Race to Savings at Hutchinson’s Crazy Days ~ July 18 – 20!

On July 18 – 20 there will be some crazy days of shopping, dining and fun. Hutchinson businesses will take to the sidewalks with a “Race to Savings.”

The Chamber will have a Welcome Station on the corner of Main Street and Washington Avenue on Thursday, July 18 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to kick off the Race to Savings. Stop by for a .5K Race to Savings Lanyard, given to the first 100 families. Then be sure to stop back at the Welcome Station to drop off one receipt from Thursday, July 18 for a chance to be entered in our prize drawing. One ticket per person, receipts must be dated 07/18/19 and from a Hutchinson MN business.

Stay tune to ExploreHutchinson.com to see a list of participating businesses and check out the Community Calendar to see other events that are going on in the community.

The Chamber’s new thinkLOCAL program is designed to share important information with the community on how local businesses contribute to a strong local economy.

• Locally owned, independent businesses recycle a higher percentage of profits back into the local economy
• Local businesses also keep tax dollars in our community to support schools, parks police & fire departments, and much more.

Hometown Golf Challenge ~ Monday, July 22

Looking for an opportunity to wear your favorite team or game apparel? Want to cheer loud and proud?

The Chamber is hosting a TAILGATING PARTY Golf Scramble at Oakdale Golf Club on Monday, July 22. Registration begins at 11:00 AM with shotgun start at 12:00 PM. Enjoy 18 holes, scramble format, two meals included with registration, prizes and much much more!

– $125 per golfer: includes lunch, dinner, and 18 holes with cart included in ticket price (Registration deadline is July 12)
– No experience necessary – this event is FUN whether you’re a golfer or not
– Prizes given to best “costume”, best decorated golf cart, and the team with the lowest golf score
– “Closest to the Pin” shootout with a $500 prize

To register for the event, complete the printable Hometown Golf Registration form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Click this link to see why you should register for this year’s Chamber Hometown Golf Challenge.

Interested in promoting your business at the Chamber Golf Event? Ask us about opportunities to set up a booth at one of the holes or have your business represented with signage on a hole. Just complete the printable Hometown Golf Sponsorship Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Hutchinson Leadership Institute & Leadership 2.0 Enrollment for 2019-2020 is now open!

We are happy to announce the Hutchinson Leadership Institute is back for its 31st year! 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.

Click link for application: Hutchinson Leadership Institute or Hutchinson Leadership 2.0

If you have questions about this program please email Mary call 320-234-0785.

Dairy Day ~ Thank You!

THANK YOU to everyone who made Dairy Day a huge success! We greatly appreciate all who helped in every way!

We would especially like to thank our sponsors!

• Visionary Sponsor: Citizens Bank & Trust Co
• Champion Sponsors: Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union & TDK Hutchinson Technology
• Event Sponsors: Cash Wise Foods, CenBank, Compass Occasions LLC, E.G. Rud & Sons Inc, Edina Realty Inc, Edward Jones – Nick Pederson, Goebel Fixture Company, Harmony River Living Center, Heartland AG Systems, Home State Bank, Hutchinson Co-op, Hutchinson Leader, Impressions Inc, Piehl Hanson & Beckman PA, Plumbing & Heating by Craig Inc, Runnings, Skyview Dairy Inc and WalmartSupercenter.

And a special shout out to: Agri-Business Committee, Below  Zero Frozen Yogurt, 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 4-H, McLeod County Dairy Princess & Ambassadors, McLeod County Extension and Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Business Connection

Business Connection will not be held in July due to the holiday –but will be back on August 2. Please watch for information to come!

Business Connection is a morning networking event that takes place at a Chamber business on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Chamber members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization. We will always have a Chamber update for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. The new networking opportunity is a great way to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in hosting or have questions about Business Connection, call the Chamber or send us an email.

Online registration for August Business Connection

Business After Hours

With the many festival and events that happen in Hutchinson over the summer, Business After Hours goes on hiatus in July, August and September –but will be back on October 10th!

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

Maximize Your Membership!

Are you searching for a new way to remind customers of the services or products you offer, an upcoming event or promotions, etc? Do you have a promotional flyer already 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 in one of two ways. They can purchase a single newsletter insert or mailing list; or to maximize their benefit they can add it to their membership as a 1 point option.

Click on the image above for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14

The 45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival will be held on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 in beautiful Library Square Park in downtown Hutchinson. This event will feature handmade crafts in the following categories: accessories, artwork, bath, clay, clothing, dolls, fabric/fiber, floral, furniture/home accents, games/toys/books, glass, gourmet, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, seasonal, wood and much much more.

Conversely, if you are an artisan and interested in vending at the Arts & Crafts Festival, applying is easy! Just complete the printable Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber! An online Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines is also available.

For any questions, please contact the Chamber at 320-587-5252 or email us.

Taste of Hutchinson

The Hutchinson Ambassadors host the Taste of Hutchinson on September 13 & 14 along side the Arts & Crafts Festival. Delectable food options and live music awaits all patrons!

Interested in being a food vendor? Just complete the printable Hutchinson Ambassador 45th Annual Taste of Hutchinson Food Vendor Application (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Quarter 3 Table Tents are Here!

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The Chamber prints and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents.

The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and $20 per event listing for Chamber Members. Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 4 (October, November & December) is September 1.

If you want table tents delivered to your business or if you want to submit an event for an upcoming table tent, please call Gina or email Gina.

New & Renewing Members

We would like to welcome our new members the the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Birthright Crisis Pregnancy Center of Hutchinson, MN
• Veiled by Sisters Bridal

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Below Zero Frozen Yogurt
• Benny’s Meat Market
• Crow River Floral & Gifts
• Days Inn & Suites
• Edward Jones – Pat Chapman
• Hutchinson Health Auxiliary
• Kwik Trip Inc
• Marco Technologies
• MidCountry Bank
• Midwest Vision Centers
• Minnesota Pottery Festival
• Nies, Sheldon
• Novation Credit Union
• Outdoor Motion
• Pizza Ranch Hutchinson
• Stamp-n-Storage
• State Farm Insurance – Mike McGraw

Business of the Month

Our July Business of the Month is RAM Buildings. This year RAM Buildings is celebrating their 20th Anniversary! We are so happy to have their involvement in our Chamber and their business in our area. Learn more about RAM Buildings in our Business of the Month article.

The Agri-Business Committee, a committee of the Hutchinson Chamber, is a group of community members who focus on the educational and support needs of our agricultural businesses.

