Chamber Newsletter
July 2021
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Help Wanted...
There are very few businesses I have talked with who are not hiring.
And you already know you are not alone.
While the $300 unemployment incentive isn’t going away until September, or until the Governor declines the ‘benefit’, we are left to be ingenious, creative, change hours of operation, or even turn away business. This isn’t an article on how to get employees, because right now, we are shuffling the workers from business to business. This is about how to find the opportunities within the framework and resources you already have.
Just as Covid led us through an exercise of “what matters most,” it seems now we play the game of who can do the most with the least.
While many businesses are working so hard IN their business, it is very difficult to take time to work ON their business. And now is certainly an important time to look for new technologies to help with the work, research and test new processes, and implement time-saving ideas.
Right now every extra step you take, every turn of your body, each page or paper you turn or shuffle costs you time, and time is money.
I know this is difficult, frustrating, enraging, maddening… however, I am encouraging you to take an hour, or two, just to work ON your business.
- Look at what is working and what isn’t working well
- Ask your most valuable resource- employees- for their ideas for time savings
- Reach out to colleagues who may have ideas- no sense in reinventing the wheel
- Be sure to take good care of your employees you currently have. It isn’t just about how much you pay them. Show your appreciation, tell them you appreciate them, give them the opportunity to shine in their own way.
- Remember it is okay to adjust, try something…. Even if it doesn’t work, you will learn from it.
- Be open to restructure, rethinking, renewing, refreshing
Why do I put this out there like this? Because you CAN DO IT. You have already survived 100% of the hardest, most difficult days you have ever had. I believe in you and your ability to make it through this!
Post Note: the Hutchinson Chamber has signed onto a coalition letter with the MN Chamber and chambers around the state supporting the elimination the additional $300 unemployment benefit. We have also been in communication with DEED Commissioner Grove, sharing your stories and frustrations. While we haven’t gotten the responses we want, we continue to reach out.
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THANK YOU to everyone who had a hand in making Dairy Day a huge success! We greatly appreciate it!
We would especially like to thank our sponsors!
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Visionary Sponsor: Citizens Bank & Trust Co
- Champion Sponsors: Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
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Event Sponsors: Adara HomeHealth, CashWise Foods, CenBank, E.G. Rud & Sons Inc, Edina Realty Inc, Edward Jones – Nick Pederson, Goebel Fixture Company, Heartland AG Systems, Home State Bank, Hutchinson Co-op, Hutchinson Leader, Impressions Inc, Nystrom & Associates LTD, Piehl Hanson & Beckman PA, Plumbing & Heating by Craig Inc, Runnings, Skyview Dairy Inc., Stamp-n-Storage and Walmart Supercenter.
And a special shout out to: Agri-Business Committee, Benny’s Meat Market, Bongards, Celebrity Milkers, Community Volunteers, First District Dairy, HHS FFA Members, Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival Royal Family, the Kurth Family, McLeod County Dairy Princess & Ambassadors, McLeod County Extension and Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
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Hometown Golf Challenge-- July 30th |
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HometownGolfChallenge
Friday, July 30th
Crow River Golf Club
-New Games
-Cash Prizes
-Donations welcome
-Sponsorships available
#MuchInHutch Theme:
-costume and cart decorating contest
Hosted by and supporting programs of:
Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce
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Hutchinson Leadership Institure |
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Hutchinson Leadership Institute & Leadership 2.0 Enrollment for
2021-2022 is Open!
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The Hutchinson Leadership Institute is hosted by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. This comprehensive program is designed to build community leaders. Over the period of nine months, participants will experience 10 days of training and classes. Each participant will be assigned to a group service project, which will assess community needs, determine a project, and facilitate the project working with other community members and/or groups.
Once you have completed the Leadership program, you can participate in Leadership 2.0! The 2.0 program takes a deeper dive into personal leadership and how it can impact the future of the entire community.
