Chamber Newsletter
April 2021
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A year.
What a year it has been.
You may be reading this and thinking back to your own year. Here at the Chamber we had to pivot, just like many of you. Each business had to pivot in a different way, on different timelines, for different reasons.
We let two part-time employees go, moved home to work remotely, cancelled and postponed events, signed up for a Zoom account, and frankly, I prayed. In the early days, my motto when asked a question was “at this moment, right now, here’s how things are.” I remember sending out important updates to businesses, and an hour later, a new guideline would be announced. Daily updates, daily calls with DEED. Everyday I would hop on a series of phone calls, zoom meetings, everyone trying to predict how this would just ‘go away.’
We know now the coronavirus didn’t just go away. It has taken lives and livelihoods. We called and emailed members every day. Staff listened to sadness, frustration, grief, anger, confusion, every dang day. Sometimes, we were able to actually help, not just listen; providing resources of information, phone numbers, websites, and news.
Slowly daily update calls went to twice a week, weekly, and now bi-weekly. Your in box isn’t full of “newest covid updates” from me. The vaccine is here, which is a real shot in the arm. Pun intended.
Rainbows only happen after it has rained.
As I have watched so many of you jump hurdles, create lemonade dynasties from crushed lemons, smile through the pain, help others hurting more than you, find silver linings, pivot… swivel…. rotate… twist…. spin… whirl…swing…revolve…evolve….
You may have had to find unique ways to get product to customers, or add employees to produce more of what you make due to demand, work with less inventory and no display models, work from home, change your work model, diversify your business, find great projects to keep employees working with PPP.
Your creativity in managing a pandemic is endless. Your willingness to help a neighbor or a stranger has been magical. Somehow in the middle of the pandemic, we have found a sense of accomplishment, strength, and agility most of us didn’t realize we had or needed.
I hope we never lose what we gained during this time. Well… the extra pounds, masks, and social distancing can go away. 😊But the knowledge that WE CAN DO HARD THINGS… I hope we never lose that wisdom.
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QR Code- Hutchinson Events |
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Table Tents– Out.
QR Code Stickers– In.
Boost Your Event
Just like table tents, QR stickers will be around the community to tell your story louder and farther.
Direct Link
All paid entries will be linked directly to your community calendar event entry, allowing people to get specific details about your event.
Stretch Your Marketing Dollars
List your event up to twelve months in advance.
We’ve lowered the price due to
printing costs being eliminated.
And, what’s not to love about no deadlines?
How to Utilize This Program
· Send payment via cash, check, or credit card
* Chamber Members may request invoice
· GO IMMEDIATELY to the Calendar of Events Page on our website and input as much information as possible.
* Chamber Members: Enter your event via your portal for easy access to make updates as necessary.
OPEN TO ALL HUTCHINSON EVENTS:
Specific date(s).
Dates must be consecutive, or a second entry/fee
is required for non consecutive days.
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Arts & Crafts Applications |
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Are you or do you know someone that loves to craft?
Maybe you started a side business... whatever it may be you should seriously consider this event!
FESTIVAL DATES:
Friday, September 17th – Saturday, September 18th, 2021
Click here to review festival guidelines and/or print a copy of the application. Are you interested or do you know someone that would like to be a vendor for Taste of Hutchinson? Looking for the application? Find it here!
For any questions, please contact the Chamber at
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Ambassador Ribbon Cutting |
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The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social arm of the Hutchinson Chamber by actively supporting and promoting Hutchinson and its surrounding business community.
The Ambassador’s Facebook page is a great place to see photos of all the visits and other special events hosted by the Ambassadors.
You may have seen our Ambassadors around town – you can recognize them by their blue shirts and friendly smiles. They welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.
March Ambassador Business Visits:
- Act Your Age LLC
- Escapade Campers
- Nekton Sports Performance
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Business After Hours- April |
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Business After Hours is back in business!!
Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow Chamber Members. Get behind the scenes access to our local businesses… see what they make, do, or provide for our community. This monthly event is open to all Chamber Member business employees or by a Chamber invitation.
