Chair of the Board
| Jeff Schlomann
Farm Bureau Financial Services
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Past Chair
| Traci Lardy
Presentation College
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Vice Chair
| Doug Hoffmann
3M
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Treasurer
| Allen Struck
State Bank of Fairmont
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Directors
Term Expires December 1, 2014
| Bob Bartingale
Mayo Clinic Health System - Fairmont
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Directors
Term Expires December 1, 2015
| Mae DeWar-Aust
Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center
 Doug Hoffmann3M  Joe MelshaIberdrola Renewables  Bonnie VetterFleet and Farm Supply  |
Directors
Term Expires December 1, 2016
| Stephanie Busiahn
Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau
 Dr. Kerri ButterisOptimal Health & Chriopractic  Sara CyphersD&S Trophies  Rich JohnsonCulligan Water Conditioning  |
Student Directors
| Kacey Kasel
Presentation College
 Kerry Nagel-AllenMRCI WorkSource  |
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Chamber Update
March 2014
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New Chamber Member
Serenade's By The Lake2321 Albion AvenueFairmont, MN 56031507-235-3856Serenade's By the Lake Steakhouse and Grill officially opened on December 4, 2013, but truth be known, the seeds for the business were planted back in the 1980's. It was at this time that Sarah Brown was growing up in the resort and restaurant business in northern Minnesota. Sarah was able to experience first-hand the fun and memories that are created when people dine in a nicely appointed, well run steakhouse, especially one that happens to overlook a lake. As time went on, and Sarah and her husband Nate moved to southern Minnesota, the couple became familiar with the Sirloin House in Fairmont, MN. They were well aware of the rich history the Sirloin House had in the community, and were disappointed to see the building start to fall into a state of disrepair. On a number of occasions, Sarah would comment that "she would love to buy that place and fix it up and have it look like a classic lakeside steakhouse."
After a series of twists and turns, Sarah's vision became reality on July 31, 2013, when Sarah and Nate Brown became the official owners of the Sirloin House property. In the succeeding 4 months, Nate and Sarah, along with the help of skilled craftsman, gracious family and friends, and their children, set about the task of remodeling the tired old building. The result of the remodel is a wonderful, spacious facility that captures the essence of Sarah's original vision.
Now that the remodeling is completed, Serenade's Steakhouse and Grill is off and running. The entire Serenade's staff, led by Executive Chef Tim Born, is working hard to provide customers with excellent service and great food in a spacious, relaxed environment. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu offers burgers, specialty sandwiches, salads and more. The dinner menu features steaks, chops, seafood and pasta as well as the Grill items. There is also a banquet and meeting room that caters to groups of up to 40. A patio is planned as the final step of renovations to provide for outdoor dining during the summer months. Sarah and Nate welcome you to come out to Serenade's By the Lake and experience southern Minnesota's newest dining destination.
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Repeal The New Business-To-Business Sales Taxes
Reduce business costs to improve the state's economic growth and competitiveness.
- Repeal all three sales taxes on business-to-business services that were enacted in 2013.
- Labor service charges for repair and maintenance of business equipment, effective July 1, 2013.
- Purchases of telecommunications equipment by telecommunications providers effective July 1, 2013.
- Storage and warehousing services of business related goods effective April 1, 2014.
The state's forecasted surplus provides a tremendous opportunity to address uncompetitive taxes and unnecessary taxes increased last session such as new fourth-tier individual income tax rate, the new gift tax and estate taxes, the high corporate tax rate and the lack of federal conformity.
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Business Briefs
Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC  507-235-8485Dr. Zephanie Skow is pleased to return to her hometown as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Skow focuses on nerve interference correction. Precise indicators are used to analyze and identify specific nerve interferences, caused by structural, chemical, emotional or electrical stresses on the body. Think of your home, if the foundation is not solid and undergoes stress, the entire structure becomes unstable. The same is true with the body, if one part of it becomes stressed due to nerve interference, the rest of it is weakened, leading to secondary conditions (symptoms). Dr. Skow also utilizes acupuncture services, which are effective in relieving secondary conditions caused by nerve interference as well. Dr. Skow can be reached by phone or by going online at www.alignchiropracticfmt.com. Find us on Facebook - Align Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLC!