Throughout the year Agri-Business hosts the February Ag Seminar, June Dairy Day and a special program in conjunction with our neighbor the Glencoe Chamber- Farm Fatigue. These events can be found on our Community Calendar.

Visit our Agri-Business page for more information on the committee, events and sponsorship opportunities.

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area 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 host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

June’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Thrifty White
• Greener Pastures
• Sanford & Co.

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE, a committee of the Hutchinson Chamber, is a group of  Professionals Under the age of 40 who asked themselves that same question and then created the answer. Our goal is to help young people in the Hutchinson area become better Leaders, create a concrete Social network with professional value, and continue to Educate themselves on important life and business topics.

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the July 10 Lunch & Learn by Friday, July 5 to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! July 10 Lunch & Learn Registration

thinkLOCAL is a Chamber program is designed to share important information with the community on how local businesses, big or small, contribute to a strong local economy. Every business can play a part if sharing the importance of spending money locally before going online or out of town.

• Locally owned, independent businesses recycle a higher percentage of profits back into the local economy

• Local businesses also keep tax dollars in our community to support schools, parks police & fire departments, and much more.
• Customers benefit from expertise offered by local businesses. Also, at a local store you’re as much as 3x more likely to discover something new.
• Shopping local means enjoying lively streets and bumping into friendly faces. You support businesses who support community events and organizations.

During the year, thinkLOCAL committee hosts Crazy Days (July) and Small Business Saturday (Saturday after Thanksgiving). Both events encourage local spending and are just an all-around fun time!

Visit our thinkLOCAL page for more information on how you can make a difference; as well as check out our free resources and materials for businesses.

Something from Mary!

thinkLOCAL… do YOU THINK LOCAL?
What a question? What does it mean to thinkLOCAL?

Before you purchase something online, or out of town, do you think about whether you can actually find it here in Hutchinson? Do you consider the online options for local stores?
Do you ask businesses to donate to this, that, and the other thing?

Answers to these question can be found on July’s Something from Mary Blog.

Save the Date!

• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale Golf Course
• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection – Buffalo Wild Wings
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  6        Business Connection – New Discoveries Montesorri Academy
  11      PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13-14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13-14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19-20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  4        Business Connection – Adult Training & Habilitation Center Inc
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hour – Stamp N Storage
• NOVEMBER
  1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  6      Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Dairy Day – Friday, June 7 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM – Library Square Park

Join us for the annual official start of summer in Hutchinson. The Agri-Business Committee hosts Dairy Day honoring our vibrant farming community. Plan to stop down for a $5 lunch and learn more about our local agriculture in Hutchinson and the surrounding communities.

This year’s activities include:

• 12:00 PM – Cow Milking Contest featuring celebrity
  milkers including Hutchinson Water Carnival Royalty, McLeod County Dairy Ambassadors and manufacturing leaders – Jack Daggett, Matt Field and Brett Haugen
• 12:30 PM – Fro-Yo Eating Contest sponsored by Below Zero Frozen Yogurt – onsite registration is at 12:15 PM
• Meet Princess Kay from the Milky Way, McLeod County Dairy Ambassadors & Water Carnival Royal Family
• $5.00 Lunch
• Live Music by Josie Sanken
• Kids Activities

For more information, please see our printable Dairy Day poster (pdf) or call the Chamber.

Hutchinson Leadership Institute & Leadership 2.0 Enrollment for 2019-2020 is now open!

We are happy to announce the Hutchinson Leadership Institute is back for its 31st year! 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.

Click link for application: Hutchinson Leadership Institute or Hutchinson Leadership 2.0

If you have questions about this program please email Mary call 320-234-0785.

Business Connection – June 7

Please join us for June’s Business Connection hosted by Equul Access Inc. on Friday, June 7 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 13769 Pheasant Road in Hutchinson. Join us to see how Equul Access Inc provides therapeutic equine assisted activities for individuals with special needs.

Business Connection is a morning networking event that takes place at a Chamber business on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Chamber members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization. We will always have a Chamber update for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. The new networking opportunity is a great way to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in hosting or have questions about Business Connection, call the Chamber or email Ashley.

Online registration for June Business Connection

Business After Hours

With the many festival and events that happen in Hutchinson over the summer, Business After Hours goes on hiatus in June, July, August and September –but will be back on October 10th!

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

Maximize Your Membership!

Does your business want the community to know about an upcoming event? Are you looking for ways to promote an event? Utilize your membership benefits by posting the event on the Chamber’s Community Calendar on ExploreHUTCHINSON.com.

Community members can post events to the Community Calendar; however, Chamber members can post an event as well as photos, videos, logos, map service and more. Once your event is approved it will receive community exposure on ExploreHutchinson.com.

Additionally, events from the Community Calendar that are hosted by a non-profit organization, non-recurring, open to the public and located in Hutchinson are posted on the Marquee! No additional action is needed on your part after submitting it to the Community Calendar, we will take care of the rest!

Click on the image above for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

CrAzY DaYs ~ July 18 – 20 ~ Save the Date!

Are you ready to run for some remarkable  saving? Then mark your calendars for July 18 – 20. The race will be on for great savings and fun!

The Chamber advertises in publications locally and in surrounding communities to share the great deals offered during Hutchinson’s Crazy Days!

More information to come!

Each year the Chamber hosts an unique, exciting, themed golf event for Chamber Members and the community. This year we are TAILGATING at Oakdale Golf Club on Monday, July 22nd – come in your favorite sports apparel, enjoy you typical tailgate lunch, deck out your golf carts in team pride, and get ready to golf! Here’s what you can expect:

– $100 per golfer when you register by June 28th
– $125 per golfer if you register after June 28th
– Lunch, dinner, and 18 holes with cart included in ticket price.
– No experience necessary – this event is FUN whether you’re a golfer or not!
– Prizes given to best “costume”, best decorated golf cart, and the team with the lowest golf score.
– “Closest to the Pin” shootout with a $500 prize

Interested in promoting your business at the Chamber Golf Event? Ask us about opportunities to set up a booth at one of the holes or have your business represented with signage on a hole. Just complete the printable Hometown Golf Sponsorship Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

To register for the event, complete the printable Hometown Golf Registration form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14, 2019

The 45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival will be held on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 in beautiful Library Square Park in downtown Hutchinson. This event will feature handmade crafts in the following categories: accessories, artwork, bath, clay, clothing, dolls, fabric/fiber, floral, furniture/home accents, games/toys/books, glass, gourmet, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, seasonal, wood and much much more.

Conversely, if you are an artisan and interested in vending at the Arts & Crafts Festival, applying is easy! Just complete the printable Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines (pdf)and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber! An online Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines is also available.

