Chamber Links: news and updates | | August 27th, 2025 | Volume 7 Issue 8 | | This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
Sweater Weather?
As we wrap up a busy summer, I want to take a moment to thank our community, our volunteers, and our members for their continued support.
Read more from Heather's blog here
| | Some Happenings in the Lake City Area | | |
Lake City on a Stick
August 30th, 10am-5pm
(The Shops of Lake City)
Lake City On A Stick is a wacky, fun twist on all things on a stick at the MN State Fair. The Shops of Lake City have "On A Stick" items for you to purchase. Have a laugh and hop around to our local retailers!
New this year: I-Spy Scavenger, Find the 8 Sailboats at 8 of the Downtown Shops of Lake City retailers! Print or go to Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery to pick up your Flyer/Form to prepare for Aug. 30th 10AM-5PM Lake City On A Stick!
Check here to see the shops/eateries hopping on board for this event!
See you downtown!
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Rachael Kilgour
September 5th, 7:30pm
(Oak Center General Store)
Celebrated Minnesota singer-songwriter Rachael Kilgour presents 'My Father Loved Me', as part of a one-woman storytelling performance.
The live performance balances Kilgour's poignant, literate songs with her quick wit, landing somewhere between a comedy special and a tender eulogy. Listeners can expect to laugh, weep, and reflect on their own relationships with fatherhood, mortality and grief.
Kilgour is a 2025 McKnight Music Fellow, and has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Learn more and get tickets here
See the General Store's Fall line up here
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Brent and Sheena at LCAA
August 30th, 7pm
(Lake City Area Arts)
Brent Wyatt and Sheena Tisland have established their duo, Brent & Sheena, as one of the most prolific acts of Southeastern Minnesota in recent years. Teachers by day and Rockers by night, Brent & Sheena share the peace, love, and grooves of music from the 1960’s to today.
The Lake City Area Arts is pleased to bring this amazing regional twosome to its stage on August 30th.
Doors open at 6:30pm.
Concert begins at 7pm.
Tickets are available at the door.
Learn about the event here
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Tickets On Sale Now for Johnny Appleseed Beer and Cider Fest
Celebrate the autumn harvest with us at our 3rd Annual Johnny Appleseed Beer and Cider Fest. Dozens of cideries and breweries will be on hand at Johnny Appleseed Day to sample their delicious elixirs.
Enjoy a full line up of incredible live music, scores of arts and craft vendors, numerous food trucks, and the most beautiful vistas in southern Minnesota, all whilst sipping on a variety of the regions best brews and ciders.
Get tickets here
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Advertise in Visit Lake City's Travel Guide
Work has officially begun on the design of a new 2 year (2026/2027) visitor and community guide, with printing on tap to begin in fall with a broad statewide and regional distribution in time for the holidays as a goal. The 10,000 copy guide run will be printed in full color, with perfect binding, and a soft touch cover, giving it a polished look that will be a perfect keepsake for coffee tables and bookshelves.
Chamber staff will be visiting and contacting local businesses and organizations for ads over the upcoming weeks. Secure your perfect spot in the guide early by getting in touch with Heather now at director@lakecity.org or by phone at (651) 345-4123.
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Forward Bank Customer Appreciation
Lake City, mark your calendars! Forward Bank is bringing food trucks downtown for a Customer Appreciation event. Enjoy delicious meals, connect with friends, and celebrate community.
Full details available here.
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Paid Family and Medical Leave
The Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) mandate is starting January 1, 2026 for all employers in the state. This massive new program will require new payroll taxes, employee notifications and other major HR shifts.
Ensure your business is ready with the Minnesota Chamber's new employer-focused PFML resource guide.
This new resource includes FAQs for employers, on-demand webinars and links to helpful resources from the state. We’ve broken it all down for you: who’s covered, how it’s funded, key deadlines and what you need to do now to stay compliant.
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The Minnesota Business Podcast
In an increasingly busy world, stay ahead of the curve with The Minnesota Business Podcast, your essential weekly digest of Minnesota business and public affairs news. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur or policymaker, this podcast, provided by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, is designed to efficiently get you all the vital Minnesota business news you need. Don't miss a headline – keep your finger on the pulse of Minnesota's business world with us by subscribing here today.