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 Century 21 Northland Realty - Gilliam Tunnell507-399-9211Century 21 Northland Realty would like to recognize several of our agents for outstanding high achievement in real estate in 2013: Cinde Andersen reached Century 21 System Centurian level sales, and Jody Lyle reached Masters Ruby level sales. Also receiving recognition for their outstanding 2013 sales are Wendy Emler, Chuck Omvig, and Vonnie Cone. The Northland Realty office also received the Gold Medallion Award for surpassing the million dollar level in sales production within a calendar year. This award is a great honor for our office, representing hard work and commitment from all of our agents. While we celebrate the success of 2013, Century 21 Northland Realty remains focused on servicing the real estate needs of our community, because although we are part of a nationally-known company, we are a locally owned business with our roots here in Fairmont. |
 Edward Jones - Mandi Kosbab507-235-8524It's a good thing to have some savings. But "saving" is not "investing" - and knowing the difference can pay off for you. Think about it this way: Saving is for today, while investing is for tomorrow. A low-risk savings account, which offers ready access to your cash, is ideal for meeting your daily expenses and monthly bills. But for long-term goals, such as college for your children and a comfortable retirement for yourself, you should strongly consider investing - because investments, unlike typical savings accounts, have growth potential. Does investing carry risks? Yes. Investments can lose value, and there's no guarantee that losses will be recovered. Nonetheless, if you put all your money in savings, you're actually incurring an even bigger risk - the risk of not achieving your financial goals. In fact, a savings account might not even provide a return that keeps up with inflation. By finding the right balance between saving and investing, you can help yourself meet today's needs and tomorrow's aspirations. That's a winning combination. |
 Eunoia Family Resource Center507-235-6070Eunoia Family Resource Center is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Blue Earth. Heidi Schiltz, M.S., Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, will see patients at 220 North Main Street, Suite A, in Blue Earth (next to Thrivent Financial). Please call 855-WEL-MIND to set up an appointment! Also, Dr. Scott Dugan now provides sandtray therapy at the Fairmont location. Sandtray therapy is a great way for all ages to deal with trauma with play and laughter. His article about sandtray was in the January 25th issue of the Fairmont Sentinel. |
 HR Advisors507-399-1240Wesley Pruett, ACC, of HR Advisors LLC recently was recertified as an Associate Certified Coach, ACC, by the International Coach Federation, ICF. ICF is the leading global certification organization of over 16,000 professional coaches in 90 countries. Mr. Pruett primarily provides coaching in a business context to help guide professionals toward achieving their goals and aspirations. The coaching relationship provides insight and support when people are faced with difficult decisions, challenging situations, strategy development, relationship building, and the development and polishing of leadership skills.
ICF Credentialed coaches must meet the highest professional standards and adhere to a strong code of ethics. Credentialing requirements include supervised experience, coach-specific training, and written and oral assessment through strict examination conditions. Wes Pruett is the owner of HR Advisors LLC and can be contacted by calling 507-399-1240 or via email Wes@HRadvisors.biz. |
 Mayo Clinic Health System - Fairmont507-238-8100Finding the right health care locally is of vital importance, and it's more than just a convenience factor - long-distance travel can be physically taxing on patients. Not to mention that appointments requiring excess travel are a chief reason for missed appointments, which can lead to further health problems. That's why Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont offers a variety of specialty services right here in town. Among the many specialties offered are pediatrics, podiatry (foot and ankle care) and urology. These specialties provide patients with expert medical service while keeping them close to home. Call 507-238-8500 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. |
 New York Life Insurance Company - Doug Forstrom507-235-9519Local New York Life Insurance agent, Doug Forstrom was recently named the Minnesota Associate of the Year for 2013. The Associate of the Year is awarded to the agent associated with the Minnesota General Office in Edina who has the most first year commissions for the year. Forstrom has been with New York Life serving the Fairmont area for 36 years. |
Sweet Financial Services507-235-5587Sweet Financial Services has joined with the University of Minnesota Extension to present "Farm Transition & Estate Planning: Create Your Farm Legacy." This full-day workshop is filled with practical information and strategies to help farm families begin the process of transferring the farm business to the next generation. Participants get a greater understanding of transfer strategies, tax issues related to the transfer process, discuss methods for treatment of heirs in the transfer process, as well as how to go about preparing to meet with your transition and estate planning team. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 27th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The workshop is free, but space is limited - to pre-register please call Sarah at 507-235-5587.
