Chamber Links: news and updates | | October 30th, 2025 | Volume 7 Issue 10 | | This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
Glowing with Gratitude
As the leaves turn and our town begins to glow with fall color, I can’t help but feel immense pride and gratitude for the incredible community spirit that surrounds Fall Fest. What a season it has been! From the Grand Opening of the Fun Zone and the always-beloved Johnny Appleseed Day to the hands-on excitement of Touch-A-Truck, our Fall Fest Luncheon, the new Dead Run 5k, and the family-favorite Halloween Haunt with Trunk or Treat — every event was a smashing success.
Read more from Heather's blog here
| | Some Happenings in the Lake City Area | | |
Doe Day
November 8th, 10am-5pm
(The Shops of Lake City)
When the bucks are away, the does will play! Join us in downtown Lake City for a fun day of shopping, deals, and local charm during Doe Days!
Dress in your brightest blaze orange gear and get ready to shop “The Shops” of Lake City.
Participating stores will be offering special deals, promotions, and giveaways throughout the day.
With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your gift list while supporting local businesses.
Keep an eye out for the color orange in participating stores and enjoy a day filled with laughter, shopping, and community spirit!
Learn more and keep updated here
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Festival of Wreaths
and Holiday Home Tour
(Lake City Area Arts)
DATES:
Festival of Wreaths - Nov 16th to Dec 13th. Wreaths will be on display and available to purchase, or you can bid online if you are looking for a bargain (Auction Link Available on Nov 16th)!
Holiday Home Tour - Dec 13th, 4:30pm
Holiday Reception and Map pickup is at LCAA, 105 W. Center Street. Home Tours begin at 5:30.
The Holiday Home Tour and Festival of Wreaths are Lake City Area Arts festive annual fundraisers to advance its efforts to support exhibits, educational events, diverse cultural events and outreach programs.
Learn more here
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Light up Lake City and Christmas by the Lake
November 29th, 1pm-6pm
(Downtown Lake City)
Join Lake City's downtown shops and restaurants invite you to their annual Christmas by the Lake celebration on Shop Small Saturday.
Downtown will be lit up, decorated, and chock full of fantastic gifts in anticipation of the Christmas and holiday season!
Then, after enjoying a day of small business holiday shopping in Lake City's quaint shops, join our festive community for carolers, hot drinks, and a chance to tell Santa Claus all about your Christmas wishes at picturesque Patton Park from 4-6pm!
Learn more about the event and see Santa's firetruck parade route here
| | We're Off to See the Wizard! | | We're off to see the Wizard, how about you??? If there's one thing certain in Lake City it is that Lincoln High's finest always put on one of the most entertaining events of the year! This year they present the Wizard of OZ, November 6-8th. See you there? | | Manufacturing Month in Lake City | | October marked Manufacturing Month in Lake City, highlighting the strength and impact of our local manufacturing sector. Throughout the month, tours were hosted at Valley Craft, Hearth & Home Technologies, Acrotech, Inc., and Pepin Manufacturing, Inc., providing community members, local service businesses, city staff, and the regional technical college an inside look at modern manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Luncheon saw record attendance, featuring keynote speaker Bob Kill from Enterprise Minnesota and a panel discussion that included Jim Siewert of Pepin Manufacturing, Inc. and Bruno Rahn of Hearth & Home Technologies. The event served as a valuable opportunity to recognize the contributions of local manufacturers to our regional economy and workforce. The Lake City Chamber remains committed to fostering strong partnerships with the manufacturing community and supporting continued growth within this vital industry sector. | | | | | |
Grant Opportunity for SOMN Businesses
Through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will award $1.3 million in competitive grants to businesses in southern Minnesota to invest in existing operations or planned growth. The grant window is currently open and will close on Nov 17, 2025.
Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000 and can be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, equipment, and other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business.
See the guidelines and apply here
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Paid Leave Rules Come Into Focus
Regardless of whether they’ve anticipated, forgotten, or dreaded it, Minnesota businesses need to address the state’s new Paid Leave program. Employers will have to comply with the new law starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Passed in 2023, the Paid Leave legislation has gone through some changes and plenty of controversy. The state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) published its final Paid Leave rules in June.
