Annual Awards Banquet: Registration Now Open!

Sponsorship opportunities and registration are now open for the Northfield Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet on January 29th. Join us for an evening celebrating our business community, honoring achievements, and connecting with fellow members.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event!

IRS Updates 2026 tax guidance for Paid Leave benefits 

On Friday, December 19th, the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) changed its guidance regarding federal tax treatment for state Paid Leave programs in 2026. Specifically, it delayed certain federal tax withholding and reporting requirements for paid Medical Leave until 2027. This should simplify tax compliance requirements for Minnesota employers in 2026.

Click HERE for more information.

SCORE.org

Get help at every stage of business. Whether you’re starting, expanding or preparing to exit your business, SCORE’s experienced mentors are here to guide you – at no cost. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and faster growth. Their upcoming webinars include Social Media Marketing, 2026 Marketing Shortcut You’ll Wish You Had Sooner, and Protect Your Ideas: Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights Made Simple.

Explore more:  https://www.score.org/

AmEx Shop Small Grants Program details

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program, in partnership with American Express®, will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities. The program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution, and as a result of its giving pledge for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday®, American Express will now contribute an additional $5.1 million to the program – totaling over $10 million in grants.



The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive. 

Applications are open now through Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT. 

For more details and to apply, please visit Main Street America’s page: Amex Shop Small Grants Program | Main Street America.

We are booking our networking events in 2026 and you could be a host! Email Rachel if you are interested.

• Morning Mingle: Every 2nd Thursday of the month 7:30-8:30am
• Business After Hours: Every 4th Tuesday of the month 4:30-6pm

Protect your Workforce from Immigration Enforcement and Ensuring I-9 Compliance-

January 8th @ 6pm at St. John's Lutheran Church Hall

Presenters: Loan Huynh & Jeremy Ruppert of the law firm Fredrikson & Byron, PA. Loan chairs the Fredrikson Immigration Group and also leads its I‑9 audit and corporate immigration compliance, and its H‑2 temporary workers practice areas. Jeremy is an associate who is experienced in assisting companies with worksite enforcement and I-9 inspections.

Moderator: Gina Washburn. Gina is a retired attorney who chairs the First United Church of Christ Immigrant Welcoming Ministry.



Law Firm: Fredrikson was founded 75 years ago, has grown to 400+ attorneys practicing in 50+ specialized areas from ten global offices. They have clients across the healthcare, financial services, energy, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, consumer products and technology sectors.