For any questions, please contact the Chamber at 320-587-5252 or email us.

Taste of Hutchinson

The Hutchinson Ambassadors host the Taste of Hutchinson on September 13 & 14 along side the Arts & Crafts Festival. Delectable food options and live music awaits all patrons!

Interested in being a food vendor? Just complete the printable Hutchinson Ambassador 45th Annual Taste of Hutchinson Food Vendor Application (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Table Tents for Quarter 4 (Oct, Nov & Dec) Deadline – September 1

The Chamber prints and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents. The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and $20 for Chamber Members, a $10 discount per event listing.

Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber by the quarterly deadline.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the  Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 4 (October, November & December) is September 1.

If you want table tents delivered to your business, to submit an event for an upcoming table tent or if you have any questions. give Gina a call, send her an email or drop by the Chamber.

New & Renewing Members

We would like to welcome our new members the the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• American Legion Hutchinson Post 96
• Designs by Jane
• Main Street Sports Bar

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• 3M
• AKI
• Arvig Media
• Basswoods Welding & Repairs
• Caspers Chiropractic Center
• Customer Elation
• Duane Jindra Crop Insurance Agency
• Edina Realty, Inc.
• Genesis Salon and Enso Spa
• GSM Hutchinson
• Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427
• Hutchinson Financial
• Hutchinson Huskies Baseball Association
• Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Iron Jungle CrossFit
• NRG – The Networking Referral Group
• Nuvera
• SEH Hutchinson
• The Lamb Shoppe & Wellness Center LLC
• Twice is Nice
• Walmart Supercenter
• Wells Fargo

Business of the Month

Our June Business of the Month is SouthPoint Financial Credit Union. The Hutchinson Branch opened in 2017; it is a community-minded financial center providing the best support and services possible for their members. Learn more about SouthPoint Financial Credit Union in our Business of the Month article.

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area 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 host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

May’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Aspire Counseling
• Designs by Jane
• Keller Williams

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the June 12th Lunch & Learn by Friday, June 7th to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! June 12th Lunch & Learn Registration

Something from Mary!

We asked the 30th class of the Hutchinson Leadership Institute what they would tell a future applicant about their experience or what to expect regarding the Hutchinson Leadership Institute.

Their answers can be found on June’s Something from Mary Blog.

Save the Date!

• JUNE
  7        Business Connection – Equul Access
  7        Dairy Day
  12     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale Golf Course
• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection – Buffalo Wild Wings
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  6        Business Connection – New Discoveries Montesorri Academy
  11      PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13-14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13-14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19-20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  4        Business Connection – Adult Training & Habilitation Center Inc
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hour – Stamp N Storage
• NOVEMBER
  1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  6      Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Hutchinson Leadership Institute

Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 Hutchinson Leadership Institute Graduates!

Heidi Arndt                        Becky Boll                                  Steven Broll
Cole Coubrough              Alice Davenport Stoltz          Dan Fischer
Dillon Forcier                    Ashley Gabbert                        Brad Hemling
Joshua Koehnen             Kim Kruse                                  Tasha Lambert
Steve Lamecker               Mark Lansink                            Kelly Magnuson
Payton Eastman              Jay Malone                                Erin Petty
John Sanken                     Tyler Schmeling                      Jill Springer
Jenelle Stiras                    Tera Thomas                             Paul Wesley

Participants, sponsors, alumni and guests are invited to join us on May 15 at the Crow River Winery to celebrate the graduation and community service projects of the 2018 – 2019 Hutchinson Leadership Institute Class. Students in the Hutchinson Leadership Institute have the rare opportunity to turn knowledge into action by creating community projects as part of the program.

Hutchinson Leadership Institute Banquet

The 30th graduating class of the Hutchinson Leadership Institute (HLI) will present their community projects at the HLI Banquet on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 PM at the Crow River Winery. Current participants, sponsors and a guest have no fee to attend. Alumni and additional guest can purchase a ticket for $25 per person.

If you would like to attend the graduation and banquet or would like more information about registering for the 2019 – 2020 class, please call the Chamber or email Mary.

Leadership 2.0

Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 Leadership 2.0 Graduates!

Hope Hagert               Dave Wollan                Melissa Straka
Dean Bertram             Nikki Willemssen        Mark Corbin
Don Martinez              Mary Hodson                Beth Gasser
Tom Lambert              Shannon Brice            Jackie Borka
Bo Young                      Andrea Moore              Adam Smith

Every leader plays a significant role in making a community the best it can be. Leadership 2.0 takes a deeper dive into personal leadership and how it can impact the future of the entire community.

If you would like information about registering for the 2019 – 2020 class, please call the Chamber or email Mary.

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline June 1!

The June 1st deadline is quickly approaching for the Hutchinson Tourism & Marketing Grant. Grants are available for not-for-profit events and for-profit events that are marketing outside a 30-mile radius of Hutchinson.

More information about the Tourism Marketing Grant program, grant criteria and grant application can be found on our Tourism Marketing Grant blog.

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant Criteria, Deadlines and Application (pdf)

Business Connection – May 3

Please join us for May’s Business Connection hosted by Vivid Image on Friday, May 3 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 897 Hwy 15 S. See how Vivid Image can help your business navigate through websites, social media, reputation management, search engines and the list goes on.

Business Connection is a morning networking event that takes place at a Chamber business on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Chamber members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization. We will always have a Chamber update for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. The new networking opportunity is a great way to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in hosting or have questions about Business Connection, call the Chamber or email Ashley.

Online registration for May Business Connection

Business After Hours – May 8

May’s Business After Hours will be hosted by Goebel Fixture Company on Wednesday, May 8 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 528 Dale St SW.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

Online registration for May’s Business After Hours.

Maximize Your Membership!

Does your business or organization have an special announcement? You may want to consider sending a news release – a written communication directed at community members for the purpose of announcing something ostensibly newsworthy.

Chamber members can post their News Releases on ExploreHutchinson.com. When your news release is posted it will receive community exposure on our website.

Click on the image on the right for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

Dairy Day – Friday, June 7 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM – Library Square Park

Every year over 1,000+ supporters come to Library Square in celebration of Dairy Day, the annual official start of summer in Hutchinson. The Agri-Business Committee hosts Day Day honoring our vibrant farming community. Plan to stop down for a $5 lunch and learn more about our local agriculture in Hutchinson and the surrounding communities.