If you have questions about this program please email Mary@explorehutchinson.com or call 320-234-0785.
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Perfect opportunity to clean out the extra stock, discount, and move items out your door!
· Add your Sales to the community calendar on ExploreHutchinson.com
· Use Hot Deals on the chamber website
· Email your customers, and add small reminders in current purchases
· Advertise your prizes and specials: By using radio, newspaper, social media
· Decorate your windows and entrances
· Enjoy extra traffic throughout Hutchinson
· Post photos of shoppers, product, and FUN
· Customers: we don’t own them, we earn them
HAVE FUN!
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Hutchinson Arts & Crafts & Taste of Hutchinson |
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FESTIVAL DATES:
September 17th – September 18th, 2021
Calling all vendors!!!! Tell your friends & family that we are still accepting applications for the Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival. Reach out to the Hutchinson Chamber and/or review the festival guidelines/application with any questions you may have. Apply Online!
Be sure to stop at Taste of Hutchinson to try something new, grab an old favorite or a cold drink.
Looking to become a vendor? Apply today as the spots fill quickly!
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Ambassador Business Visits |
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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.
June Ambassador Business Visits:
- Flank Steakhouse
- Marshalls
- Olita
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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.
Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event, or seeking more information should contact the Hutchinson Ambassadors.
If you're the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us!
No July Business After Hours has been planned. Please join us at the Hometown Golf Challenge.
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Warmest Welcome
to our NEWEST MEMBERS
Thank You to the following members for continuing their Membership as a
June renewal
- AmericInn Lodge & Suites
- Below Zero Frozen Yogurt
- Birthright Crisis Pregnancy Center
- Clay Coyote Gallery & Pottery
- Crow River Habitat for Humanity
- Days Inn & Suites
- Designs by Jane
- Duane Jindra Crop Insurance Agency, L.L.C.
- Iron Jungle CrossFit
- JBL Companies
- Marco Technologies
- Minnesota Pottery Festival
- NewClay Pottery
- Novation Credit Union
- Outdoor Motion
- Pro Maintenance, Inc.
- Stamp-n-Storage
- United Community Action Partnership
- Vivid Image, Inc.
- West Central Technology
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Are you searching for a new way to remind customers of the services/products you offer or maybe you have something new or different? Already have a promotional flyer and don’t feel like recreating the wheel?
Your search is over…
Chamber Members can add a newsletter insert to the Chamber’s monthly newsletter or request a Chamber Member mailing list. You can request these in one of two ways; purchase a single newsletter insert or mailing list; or to maximize your benefit by adding it to your membership as a 1 point option.
Feel free to reach out with any questions we are here for YOU!
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Are you or a co-worker no longer receiving the Chamber’s informational emails?
Please check your email filters to accept info@explorehutchinson.com and/or let us know. We are experiencing numerous bounces each month and are in need your help to fix the problem. Thank you for your hand in trying to correct it.
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QR Code- Have your event listed today! |
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Table Tents– Out.
QR Code Stickers– In.
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 about your event.
* Chamber Members: Login 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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2021 Tourism Marketing Grant |
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Grant applications are due by September 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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Crow River Winery and Vineyards is one of the premiere Minnesota Farm Wineries, located 2 miles east of Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Since beginning their project in 2004, the Crow River Winery staff has nurtured five vineyards and growing Minnesota Cold Climate grapes. They practice sustainable agriculture while growing grapes, hard neck garlic and pumpkins.
Locals and visitors have adopted the winery as a favorite venue for celebrations and annual events such as Grape Stomp, Pumpkin Fest, Sunday Live Music in the Courtyard, and more. It has beautiful facilities for weddings, anniversary parties, corporate events, fundraisers and all types of community revelry.
The Tasting Room offers wine, cider, local craft beers on tap and artisan pizzas along with other starter food options. Grab a table out on the courtyard and enjoy a glass of wine and a pizza any day of the week!
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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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