August 2015

Ask me how my day is going and my normal response is "never better." It is a positive upbeat response that puts a smile of the recipient's face. However, I have contemplated changing that answer to "just another crazy daze at the chamber." More than just a play on words from last weeks business community event, Crazy Daze.

 

It has been just over nine months since I was hired to lead and manage the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. With the help of a dedicated board, engaged volunteer membership and an energetic staff, we have been able to bring back the energy and excitement to the Chamber. 

 

We have revitalized and reintroduced so many programs and events in the past nine months. We reinstituted the Chamber Bucks program, the best shop local program that keeps dollars within the community. I can't tell you how many people have thanked the Chamber for bring back that program.

 

We have started back with great success our Morning Business Brew and Business After Hours networking events, which allow our members to interact with each other and showcase their place of business.

 

We have reintroduced our small business seminars, where our members can lunch and learn on new and interesting topics that affect their everyday business. Our general membership luncheon series will return this fall.

 

We have remodeled our weekly e-mail bursts update and monthly e-newsletter with marketing opportunities for our members. Our "Just One More" membership campaign will end with the publishing of a new membership directory and official area guide book to be printed in early fall. Members keep telling me I am crazy to try to get everything done within the first year.

 

Internally, we have moved offices, upgraded our telephone system and purchased new computers and software. We have streamlined out accounting system, revised our articles and by-laws and are working daily to maximize our data management system ChamberMaster so our members can get the most out of their membership tools.

 

All this plus the craziness they call social media helps us achieve our newly established values and goals and 2015-2017 strategic plan.

 

Oh, did I forget to mention that within the first 60 days of my employment, I was spotted walking down Division Street dressed in a reindeer costume with a TV crew form Twin City's Live promoting the "best" winter festival event in the state of Minnesota - Winter Walk?

 

Yep, just another crazy daze at the chamber, and I would not want it to be any other way.

 

Todd
Crazy Daze

Crazy Daze 2015 was a huge success with beautiful weather and activate shoppers! Many local downtown businesses brought it the streets with crazy good deals and activities.

Announcement for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce 

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has selected Douglas B. Loon as its new president. Loon, currently a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will fill the vacancy left by David Olson who passed away last July.

 

Loon will resign his post as the U.S. Chamber's vice president for regional affairs and advocacy for the Midwest Region and assume his new role on Sept. 8. Bill Blazar, who served as interim president and did not apply for the president position, will guide Loon through the transition while returning to his previous role as senior vice president of public affairs and business development.

The Minnesota Chamber hired an independent firm to conduct a nationwide search. Loon has worked for the U.S. Chamber since 1995 and has been based in Eden Prairie, Minn. since 1998.

 

Upcoming Events

AUGUST

 

Monday
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10:00 am

Ambassador Committee Business Visit
 

 

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4:30 pm

Business After Hours 

 


 

 
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8:00 am
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Welcome
New Members!!

JUNE 

 

Cannon Valley Moving  

33615 Highway 52 Blvd

Cannon Falls, MN 55009

651-361-0688    

Primary Contact: Ben Edwards

 

Capital Construction      

406 Gateway Boulevard               

Burnsville, MN 55337     

855-766-3221

Primary Contact: Andy Oakes

 

Larson Printing 

207 Water St S  

Northfield, MN 55057   

507-645-7238    

Primary Contact: Kurt Larson

 

Launch5 Media

813 North Linden Street

Northfield, Minnesota 55057     

507-403-4117    

Primary Contact: Mark  Ross

 

Rice County Habitat for Humanity            

130 Deleware Street SE

Lonsdale, MN 55046      

507-744-2933    

Primary Contact: Dayna Nonold 

 

JULY 

 

Budget Blinds of Red Wing          

452 Valhalla Court NW  

Rochester, MN 55901    

507-722-2655    

Primary Contact: Thomas Draeger

                           

Haugen Chiropractic      

206 West 7th Street       

Northfield, MN 55057   

507-663-1271    

Primary Contact: Dr. Peter Haugen

 

Mainstream Boutique   

506 Division Street          

Northfield, MN 55057   

507-366-6786    

Primary Contact: Jean Thares

 

Valley Staffing Inc.          

211 1st Avenue Northwest         

Faribault, MN 55021       

507-332-9041    

Primary Contact: Jim Fisher
June's Top Three Businesses for
Chamber Buck Redemption:

1. Culver's
2. Kwik Trip 
3. Rare Pair

Remember 
Chamber Bucks make great gifts or employee
 
incentives  Available all year in $5, $10 and $25!

logo

Ambassador's In Action!

Cannon Valley Veterinary 

Contact: Shawn McLeran 507-301-6059

Ambassadors from left to right:

Jim Williams - Forget-Me-Not-Florist, Inc

Larry Anthony - Apple Chevrolet Buick 

Lindsay Reddy - Northfield Area Chamber 

Bob Cross - Professional Pride Reality 

Marty Benson - Community Resource Bank 

Martha Kasper - Edina Realty 

Todd Anderson - Dicks Sanitation 

 

Driessen Culligan of Northfield

Contact: Mike Ritter 507-645-6621

Ambassadors from left to right:  

Todd Anderson - Dicks Sanitation 

Martha Kasper - Edina Realty 

Marty Benson - Community Resource Bank 

Larry Anthony - Apple Chevrolet Buick 

Bob Cross - Professional Pride Reality 

Jim Williams - Forget-Me-Not-Florist
Member News

Jaguar Communications invites you to their Owatonna open house Wednesday, July 29th from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends to experience all that Jaguar has to offer. The kids can have a blast in the bouncy castle while you take a tour of the new office. Enter the "experience the difference" lounge, hit a ball or two on a golf simulator, and then grab some food and drinks. You won't want to miss this experience! 

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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently renewed Northfield Hospital's designation as a Level 4 trauma hospital.

 

The designation affirms that Northfield Hospital's Emergency Department staff has trauma-specific training and protocols in place to facilitate rapid management of the patient. With the designation, Northfield Hospital is included in Minnesota's statewide trauma system

 

"The goal of a trauma system is to decrease an injured patient's time to care by making sure their medical needs are appropriately matched with hospital resources," said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Edward Ehlinger.

 

Trauma is the third leading cause of death, Dr. Ehlinger said. On average, trauma claims the lives of 2,400 Minnesotans annually. For severely injured people, the time between sustaining an injury and receiving definitive care is the most important predictor of survival, according to health officials. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15 to 20 percent.

 

Northfield Hospital first received a trauma designation in 2009. Hospitals need to be re-designated every three years. The designation is based on an outside review of its resources and capacity to care for trauma patients. Northfield Hospital met standards for commitment, clinical and equipment resources and staff training. The hospital also participates in a continuous improvement process.

 

Deb Maestri, Director of Northfield Hospital's Emergency Department, says participation in the State Trauma Registry contributes to improved outcomes for patients involved in tragic accidents.

"Throughout the year, we continue to train our staff and strive to provide outstanding patient care which translates into an excellent patient experience," Maestri said.

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Do you have business news to share? We want to hear about it! Please contact Lindsay at lindsay@northfieldchamber.com to have your big announcement in next months newsletter. 
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce | Lindsay@northfieldchamber.com   http://www.northfieldchamber.com
 205 Third Street, Suite B
Northfield, MN 55057