This year’s activities include:

• 12:00 PM – Cow Milking Contest – featuring celebrity milkers including Hutchinson Water Carnival Royalty, McLeod County Dairy Ambassadors and manufacturing leaders – Jack Daggett, Matt Field and Brett Haugen!
• 12:30 PM – Fro-Yo Eating Contest – sponsored by Below Zero Frozen Yogurt
• Meet Princess Kay of the Milky Way
• $5.00 Lunch
• Children’s’ activities
• Live Music by Josie Sanken

If you are interested in in sponsoring this community event, just complete the printable Dairy Day Sponsor Registration form (pdf) and mail, email to drop it off at the Chamber.

For more information, please see our printable Dairy Day poster (pdf) or call the Chamber.

CrAzY DaYs – Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for July 18 – 20.

The Chamber advertises in publications locally and in surrounding communities to share the great deals offered during Hutchinson’s Crazy Days!

More information to come!

Hometown Golf Challenge

This year the Chamber is hosting a Tailgating Party at the Annual Hometown Golf Challenge on Monday, July 22 at Oakdale Golf Club. Wear your favorite team or game apparel. We are excited to have some fun and want to let you in on it too! This is a fun and easy event as well as a great way to highlight your business. This event is open to the public.

This year’s events and information:

• Early Bird Pricing ($100 before June 28) includes cart, green fee, lunch & dinner
  Regular Pricing ($125 after June 28) includes cart, green fee, lunch & dinner
• 18 Holes, Scramble Format
• 11:00 – 11:45 AM Registration & Lunch
• 12:00 PM Shotgun Start
• Prizes, three cash prizes for golf teams, best costume, best decorated cart and  best of both
• Event packages available day of event
• $500 guaranteed shootout winner

Want to take advantage of being an event sponsor, just complete the printable Hometown Golf Sponsorship Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

To register for the event, complete the printable Hometown Golf Registration form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14, 2019

Are you looking for a unique piece of jewelry, collar for your canine or gourmet olive oil? Look no longer, the 45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival will be here before you know it!

Conversely, if you are an artisan and interested in vending at the Arts & Crafts Festival, applying is easy! Just complete the printable Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines (pdf)and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber! An online Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines is also available.

For any questions, please contact the Chamber at 320-587-5252 or email us.

Taste of Hutchinson

The Hutchinson Ambassadors host the Taste of Hutchinson on September 13 & 14 along side the Arts & Crafts Festival. Delectable food options and live music awaits all patrons!

Interested in being a food vendor? Just complete the printable Hutchinson Ambassador 45th Annual Taste of Hutchinson Food Vendor Application (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Table Tents Quarter 3 (July, August & September) Deadline – June 1st

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The  Chamber prints and delivers 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the table tents! The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and $20 for Chamber member per event listing.

Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber by the quarterly deadline.

The deadline for Quarter 3 (July, August & September events) is June 1, 2019.

Also, make sure to add it to the Chamber’s online Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it. Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or you can go directly to the Community Calendar page.

If you want table tents delivered to your business, to submit an event for an upcoming table tent or if you have any questions, give Gina a call,  send her an email or drop by the Chamber.

New & Renewing Members

We would like to welcome our new members the the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Custom Stay Residence & Suites
• Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• AKI
• Arvig Media
• Crow River Youth for Christ
• Edina Realty, Inc.
• Faith Lutheran Church
• Five Star Financial Resources
• Hutchinson Elks & Lodge 2427
• Hutchinson Financial
• Hutchinson Manufacturing
• Keller Williams – The Broll Team
• McLeod Emergency Food Shelf
• Minnesota Garlic Festival
• Nuvera
• SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
• The Hair Lounge
• The Lamb Shoppe & Wellness
• Walmart Supercenter
• West Central Sanitation

Business of the Month

May Business of the Month is Hantge Funeral Chapels. This family-owned funeral home supports, participates, and believes in our hometown causes, events and organizations. The staff and owners are your local friends and neighbors, and their goal is to provide sensitive and caring assistance during life’s most difficult times and create meaningful celebrations that honor your family and friends. Read the Business of the Month article to learn more.

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area 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 host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

April’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Cancelled due to bad weather

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the May 8th Lunch & Learn by Friday, May 3rd to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! May 8th Lunch & Learn Registration.

Something from Mary!

Why does the Chamber have a golf tournament?

I am so glad you asked! …

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on May’s Something from Mary Blog.

Save the Date!

• MAY
  3        Business Connection – Vivid Image
  8        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  8        Business After Hours – Goebel Fixture Company
  15      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation
• JUNE
  7        Business Connection – Equul Access
  7        Dairy Day
  12     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale Golf Course
• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection – Buffalo Wild Wings
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  6        Business Connection – New Discoveries Montesorri Academy
  11      PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13-14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13-14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19-20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  4        Business Connection – Adult Training & Habilitation Center Inc
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hour – Stamp N Storage
• NOVEMBER
  1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  6      Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Business Connection – April 5

Please join us for April’s Business Connection hosted by Stamp -n- Storage on Friday, April 5 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 150 Michigan Street SE. See how Stamp -n- Storage can help you organize your craft and help you unleash your creativity!

Business Connection is a morning networking event that takes place at a Chamber business on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Chamber members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization, and learn more about the host business through a presentation. We will always have a Chamber updates for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. This new networking opportunity is a great way to get to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in hosting or have questions about Business Connection, call the Chamber or email Ashley.

Online register for April Business Connection

Business After Hours – April 11

April’s Business After Hours will be hosted by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union on Thursday, April 11 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 1250 MN-15. You may want to stop in and see SouthPoint’s new branch but just didn’t have time? Well now is your chance! They will be shining the light on what happens at a Credit Union! Stop by for appetizers, door prizes and a new flashlight!

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow Chamber members. This is a way to get behind the scenes at our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is by Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber member business employees. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

Online registration for April’s Business After Hours or call the Chamber at 320-587-5252.

Maximize Your Membership!

Want to jump start your networking skills? Try volunteering… when you volunteer, you give yourself the opportunity to learn more about other businesses/organizations and have the chance to meet other members of the community.

Chamber members can post their Volunteer Opportunities on ExploreHutchinson.com. When your volunteer opportunity is posted it will receive public exposure on our website.

Volunteering gives you a chance to focus on your personal growth. Because volunteering is all about embracing a “give back” attitude — you are almost certain to meet someone who can benefit you — or someone who you can benefit. Either way, you have just made a new contact and potential friend!

Click on the image below for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

Dairy Day

Dairy Day is scheduled for Friday, June 7 in Library Square Park!

Come meet Princess Kay of the Milky Way, watch the cow milking contest, enjoy the kids’ activities and listen to live music!