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Author Sets New Novel in Lake City
Tenneco Alena McPherson, an author, artist, and resident of the Driftless Area has released a new novel set in none other than Lake City! The novel, titled Twist of Fate, follows a fictional detective named Ben Kessler on a journey marked with adventure, suspense, and lots of twists and turns.
Learn more about the author, and purchase her book on her website
See which Lake City locations are featured in the novel here
Meet the author at Lake City's Dog House Books on October 9th from 5-8pm
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MN Intl Trade Award Nomination Deadline Extended
The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is accepting nominations for the 40th Annual Governor’s International Trade Awards. As this year marks an incredible four-decade milestone, these prestigious awards are given out each year to honor Minnesota companies that have excelled in the international marketplace. Award recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony to be scheduled in early 2026.
Learn more about the awards and categories here
*Nomination Deadline has been extended to August 29th. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominate here
| | | September Business After Hours at Musty-Barnhart | |
On Thursday, September 25th, the Chamber and Musty Barnhart Agency Inc are teaming up for a rooftop networking event at the Rivage. This annual event is a must on your calendar. IYKYK
Get more info about the event and RSVP here
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St. Croix Hospice
On 8/21/25 Lake City Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassadors joined St. Croix Hospice to welcome this new business to our community with a Ribbon Cutting event.
St. Croix Hospice supports patients, families and caregivers by providing compassionate care when it’s needed most. We deliver exceptional hospice services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and wherever a patient calls home. Our expert care teams live in the communities they serve, with more than 83 locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. St. Croix Hospice takes pride in round-the-clock availability, prompt response times and same-day admissions — including during evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact St. Croix Hospice 24/7 at 855-278-2764 or stcroixhospice.com
Pictured Left to Right: Brian Quinn (Lake City Mayor), Nancy Denzer (Lakeshore Real Estate), Annie Freid (Lake City Chamber), Jennifer Tepley (Lakeshore Real Estate), Penny Thomsen (St. Croix Hospice), Amy Williamson (St. Croix Hospice), Lindsay Jensen (St. Croix Hospice), Joe White (Acrotech), Doris Schurhammer (Forward Bank), Andrea Hazard (Forward Bank)
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Willow Brooke Farm
On 8/13/2025, Lake City Chamber of Commerce staff, ambassadors, and community members gathered at Willow Brooke Farm to welcome them as a new Chamber member with a Ribbon Cutting.
Willow Brooke Farm, located just outside of Lake City, offers a charming and versatile venue for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. The property features a beautifully restored barn, scenic outdoor spaces, and modern amenities — providing guests with both rustic charm and contemporary comfort. In addition to hosting events, Willow Brooke Farm is dedicated to fostering community connections and supporting local businesses through partnerships and collaborations.
Pictured Left to Right: Dave Breitenfield (Lake City Boat Club and Rentals), Nancy Denzer (Lakeshore Real Estate), Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate), Jessie Lodermeier (Willow Brooke Farm), Travis Simonson (Willow Brooke Farm), Jaycee Gilbertson (Willow Brooke Farm), Beccah Risdall (Willow Brooke Farm- Owner), Sandy Meier (DLC), Andrea Hazard (Forward Bank), Heather Thomas (Lake City Chamber), Eric Meier (DLC), Brian Quinn (Lake City Mayor)
Ribbon Cutting events bring together Chamber staff, board members, ambassadors, and local business leaders to celebrate new Chamber member establishments, showcase their offerings, and encourage the community to support them.
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Chamber Director Attends Executive Training Program
Lake City Chamber Director, Heather Thomas, recently completed another step in the Executive Leadership Program (ELP). The ELP is professional development initiative for chamber of commerce professionals. Offered by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) every other year, the ELP provides chamber executives with in-depth training to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers within the chamber industry.
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Chamber Bucks Changes
We’re excited to roll out Chamber eBucks, the new digital version of our popular Chamber Bucks program. We are currently working with participating businesses to get everything set up and more details will be coming soon. As we make this transition, please note that all paper Chamber Bucks must be redeemed by December 31, 2025. This is your heads-up to use any paper bucks before the year ends. Contact our office to learn more.
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