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Let's Focus On What's Best For Children
By: David C. Olson - President of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
More than 250 individuals gathered in February at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Education Summit. The participants represented a diverse cross-section of Minnesotans from business leaders, parents, students, teachers, school administrators and leading education advocates for school change at the state and national levels. By introducing high-caliber national figures with ideas for common-sense reforms in Minnesota, and highlighting several promising local initiatives, our goal was to ignite a greater urgency for changes to the education system. The summit served as a springboard for the Minnesota Chamber and our local partners across the state to advance common-sense solutions at the 2014 Legislature to ensure a world-class workforce.
Minnesota has a tradition of exceptional schools and exceptional students. We boast high scores on national and international tests. Some of our kids are doing great. But if you look a little deeper, as The Education Trust's Kati Haycock showed us at the event, there is trouble. The gaps in academic achievement are narrowing in the elementary schools, but any traction there is being lost as students advance in the high schools.
Addressing Minnesota's distressing achievement gap between white students and students of color has been something the community has been talking about for a long time, but so far we've only made slight gains. We have a long way to go to ensure that all students have opportunities for lifelong success.
The summit had its detractors - those who charged that this was just another attempt by big corporations to run schools. It's disappointing that the rocks were thrown before the first speaker stepped to our podium. In truth, the ideas advanced echoed exactly what we are hearing from citizens across the state.
A poll recently conducted by the Minnesota Chamber showed strong support to: Provide opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school; give parents easy-to-understand data on how their students are doing; evaluate teacher performance, and use the results as a key factor in determining teacher tenure and pay; improve the performance of the college programs preparing teachers.
The collective message from speakers at the summit was clear: Put politics aside and do what's best for the children. The 2014 Legislature is about to begin, and we're ready to move forward again with common-sense ideas like staffing flexibility that will keep "rising star" teachers in the classroom and expanded dual credit options to lower college costs.
Improving the strength and effectiveness of our education system so that all Minnesotans are prepared for success will strengthen our workforce and strengthen Minnesota's economy. As we heard clearly at our summit, it's time to stop talking about the problem, and put a full-court press on embracing solutions that are good for all our children.
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What's Happening at Fairmont Community Education and Recreation? 
Start thinking about summer with Fairmont CER. Watch for the new CER Spring/Summer 2014 Catalog of activities around March 21st when it is mailed to all Fairmont, Northrop and Ceylon addresses as well as other out-of-town addresses. The 29th Annual Fairmont Family Fun Fair will be held on Friday, March 28th from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Elementary School. The Fair will give the public an opportunity to see the numerous educational, economic, health and support services available to families in this area. Exhibitors provide an exciting variety of hands-on activities for young children. Mr. Jim and Remarkable Reptiles will be the featured attractions of this year's Family Fun Fair. Admission is $8 per family for a full evening of quality family fun. Exhibitor registration for the 7th Annual Youth Activities Expo to be held on Thursday, April 24th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. is now open. Register for Summer Soccer, Lights On For Kids, CER Summer Enrichment Camps, T-ball, Girls Softball, Sports Camps and other summer youth activities at this special FREE event for families. This Flip Flop Bash Beach Party will feature door prizes for youth attending including a Kindle Fire HD. Free Winter Running time at the Fairmont Five Lakes Centre on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., is now available. Use West Entrance near Driver License Test Office to enter and register at that time. . A Sampling of Upcoming Activities
- Healthy Eating for Healthy Aging - March 6
- Geocaching - March 8
- Microsoft Publisher - March 8
- Dance - East Coast Swing - March 13
- Parents Forever - March 13
- Microsoft Word - March 15
- Microsoft Excel - March 22
- CER Summer Catalog Mailout - March 21
- Family Fun Fair - March 28
- Senior Surf - April 1
- Dog Obedience - April 1
- Area Career Exploration (High School) - April 9
- Youth Activities Expo - April 24
- ...and much more!