Looking for a way to get the word out about your business or organization? Sign up to be a Dairy Day Sponsor… super easy… just complete the printable Dairy Day Sponsor Registration Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber!

Hometown Golf Challenge

The 2019 Annual Chamber Hometown Golf Challenge will be held on Monday, July 22 at Oakdale Golf Course. This event is open to the public, for all levels of experience and fun for all!

The Chamber typically host 100 golfers each year and everyone not only looks forward to golfing, but interacting with local business people.

Take advantage of one of our sponsorship packages: Event, Hole, Staffed Hole or Field Event Sponsor.  Just complete the printable Hometown Golf Sponsorship Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

On September 13 & 14 the Chamber will be hosting the 45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival in beautiful Library Square.

Last year’s festival was a huge success and would not have been possible without our wonderful vendors! We thank them for their contribution to the festival.

Whether you are a returning exhibitor or a new one, we would like to invite you to join us for this year’s festival. Additionally, if you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass along our festival information. We look forward to having our beautiful park filled with talented artists from across the United States.

Printable Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines (pdf)

Online Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival Exhibitor Application & Guidelines

For any questions, please contact the Chamber at 320-587-5252 or email us.

Taste of Hutchinson

Mark your calendars for September 13 & 14 for the Taste of Hutchinson! This event is hosted by the Hutchinson Ambassadors and is located alongside the Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival.

Interested in being a food vendor? Just complete the printable Hutchinson Ambassador 45th Annual Taste of Hutchinson Food Vendor Application (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Early Bird Deadline is June 1 and General Application Deadline is July 1.

Quarter 2 Table Tents are Here!

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The Chamber prints and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents.

The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and $20 per event listing for Chamber Members. Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 3 (July, August & September) is June 1.

If you want table tents delivered to your business or if you want to submit an event for an upcoming table tent, please call Gina or email Gina.

New & Returning Members

We would like to welcome our new member to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Fun Sports of Hutchinson

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Ameriprise Financial
• Asset Protection and Restoration (APR)
• B&B Sports & RV
• Bethlehem United Methodist
• Common Cup Ministry
• Crow River Winery
• Divine Clean
• Edward Jones Nick Pederson
• Elite Business Professionals
• Hutchinson Jaycees Water Carnival
• Keller-Williams The Broll Team
• Lynn Card Company
• The Hair Lounge

Business of the Month

Our April Business of the Month is the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)! Learn more about what the DAV and their Auxiliary do for local veterans and people in our community in our  April Business of the Month Article!

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area 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 host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

March’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• No visits scheduled in March

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the April 10th Lunch & Learn by Friday, April 5th to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! April 10th Lunch & Learn Registration

Something from Mary!

Oh My Gosh!

Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner? I do. I hope you do.

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on April’s Something from Mary’s Blog.

Get Connected with the Chamber!

Save the Date!

• APRIL
  5        Business Connection
  10     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  11     Business After Hours
• MAY
  3        Business Connection – Vivid Image
  8        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  9        Business After Hours
  15      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation
• JUNE
  7        Business Connection
  7        Dairy Day
  12     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale Golf Course
• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  11          PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13-14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13-14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19-20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hour
• NOVEMBER
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  21     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Business Connection!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the very first Chamber Business Connection a huge success! A special shout out goes to Ashley Homestore for hosting the event, thank you Deb & crew!

Business Connection is a morning networking event that take place at a Chamber business on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM . Chamber Members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization, and learn more about the host business through a presentation. We will always have Chamber updates for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. This new networking opportunity is a great way to get to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in hosting or have questions about Business Connection, call the Chamber or email Ashley.

REGISTER FOR APRIL BUSINESS CONNECTION

Maximize Your Membership!

Hot Deals for Chamber Members — Are you running any specials for your business? Maybe you are a retail store with a buy-one-get-one offer, or a service provider that’s offering discounted rates. Post these events on ExploreHutchinson.com to gain exposure to our wide audience. When you post a Hot Deal, an email is sent out to Chamber Members with details on the deal as well.

Click on the image below for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

2019 Annual Hometown
Golf Challenge

There is “SNOW” better time to start thinking about the Annual  Hometown Golf Challenge!!!

On Monday, July 22, the Chamber will host a Tailgating Party at this year’s Annual Hometown Golf Challenge at the Oakdale Golf Course. The golf event is open to the public, for all levels of experience and fun for all!

Looking for a way to get the word out about your business/organization? Take advantage of one of our sponsorship packages. Event, Hole, Staffed Hole, Field Event Sponsorships are available now. Becoming a sponsor is easy… just complete the printable 2019 Golf Sponsorship Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Table Tents for Qtr 3 (July, August & September) Deadline – June 1

The Chamber prints and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents. The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and $20 for Chamber Members, a $10 discount per event listing.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the  Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 3 (July, August & September) is June 1.

If you want table tents delivered to your business, to submit an event for an upcoming table tent or if you have any questions. give Gina a call, send her an email or drop by the Chamber.

New & Returning Members

We would like to welcome our new member to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Achieve TFC

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Adara Home Health
• Allina Health Home Care Services
• Bergmann Interiors
• Carly’s Shoes
• CenBank
• Country Kitchen
• Crow River Drumline Association
• Crow River Glass
• Edward Jones – Nick Pederson
• Gopher Campfire Conservation
• Hansen Gravel
• James Young & Associates
• Wetterling & Roepke Financial

Business of the Month

Our March Business of the Month is the McLeod Emergency Food Shelf! This month our local food shelf participating in the MN FoodShare March Campaign. All donations raised between now and April 8th at 1:00 PM are eligible for additional grant funds! Learn more about this campaign and the food shelf’s future plans for physical changes in the Business of the Month Article!

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.

February’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• PetSmart

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with the fellow Chamber Members. This is a way to get behind the scenes on our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is by Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber Member business employees. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

March’s Business After Hours will be will be hosted by Ridgewater College on Thursday, March 14 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 2 Century Avenue SE.

Click here to register online for March’s Business After Hours or call the Chamber at 320-587-5252.

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the March 13th Lunch & Learn by Friday, March 8th to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! March 13th Lunch & Learn Registration

Something from Mary!

Connections

When we publish this article, we will have just hosted the first Business Connection at Ashley HomeStore. As I write this almost 60 people have rsvp’d!

Humans need human connection.

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on March’s Something from Mary blog.

Save the Date!

• MARCH
  1       Business Connection
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14     Business After Hours
• APRIL
  5        Business Connection
  10     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  11     Business After Hours
• MAY
  3        Business Connection – Vivid Image
  8        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  9        Business After Hours
  15      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation
• JUNE
  7        Business Connection
  7        Dairy Day
  12     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale
• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  11          PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13/14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13/14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19/20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hour
• NOVEMBER
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  21     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More for Your Business to Grow!