If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us!
Registration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.
April’s Business After Hours will be held on
Wednesday, April 7th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at
Main Street Sports Bar * Sponsored by Hometown Realty
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What is Chamber Check In Friday?
It is the perfect COVID friendly networking opportunity to attend until our regular business connections are back in full swing. Chamber Check-In Friday occurs on the first Friday of each month. During this zoom you will learn what's new in Hutchinson, share your business update, network AND have the chance to win a local business gift card!
Our next Chamber Check-In will be (Tomorrow) April 2nd @7:30am.
-All you need to do is register and we'll see you there! |
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Warmest Welcome
to our NEWEST MEMBERS
Thank You to the following members for continuing their Membership as a
March renewal
- Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
- Coffee & Bagels (Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros Bagels)
- Common Cup Ministry, Inc.
- Crow River Floral
- Crow River Winery
- Edina Realty, Inc.
- Five Star Financial- John Sanken
- GAG Sheet Metal, Inc.
- Goebel Fixture Co.
- GSM Hutchinson
- Hutchinson Jaycees Water Carnival
- Hutchinson Seventh-Day Adventist Church
- Impressions Inc.
- Kids Inc Child Care
- Masterson Staffing Solutions
- Minnesota Garlic Festival
- McLeod Alliance, Inc.
- SEH Of Hutchinson
- Shamrock Inn
- Shoe Sensation
- Sonora's Mexican Restaurant
- SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
- SteppingStone Therapeutic Inc.
- Welcome Home Management
- Wendorff Insurance
- West Central Sanitation
- Woodstone Senior & Active Living
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2021 Tourism Marketing Grant |
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Grant applications are due by June 1, 2021!
Since 2013, the Chamber has enjoyed granting money to events held in Hutchinson hosted by nonprofits and for-profits. These grants help cover the expense of marketing that covers a radius outside the Hutchinson area for the event. These events help the Chamber bring more people to our beautiful and welcoming community – there really is #MuchInHutch!
Tell your friends, co-workers, committees, and organizations about the Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Grant. We love to help events as they help us and increase the traffic and awesomeness of Hutchinson!
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H Fit 360 opened their doors in June of 2020 in Hutchinson, MN.
This self-described strong willed and determined woman managed through COVID & Main Street road construction to proudly open a new business during a pandemic! Sheila opened H Fit 360, a first-class modern fitness center with a vast array of cardio, strength and group fitness options. When asked, ‘what is the greatest asset of H Fit 360?’ Sheila responded with "Our greatest asset is our people, truly great (qualified) group fitness instructors who possess a natural passion for fitness with the professionalism of being an inspirational leader. Personal training adapted for the individual, not recycled from the previous session".
Sheila was also asked ‘how does H Fit 360 encourage each and every one of their members whom are all at different stages?’ "H Fit 360 is like an extension of my family, I wear my heart on my sleeve and let my members do the talking. I am not one to boast how much I can lift, show-off my abilities or even feel comfortable in a video of myself. I am here to make our members lives better whether that is through a heavy deadlift, a striking cobra or a deep tissue/muscle release massage. All ages can reap the benefit of movement and my overall goal is to create happier people from within! "
This new contemporary gym consisting of two levels. On the ground floor they offer a dedicated heavy lifting base with a variety of free weight options as well as cardio and free style. The second floor offers another cardio zone for those not wanting to be in the hustle and bustle of the main gym. Alongside the cardio is a group fitness studio, all of which areas are open 24/7.
Personal Training | Group Classes | Freeweights | Tanning Room Silver Sneakers | Silver & Fit Programs
Did you know?
-7 day Free Trial is available
-Health Insurance Reimbursement
-Senior Programs are available
-A Body in motion, stays in motion!
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Are you under 40 and looking for a professional group to be apart of? Look no further... PULSE is here.
PULSE is a group of Professionals Under 40, Leading, Socializing, and Educating. This group hosts monthly lunch & learn events and holds four social events throughout the year.
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Wondering how to have your business displayed here? Call Cegi at the Chamber with your questions! |
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