but it has gotten a nice facelift with some more offices to hold the growing crew of counselors.

CMMHC serves those that struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. There are counselors and social workers that assist clients as they regain their sense of self and acclimate into their communities to lead active and full lives. CMMHC has been a resource for mental health services since 1961 and now has 5 locations: Buffalo, Elk River, two in St. Cloud and one in Monticello. They have a 24 hour crisis response line as well at 320-253-5555.

Suzanne and Tracy Lord outside the building. Tracy was key in facilitating many of the changes to the office, but has since resigned to provide care for a family member. She will be missed!
AMBASSADORS ON THE MOVE
ALL OVER NUTRITION
1008 Commercial Drive #1
763-438-2134

From SpongeBob to Cookie Dough Frappe the drinks not only sound delicious but taste delicious and have heath benefits. The biggest sellers are actually Blueberry Almond Cheesecake (for the fruit lover), Brownie Batter (for the chocolate lover) and Caramel Latte (for the coffee lover).

With Herbalife as it's core, the drinks are health supplements, whether to be a healthy form of energy drink, protein drink, or to help in weight management. Besides the drinks, there are protein and healthy homemade snacks, weight loss challenges, exercise equipment you can use and it's a great place to socialize. Though it's not a true restaurant, it is both agriculture and restaurant licensed.

Herbalife's sales increased to 1.1 million in 2020 due to more people staying home and taking care of themselves. Owners Sherry and Dale Dahmen, will make the drinks/shakes for you, but are also willing and wanting to show you how to make your own at home. They will both tell you that they have a successful business due to honesty, integrity, stability and longevity with their customers along with 20 years of knowledge and experience! Stop in and try out a flavor or two!

Below are owners Dale and Sherry behind the bar, with Ambassador Tina Anderson (Anchor Realty) and her Pomegranate energy drink, me with Raspberry Lemonade and Ambassador Cheree' Hoese (Commercial Realty Solutions) with her Caribbean Crush with 170 grams of caffeine! Sure she was wide awake helping her clients when she got back!
MEMBER HAPPENINGS
GRAND OPENING FOR CONNECTION POINTE CHURCH
3477 10th St NE, Buffalo (Spirit of Joy Church location)
Sunday, September 19th 11:15 a.m.

Though in town for a while, they are making it official with this grand opening event, fresh with bounce house and catered food and prizes.

Connection Pointe is a church full of hope, energy and friendly people wanting to share a relevant message, provide great music and be engrained in the neighborhood and community.

Meet lead Pastors Justin and Tara Petrali and their family and learn more about the kids' ministry too!
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
BUFFALO'S CLASSICS BY THE LAKE CAR SHOW
THIS Saturday, September 11th 10-2:00
Sturges Park

A summer time favorite for many - is seeing all the unbelievably cool classic cars pull in and fill the park! The forecast looks perfect, so stop on down, bring the kids and do some oohing and aahing!
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DO YOU NEED SOME COMMUNICATIONS HELP?

One of our Buffalo Royalty from a few years ago is looking for an internship that provides about 10 hours a week of work in the Corporate communications area. This would include social media, graphic design, writing of newsletters etc...She was calling to see what the Chamber had to offer, but thought one of you members might have a greater need. Can be paid or unpaid. Give me a shout if you have something in mind and I can share her contact information.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND HEALING

This year is the 20th anniversary of the 911 attack and the year of our own Buffalo Crossroads Clinic tragedy. Come hear music, speakers, and take a prayer walk. Free food and drink from 2-5:00 to our first responders and Allina Crossroads employees. Free will donation for the public. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the day.
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW

Quick-link to the recent City of Buffalo public meetings:
Why do math books always look so sad? They are full of problems!
Be sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
STAY CONNECTED