The Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau serves our business members,

promotes our local assets and shapes the future of our community.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP/SUPPORT

Maybe you don't know this, but the Chamber office relies, about 50/50, on dues income and event revenue to exist? We are not a part of the City of Buffalo as many believe, though we appreciate their support in much of what we do. We are a two-person office that works hard to support you, our members, and our community while running a tourism arm to promote Buffalo as a great place to visit as well. Visitors bring in patrons to our stores, restaurants and gas stations. It's a busy office with lots going on always! Speaking of busy....

Have you seen the new Chamber Directory/Community Resource Guide? You should have received one in your business and home mailbox. Let me know if you would like more to have at your place of business! We want to get these in the hands of people/customers/visitors! Putting this together takes a lot of time and patience as we look for just the right photo, write interesting feature stories, and ensure that our member listing, event calendar and community information is current. I consider it a coffee table read - but I also use mine daily here and at home when I need a phone number! They will be distributed to the realty offices, hotels, and City Hall but let us know if you want more!

Let me know how we can continue to support you! Would you like to have the Ambassador team visit? Would you like to host a Good Morning Buffalo? Do you have some great training needs/ideas? Would you like to sponsor and be part of an event? Maybe you like to volunteer for community events. Just let me know! We are here to serve you!

KITES ON ICE CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT STILL HAPPENING!

Though it may not look like this, the 25 teams registered to play this weekend will still play Saturday in the parking lot of Huikko's/Bison Creek at 11:30. If you are looking to come have lunch and cheer them on you are welcome to do so!

IN-MOTION CHIROPRACTIC

NEXT Thursday, February 15th 8:00 a.m.

1303 1st St NE

www.InMotionBuffalo.com

Come see Bill and Shannon Carter's as they have moved across town from Marty Drive to the industrial park area. Enjoy some coffee and treats and share what's new in your business with other member business leaders! No better way to start the day!

LET'S BOWL!

NEXT THURSDAY AFTERNOON: From a Good Morning to a Good Afternoon Buffalo on the same day! Huikko's Entertainment Center is hosting a bowling social for our area Chambers! Come on over and let's bowl. No cost, just the expense of watching some of us get gutter balls!

If you know you are coming - just send me an email. Just like to have an idea for headcount!

CAREER DAY AT BCMS

Thank you to all 17 members that took time out of their day to participate in the Buffalo Community Middle School Career Exploration Day. This was the second of three set up for the year! Some of you brought props and some of you brought candy! You knew how to speak the language of 6th graders. I spoke in one classroom, and they had really good questions! It's all about exposing our next generation of leaders, to what career options they have right here in their own community!

As you are out and about do you make a purpose to do business with only other Chamber members? Do you recognize and thank the businesses that are fellow members? When you walk in the door of a business- take note - do they have a Chamber member window cling?

If you've never eaten at Gather Kitchen, you are missing out! Just follow her on FB (GatherKitchenMN) for the daily specials! Delicious!

SUE SAYS

NEED HELP RETAINING/RETRAINING/HIRING NEW EMPLOYEES

Was reading the Wright County Economic Development Partnership newsletter and stole a couple links that might be of interest. The State has grant monies available for different training/retraining programs that may apply to your workforce.

Also found an interesting article in Forbes magazine that might help in your hiring process. New year - new ideas!

https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/how-find-employees/

Not sure about Tik Tok, as I'm too old school, but was interesting to consider college alumni job boards as an option!

BUFFALO STRONG WEEK - SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

It is Buffalo Strong week as we remember 3 years ago on Friday. The Chamber office will have Buffalo Strong hoodies, tees and hats to sell as will Culver's and the hospital gift shop. Cash or check only to Buffalo Strong. Hoodies are $30, tees $15 and hats $10. Monies raised will go towards grants distributed this summer for individual and community wellness needs. Then Buffalo Strong will host the Street Party of Hope in September - another way to continue the mental health and wellness of our community!

Culver's is also going to have a donation coupon. Donate a dollar to Buffalo Strong and get a dollar off a value basket coupon to be used on their next visit. One coupon per basket. The coupon does not expire.

The offer runs all week from February 4th-9th!

POLAR PLUNGE 2024!

There are already 173 jumpers that have raised over $27,800 toward their $80,000 goal for Special Olympics! Register at www.plungemn.org

ONLY 180 POUNDS AWAY FROM OUR BENCH!

Thanks to all of you who have brought plastic bags into the office to collect for the making of a maintenance free bench. We are close to meeting our annual goal and it only took 5 months to do it, thanks to Whirltronics helping us with the cause! We will continue to collect plastic for whomever the next lucky recipient may be so keep on bringing it in!