The Chamber would like to introduce our newest program

These are morning networking events that take place from 7:00 am – 8:00 am on the first Friday of each month at a Chamber business. Chamber Members are invited to gather, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, share a quick update or information on their business/organization, and learn more about the host business through a presentation. We will always have Chamber updates for you as well.

Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing. This new networking opportunity is a great way to get to know people in the community and keep in touch with Hutch!

If you are part of a Chamber business/organization and interested in attending, please register online in the link provided below. Multiple guests per organization are welcome, just remember to register!

Please join us for the Chamber’s very first Business Connection at Ashley Homestore on Friday, March 1 from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.

Registration Link for March’s Business Connection

Passing of the Gavel – Chamber Board Chair

The Chamber takes this opportunity to thank 2018 Chamber Board Chair Keith Heikes for his service to the Board and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2019 Chamber Board Chair Roman Bloemke into that position.

The Chamber would also like to thank the outgoing Chamber Board Member for their committed service.
2018 and 2019 Chamber Board Chairs Keith Heikes and Roman Bloemke are pictured below awarding those outgoing members: Renee Hantge, Scott Ziegler, Corey Stearns and Nate Johnson.

Passing of the Gavel – Hutchinson Ambassadors

The Chamber takes this opportunity to thank 2018 Ambassador President Christine Ruppert for her service to the Ambassadors and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2019 Ambassador President Leah Watzke into that position.

Thank you for your support at the Chamber Annual Event and congratulations to the 2018 Community Award Winners!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2019 Chamber Annual Event – 80’s Prom – A Night Under the Stars a huge success! A special thanks to our event supporters – Compass Occasions, Crow River Floral & Gifts, Crow River Winery, Innovative Foam, The Paint Factory and Walmart; to our event sponsors – Citizens Bank and Trust Co, Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, MITGI and Uponor; and finally to the event music sponsor – Woodstone Senior Living. Our deepest gratitude to them for supporting our event.

We would also like to thank our Visionary Sponsor: Citizens Bank and Trust Co. and our Champion Sponsors: 3M, Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, MITGI, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union and Uponor.

The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Hutchinson Jaycees are excited to announce the Community Award Winners. The winners are (from left to right) Business Person of the Year – William “Bo” Young, Teacher of the Year – Mackenzie Boeckers, Volunteer of the Year – Jackie Backen, Young Leader of the Year – Andrew Broll and Ag Person of the Year – Ted Matthews!

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline March 1!

The March 1st deadline is quickly approaching for the Hutchinson Tourism & Marketing Grant. Grants are available for no-for-profit events and events and for-profit events that are marketing outside a 30-mile radius of Hutchinson.

More information about the Tourism Marketing Grant program, grant criteria and grant application can be found on our Tourism Marketing Grant blog.

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant Criteria, Deadlines and Application (pdf)

Maximize Your Membership!

Job Postings for Chamber Members — Are you looking for qualified applicants to fill open positions at your business? Post you job openings on ExploreHutchinson.com through your Chamber Membership. Use us a a trustworthy resource to get the word out about your available positions. We reference these job postings and share on our Facebook page! Click on the image below for instructions or call the Chamber with questions.

Table Tent – Quarter 2 (April, May & June) Deadline – March 1st

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The  Chamber prints and delivers 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the table tents! The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and Chamber Members receive a $10 discount per event listing.

Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber by the quarterly deadline.

The deadline for Quarter 2 (April, May & June events) is March 1, 2019.

Also, make sure to add it to the Chamber’s online Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it. Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or you can go directly to the Community Calendar page.

If you want table tents delivered to your business, to submit an event for an upcoming table tent or if you have any questions, give Gina a call,  send her an email or drop by the Chamber.

New & Returning Members

We would like to welcome our new members to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Standard Printing ‘n’ Mailing

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Ace Hardware
• Albers Insurance
• American Family Insurance
• Chef Craig’s Catering
• Disable American Veterans
• Dobratz Hantge Chapel
• E.G. Rudd & Sons, Inc.
• Family Rexall Drug
• Hager Jewelry Inc.
• Holiday
• Hutchinson Area Dollars for Scholars
• Hutchinson Co-op
• Hutchinson Countryside Retreats
• Hutchinson Downtown Association
• Hutchinson Family Dentistry
• Hutchinson Leader
• Hutchinson Lions
• Kock’s Jewelry, Inc.
• L & P Supply Co.
• Laraway Roofing, Inc.
• McDonalds of Hutchinson
• McLeod County Abstract and Title
• Melchert Hubert Sjodin
• MidCountry Bank
• Redline Systems
• Runnings
• Skyview Dairy, Inc.
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Today’s Women of Hutchinson
• Viking Coca Cola
• Walgreens
• West Central Industries
• Zellas

Business of the Month

Our February Business of the Month is Adara Home Health! You may formerly know this business as Prairie River Home Care – find out more about their new brand and what Adara Home Health has to offer residents in the Hutchinson Community on the Business of the Month Profile Page.

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.

January’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Lifelong Veterinary Clinic
• Jrr. Yoga
• ForTykes

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with the fellow Chamber Members. This is a way to get behind the scenes on our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is by Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber Member business employees. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

February Business After Hours has been cancelled. The Chamber and Hutchinson Ambassadors encourage everyone to enjoy the Valentine’s holiday by thinking local. Support your local businesses by shopping, dining and playing local this Valentine’s Day!

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

PULSE meets for Lunch & Learn events on the second Wednesday of each month from 12pm-1pm at Squeaky’s Grill and Bar. The events are free to attend, a $10 lunch option is available.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the February 13th Lunch & Learn by Friday, February 8th to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! February 13th Lunch & Learn Registration

Something from Mary!

What if there was no chamber in Hutchinson?

Sometimes people ask “what does the chamber actually do?”

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on February’s Something from Mary blog.

Save the Date!

• FEBRUARY
  5        PULSE Social Event
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• MARCH
  1       Business Connection
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14     Business After Hours
• APRIL
  5        Business Connection
  10     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  11     Business After Hours
• MAY
  3        Business Connection
  8        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  9        Business After Hours
  15      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation
• JUNE
  7        Dairy Day
  12     PULSE Lunch & Learn
• JULY
  10       PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18-20  Crazy Days
  22       Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale
• AUGUST
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  11          PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13/14    45^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  13/14    Taste of Hutchinson
  19/20    Leadership Institute 2019-2020 Begins
• OCTOBER
  Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hours
   
• NOVEMBER
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  21     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  12     Holiday Business After Hours

More For Your Business To Grow…

Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards – January 18

Moonwalk,  Running Man, Thriller, breakdancing, Snake, Electric Slide,  Worm, Dirty Dancing Lift, Walk Like an Egyptian, Right Stuff, Roger Rabbit, Voguing, Cabbage Patch, Pop ‘n Lock, Safety Dance, Sprinkler, and last but not least Everybody Footloose!