Check out the CER Web Store located at www.fairmont.k12.mn.us for an up-to-date list of activities and register online with your MasterCard/Visa. Or "Like" us on Facebook - Fairmont Community Education & Recreation. For more information, contact the CER Office located in the Five Lakes Elementary School, 714 Victoria Street, Fairmont, call 507-235-3141 or email rdauer@fairmont.k12.mn.us. |
Martin County Youth Foundation Grants Available
 The Martin County Youth Foundation grant applications are now available. Grants will be awarded twice during the year, in the spring and fall. The mission of the Martin County Youth Foundation is to acquire, manage and distribute funds to enhance the lives of youth in Martin County. Grants will be made to qualified non-profit organizations including those with 501(c)3 status, public agencies, units of government, and churches that will address important community youth needs. Funds received can be used for youth program costs and support materials. Interested groups may pick up grant applications and guidelines at the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce, 323 East Blue Earth Ave., or download them online at www.MartinCountyYouthFoundation.org. The deadline for submitting the grant applications is March 15, 2014. Return completed grants to Martin County Youth Foundation, P.O. Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031 or drop off at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce office. |
KSUM/KFMC Spring Expo
March 7-9, 2014
Five Lakes Centre
For more information contact KSUM/KFMC at 507-235-5595.
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Martin County Area Foundation Accepts Grant Applications
 The Martin County Area Foundation is accepting grant applications. Non-profits interested in starting a project to enhance the quality of life in Martin County are encouraged to apply for a grant. Application forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce and on www.MCAreaFoundation.org. Eligibility and other grant information can be found on the application, by contacting a board member, or by calling the Foundation office at 235-5547. Please return completed applications by March 31st to MCAF, P.O. Box 704, Fairmont, MN 56031, or drop off at the Chamber of Commerce, 323 East Blue Earth Avenue. |
2014 Membership Renewals
Thank you to those businesses, organizations and individuals who have renewed their investment in the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. We deeply appreciate your continued support in your organization. Thank you again for your commitment to Fairmont and the surrounding area.
A Center For Financial and Insurance Services
AdMfg, Inc.
AgStar Financial Services, ACA
American Legion Post #36
American Red Cross - SW MN Chapter
American Welding & Gas
Ameriprise Financial
Anders' Country Carpets, Inc.
Don Anderson
Larry Anderson
Anytime Fitness
Ronald J. Arens, CPA, PC
Associate Optometry, P.A.
Avery Weigh-Tronix
Baarts Trucking, Inc.
Bank Midwest
Bank Midwest - Sherburn
Bank Midwest Investment & Insurance Services
Baywood Home Care
Belle Vue Estates Condominium Assoc.
BEVCOMM, Inc.
Boekett Building Supply, Inc.
Boekett Building Supply, Inc. - Truman
Bolton and Menk, Inc.
Borchardt Agency, Inc.
Bowlmor Lanes
Joseph E. Brown, Sr.
Brown and Brown Insurance
Burtis Chiropractic Center
Cargill, Inc.
Ken Carlson, Prudential Insurance
Casey's General Store
Cavers Realty
CENTURY 21 Northland Realty
Chain of Lakes Yacht Club
Channel Inn
Char Commercial Art
Christensen Lumber and Millworks, Inc.
CHS, Inc.
CleanRite Carpet Service
Cloverleaf Cold Storage of Fairmont
Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group
Comfort Inn
Countryside Townhouses
Culligan Water Conditioning
Cutting Edge Fitness
D & S Trophies
Dan's Appliance, Sleep Source & TV
Dareld's Appliance
Rick DeBoer Signs
Devenish Nutrition
DeWar Electric, Inc.
Doolittle's Carpet and Paints, Inc.
Doug's Sports Center
Dulcimer Medical Center, P.A.
Dutch Creek Farms
Eagles Club #3394
Edman and Edman
Education Minnesota - Fairmont
Edward Jones - Wyman Fischer
Edward Jones - Mandi Kosbab
Edward Jones - Paul Schellpeper
Enderson Clothing for Men and Women
Eunoia Family Resource Center, P.A.
Fairlakes Transportation, Inc.
Fairmont Area Let's Go Fishing
Fairmont Artificial Breeders
Fairmont Concert Association
Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fairmont Development Group
Fairmont Family Dentistry
Fairmont Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
Fairmont Ford
Fairmont Glass and Sign Products, Inc.