Read the full article in Twin Cities Business Magazine here
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Minnesota Business Podcast Tackles Paid Medical and Family Leave
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.
Listen to this episode here
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Anytime Celebrates Milestone
Over the past 20 years, Anytime Fitness Lake City has grown into more than just a gym — it’s become a hub for wellness, friendship, and encouragement. The October 25th anniversary celebration was not just a milestone for the club, but a heartfelt “thank you” to the members, coaches, and community who have been part of the journey.
As the club looks ahead to the next 20 years, the mission remains the same: to help people thrive — physically, mentally, and emotionally — anytime, anywhere. Visit Lake City's Anytime Fitness online here
Pictured left to right: AnneMarie Kjelland (Ambassador), Aiden Crowley (Anytime Fitness), Christy Birch (Anytime Fitness), Teri Bissonnette (Owner), Connie Bissonnette (Anytime Fitness), Amy Henderson (Anytime Fitness), Heather Thomas (Lake City Chamber)
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Let’s Talk Chamber!
Wednesday, Nov 5, 8am
(Lake City Chamber)
Our next Chamber 101 session is your chance to discover all the ways we can help your business grow. Meet fellow members, learn about upcoming programs, and find out how to maximize your membership benefits. RSVP here
| | | November Business After Hours with Rebel Fire | |
Join us for Business After Hours with Rebel Fire Que'N Company!
Wednesday, November 20
5:00–6:30 PM
Lake City Chamber of Commerce Office
Stop by for great food, local connections, and a relaxed evening with our business community.
Get more info about the event and RSVP here
| Legacy Skis and Maverick Construction Ribbon Cutting | |
The Lake City Chamber of Commerce recently joined Maverick Construction and Legacy Skis for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating two locally owned businesses that continue to grow and innovate in Zumbro Falls.
Maverick Construction, founded in 1981 in Hanover, MN, built its reputation on craftsmanship and reliability. Now operating from Zumbro Falls, the company specializes in roofing, siding, gutters, and decks, and is both a certified GAF shingle installer and Trex Pro deck installer. What began as a small family business has grown into a trusted team dedicated to protecting homes and supporting the community.
Legacy Skis was launched in 2023 when owners Cole Nelson and Austin Walstad took over Connelly’s renowned jump ski line to carry its tradition into the future. With deep roots in the Rochester Waterski Team (SkiDox) and professional water ski shows, they continue to produce world-class 3-event and show jump skis trusted by athletes worldwide.
Both companies share a commitment to quality, innovation, and community—whether building homes that last or skis that soar.
Pictured Left to Right: Annie Freid (Lake City Chamber), Heidi Hartzell (Cascade Collective Sotheby's Realty), Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate), Austin Walstad (Legacy Skis), Melissa Krier (Discount Liquor), Cole Nelson (Legacy Skis/Maverick Construction), Heather Thomas (Lake City Chamber), AnneMarie Kjelland (Chamber Ambassador), Andrea Hazard (Forward Bank), Dorothy Cohan (Maverick Construction), Jodi Gillard (Cascade Collective Sotheby's Realty), Scott Nelson (Maverick Construction)
| | Scenes From Last Week at Fall Fest! | | |
This past weekend Fall Fest enlivened Underwood Park with its Halloween Haunt. Perfect for kids of all ages, this day was packed with treats, not tricks, including: games and crafts, food and music, a spooky graveyard, and much more!
This year, the Fall Fest Committee added Trunk or Treat to the mix, and it was a huge hit! Thanks to all who came out for the celebration. And thank you to all of this year's Fall Fest Sponsors.
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Chamber Bucks Changes Reminder
We’re excited to roll out Chamber eBucks, the new digital version of our popular Chamber Bucks program on December 1st. See new link for online sales and current locations here. All the paper bucks need to be used by December 31 or can be converted to eBucks at the chamber. Feel free to contact us for more info or to make sure your business is included in our active locations.
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