Come out to the Crow River Winery on Friday, January 18 for the Chamber’s Annual Event – 80’s Prom “A Night Under the Stars” and you will be guaranteed to see some of the best dance moves from the 80s!

Registration is open until Friday, January 11. To register for the 2019 Annual Chamber Event, 80’s Prom – A Night Under the Stars, use the online Annual Event Registration Form or by mailing/emailing a printable Annual Event Registration Form (pdf) to the Chamber.

Additionally, the Chamber and the Jaycees will be announcing the Community Awards for Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Young Leader of the Year. You wouldn’t want to miss this event!

Please help us congratulate the Chamber’s Ag Person of the Year – Ted Matthews. Ted was presented with the award at the 2019 Crop Management Input Seminar on Thursday, December 6 at the Hutchinson Event Center. Your congratulations go out to him for all his hard work and dedication!

New & Renewing Chamber Members

We  want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Animal Medical Center on Crow River
• Bernick’s Pepsi
• Compton-Anderson Construction
• Edward Jones – Pat Chapman
• Farm Bureau Financial – Ryan Elbert
• Hassan Valley Lodge #109
• Hometown Ralty
• Hutch Café
• Hutchinson Health
• Hutchinson Toastmasters II
• Juul Contracting
• Kraft Walser Law Office
• Matthews & Vasek Construction
• MITGI
• Oakdale Golf Club
• Peace Lutheran Church
• Prince of Peace Retirement Living
• Regional Eye Specialists, PA
• Richard Larson Builders, Inc.
• Southwest Eye Care
• Title Mark

January Business of the Month

Our January Business of the Month is B&B Sports & RV. Read more about this great local company in the Business of the Month article.

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.

December’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Branded Solutions
• Dana’s Dog Spa

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with with fellow Chamber Members. This is a way to get behind the scenes on our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber Member business employees. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

January’s Business After Hours will be will be hosted by Melchert Hubert Sjodin at the Crow River Country Club on Thursday, January 10 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at  at 22 Main St N.

Click here to register online for January’s Business After Hours or call the Chamber at 320-587-5252.

Something from Mary

Most of use have benefits through our employers.

We try to utilize those employee benefits to make our life better, healthier, balanced and maybe just a little easier. It’s what we do; use those benefits for maximum advantage for ourselves.

Your Chamber Membership comes with benefits also.

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on January’s Something from Mary blog.

Quarter 1 Table Tents are Here!

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The Chamber printers and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents. The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and Chamber Members receive a $10 discount per event listing. Submitting an event is easy… just complete the printable Table Tent Entry Form and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 2 (April, May & June) is March 1.

If you want table tents delivered to your business or if you want to submit an event for an upcoming table tent, please contact Gina by phone 320-234-0786 or by email gina@explorehutchinson.com.

Save the Date!

January 10 = BAH Melchert Hubert Sjodin
January 18 = Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards
June 7 = Dairy Days
July 18 – 20 = Crazy Days
July 22 = Hometown Golf Challenge
September 13 – 14 = Arts & Crafts Festival
November 30 = Small Business Saturday

More Information for Your Business to Grow!

Annual Chamber Banquet – A Night Under the Stars

“Alright, Mickey’s a mouse, Donald’s a duck, Pluto’s a dog. What’s Goofy?” Stand By Me (1986)

Goofy is what you would be if you didn’t join us on Friday, January 18th at the Crow River Winery. Prom officially kicks off at 5:30 PM and will wrap up at 10:00 PM.

Pull out your vintage 80s punk fashions: studded leather jackets, ripped jeans, band t-shirts and heavy duty boots -or- 80s workout fashions: leotards, leg-warmers, headbands, neon leggings and bike shorts!

Also, encouraged is 80s prom fashions… guys in pastel tuxedos with frilly ruffles shirts, girls with bow embellished puff sleeves on a baby-pink dress with hairspray teased hairdos. Get our drift – costumes are highly encouraged!

To register for the 2019 Annual Chamber Event, 80’s Prom – A Night Under the Stars, use the online Annual Event Registration Form or by mailing/emailing a printable Annual Event Registration Form (pdf) to the Chamber by Friday, January 11, 2019.

Community Awards

Each year the Hutchinson Chamber teams up with the Hutchinson Jaycees to thank the people in our community that are doing extraordinary things! We all know a few people who deserve to be nominated; so take a few minutes and nominate them today. These people rarely get the appreciation they deserve.
Community Award Nominations must be submitted by Thursday, December 20, 2018.

• Submit your nomination using the online Community Aware Nomination Form or by mailing/emailing a printable Community Award Nomination Form (pdf) to the Chamber by Thursday, December 20, 2018.
• Awards are given for: Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Young Leader of the Year (under 35 years of age).
• A recipient can only win an award in any given category once – nominees who have won a specific award in years prior cannot be considered for that award again.
• Award winners will be recognized at the Chamber Annual Event on Friday, January 18, 2019.
• Award winners will be video-taped prior to the event, as well as possibly the nominator.
• Award winners will be informed of the awards before the event.
• Award winners will attend the event at no charge.

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar

The University of Minnesota Extension and the Hutchinson Chamber are proud to be hosting the 2019 Crop Management Input Seminar. The seminar is set for Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM at the Hutchinson Events Center. The seminar will provide education on crop production, brain health and cash flow planning, as well as handouts and a catered meal. Also, the 2018 Ag Person of the Year will be announced at the event.

RSVP were due to the Extension Office on Monday, November 26, 2018. Questions should be directed to the Extension Office by phone at 320-484-4334 or by emailing mnext-mcleod@umn.edu.

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar poster (pdf)

Taste of the Holidays – Thank You!

The Hutchinson Ambassadors and the Hutchinson Chamber would like to thank you to the businesses that participated in Taste of the Holidays! Great food, great music and great networking! Once again, a sell out event!
A special thanks goes out to everyone that attended. This event would not be such a huge success without you!

Check out the Hutchinson Ambassadors Facebook page for Taste of the Holidays – Photo Booth

Small Business Saturday – Thank You!