Fairmont Hearing Aid Service
Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment
Fairmont Opera House
Fairmont Square Apartments
Fairmont Trap Club
Fairmont Veterinary Clinic
Family Eye Care
Fareway Stores Inc.
Faribault County Register
Farm Bureau Financial Services David Huset
Farm Bureau Financial Services - Jeff Schlomann
FEDA
First Farmers & Merchants National Bank
Fitzgerald Moving
Fleet and Farm Supply / ACE Hardware
Fordice Dental Office
Fountain Center of Fairmont
Frontier Communications Solutions
Michael Garry
GCC Ready Mix
Gene's Cleaners
Gethmann Dental Office
Gold Cross Ambulance
Goldfinch Estates
Good News Bookstore
Graham Tire Co.
Green Plains Fairmont LLC
Hall Lake Cabins and Rentals
Hampton Inn
Hawkins Chevrolet
Heritage Acres
Hinrichsen Seed and Chemical
Holiday Inn
Hometown Sanitation Services, LLC
HR Advisors
Hy-Vee Foods
IFC National Marketing, Inc.
Ingleside
Interlaken Golf Club
Jake's Pizza
Jetter Clean, Inc.
Eric B. Johnson Financial Advising
Richard Johnson
K & W Electric
Kahler Automation Corp.
Kahler Electric Co.
Kaloch Properties, LLC
KBEW Inc.
KEYC CBS & NEYC FOX Mankato
Krahmer and Nielsen, P.A.
Krahmer and Shaffer, Ltd
KSUM/KFMC
Joe Kurtzman
Lakeview Funeral Home
Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center
Landscaping Plus, Inc.
Tom Larson, D.D.S.
Dennis Lockwood
Lund Chiropractic Clinic
Madsen Land Surveying, Inc.
Marco
Marketlink, Inc.
Martin Co. Corn & Soybean Growers
Martin County Economic and Development Authority
Martin County Fair
Martin County Farm Bureau
Martin County Historical Society
Martin County Implement
Martin County License Center, Inc.
Martin County Mechanical
Martin County Pork Producers
Martin County Preservation Assoc.
Mayo Clinic Health System - Fairmont
McDonald's
Metro Sales Inc.
Midcontinent Communications
Midwest IT Systems, Inc.
Militello Motors
Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
3M
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
William Morrow
MRCI WorkSource
NAPA Auto Parts
New York Life Insurance Company
Noddle Companies - Fairmont Plaza
Elroy Nuss
NuWay Cooperative
Optimal Health & Chiropractic P.A.
Perkins Restaurant
Peters Insurance Agency
Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency Inc.
The Photo Press
Steve Pierce, CPA, LTD
PM Pork, LLP
Preferred Capital Management
Presentation College Fairmont Campus
Professional Tax Advisors Inc.
Profinium Insurance Agency
Profinium, Inc.
Profinium, Inc. - Truman
R&S Cleaning and Maintenance, Inc.
Rabe International, Inc.
Ranch Restaurant
Redi-Haul Trailers, Inc.
Dr. Lynn Reeve, D.D.S.
Reiter Dental P.A.
Riverland Community College
Roessler, Nuss and Co. P.A.
Rose Lake Golf Club
Rosen's, Inc.
Safety Solutions
Salvation Army Thrift Store
Sentinel
Shoe Sensation, Inc.
Slumberland Furniture
Smart Clinic
South Central WorkForce Council
Southern Minnesota Construction
Southern MN Municipal Power Agency
Sovell Jewelry
The Squeegee Brothers Inc.
State Bank of Fairmont
State Farm Insurance - Mark Fujan
State Farm Insurance - John Korsmo
Step, Inc.
Sterling Drug
Sweet Financial Services, Inc.
Joseph E. Switras, Ph.D., P. A.
Super 8 Motel
Tech Builders
Temperance Lake Ridge Assisted Living
Thompson-Haugen Jewelers
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Twelve Baskets Re-Sale
United Hospital District Home Health & Hospice
US Bank
Valero Renewable Fuels Company, LLC
Village Cooperative of Fairmont
Walgreens
Walmart #3806
Waste Management
Welcome Motor Company
Wells Federal Bank
WFS
Whittler's Lady Bed and Breakfast
Wireless World/Verizon Wireless
Jim Zarling
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