What happens when you mix approximately 300 people and 144 ping pong balls? Well a great time, of course!

Thanks and gratitude go out to the everyone that came out on Small Business Saturday to shop local. This year we had an adult and kids ping pong ball drop. Dare I say that everyone had a bouncing good time? A special thanks to all the businesses that participated this year in the Chamber’s Small Business Saturday marketing campaign as well as those businesses that donated gift cards for the event! The day would not have “bounced” if it wasn’t for you!!!

SHOUT OUT… to Valley Sales for providing cookies and cider for the event and also to Landy Lodge Bar & Grill for coming out with warming beverages!!!

Once again, the Chamber Board of Directors, Hutchinson Ambassadors and the thinkLOCAL Committee donned their red scarves and masqueraded as the “Red Clad Elves.” Hats (or scarves) off to them and the excellent work they do! They were out and about in Hutchinson surprising shoppers with gift cards to pay for their local purchases.

Check our the Hutchinson Chamber’s Facebook page for photos and the 2018 Ping Pong Ball Drop.

New & Returning Chamber Members

We would like to welcome our new members to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bagels
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
• Relay for Life of McLeod County
• Meghan’s Place Inc

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• Allina Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment
• Cal-Tex Companies
• Compass Occasions
• Culver’s
• Ecumen Oaks & Pines
• Hutchinson Area Community Foundation
• Keller Williams Integrity Northwest – The Straka Group
• Kokesch LLC
• McGraw-Mahon, P.A.
• New Discoveries Montessori Discovery
• New Era Financial Group, Inc.
• River of Hope Lutheran Church

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.

November’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Nuvera

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow Chamber Members. This is a way to get behind the scenes in our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber Member business employees. Businesses interested in a hosting Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

December’s Holiday Business After Hours will be held on Wednesday, December 12 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (NOTE DATE CHANGE) at the VFW Post 906 on 247 1st Ave in Hutchinson.

• Holiday Business After Hours – Wednesday, December 12 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the VFW.

Click here to register online for December’s Holiday Business After Hours or call the Chamber at 320-587-5252.

Something from Mary

As I write this I’m still basking in the fun and excitement of this past week’s Small Business Saturday. (Okay, part of my excitement is that MN beat WI twice this weekend in football.)

Our staff and ThinkLOCAL committee put much time and effort into planning ideas to bring people to, and keep people in, our community for this day…

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on December’s Something from Mary blog.

Quarter 2 Table Tent Deadline is March 1, 2019!

The Chamber prints and delivers over 900 table tents around the community. Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? Make sure you get your event added to the Chamber’s table tents. The cost is $30 per event listing for community members and Chamber Members receive a $10 discount per event listing.

Also, if you submit an event to our table tents, make sure to add it to our Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it! Submitting an event to the  Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or directly on the Community Calendar page!

The deadline for Quarter 2 (April, May & June 2019) is March 1, 2019.

If you want table tents delivered to your business or if you want to submit an event for an upcoming table tent, please contact Gina by phone 320-234-0786 or by email gina@explorehutchinson.com.

Save the Dates

January 18, 2019 = Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards

More Information for your Business to Grow!

–

Taste of the Holidays

Don’t wait to purchase your ticket to this year’s Taste of the Holidays! This very popular event sells out every year!

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from an Ambassador or at the Chamber office. No tickets will be sold at the door – advanced sales only.

Come out and enjoy the evening. Hopefully you will find some great holiday gift ideas too. There will be many vendors with samples of tasty treats and beverages. Hope to see you there!

2018 Taste of the Holidays poster (pdf)
2018 Taste of the Holidays Vendor Information & Registration form (pdf)

Small Business Saturday

Do your holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday and support our community in a big way! Small Business Saturday is one of our favorite community events. This year the Chamber will be  hosting a block party on Saturday, November 24 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Washington Avenue, the block east of Main Street. Come check out our Welcome Station that includes information, giveaways, cookies, cider, refreshments and at 10:00 AM we will be dropping 100+ ping pong balls for you to gather and redeem at the Welcome Station for local gift cards.

2019 Small Business Saturday poster (pdf)

Also new this year, is our thinkLOCAL campaign. This campaign will replace Bring It Home campaign with a new logo, new ideas, new support for our local businesses and education for consumers. Be watching for more information!

Annual Banquet & Community Awards

Are you ready for “A Night Under the Stars”?  This year’s Chamber Annual Event will be an 80s Prom theme, and will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019, from 5:30 PM to 10PM at the Crow River Winery.  It will be Totally Tubular!

To register for the 2019 Annual Event use our online Annual Event Registration Form or by mailing/emailing a printable Annual Event Registration Form to the Chamber by Friday, January 11, 2019.

The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and the Hutchinson Jaycees, in a joint effort, are proud to award deserving individuals their Community Awards. Do you know someone in our community that is doing great things? Nominate them today!

• Submit your nomination using the online Community Award Nomination Form or by mailing/emailing a printable Community Award Nomination Form (pdf) to the Chamber by Thursday, December 20, 2018.
• Awards are given for: Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Young Leader of the Year (under 35 years of age).
• A recipient can only win an award in any given category once – nominees who have won a specific award in years prior  cannot be considered for that award again.
• Award winners will be recognized at the Chamber Annual Event on Friday, January 18, 2019.
• Award winners will be video-taped prior to the event, as well as possibly the nominator.
• Award winners will be informed of the awards before the event.
• Award winners will attend the event at no charge.

Farm Fatigue Bucket of Thanks & Ag Seminar!

Another year of Farm Fatigue’s Buckets of Thanks have been delivered. We extend our sincere thanks to those businesses that donated (pdf). We would also like to send a special shout out to those who helped collect, package and deliver the buckets. This special delivery would not be possible without you!

ATTENTION – The University of Minnesota Extension and the Hutchinson Chamber are proud to be hosting the 2019 Crop Management Input Seminar.  The seminar is set for Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM at the Hutchinson Events Center. The seminar will provide education on crop production, brain health and cash flow planning, as well as, handouts and a catered noon meal.

Please RSVP to the Extension Office by Monday, November 26, 2018. They can be reached by phone at  320-484-4334 or by emailing mnext-mcleod@umn.edu.

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar poster (pdf)

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant

Since 2013, the Chamber has enjoyed granting money to events hosted by nonprofits and for-profits held in Hutchinson. 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!

More information about the Tourism Marketing Grant program, grant criteria and grant application can be found on our Tourism Marketing Grant blog.

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant Criteria, Deadlines and Grant Application (pdf)

Business of the Month

Throughout the month of November, we celebrate and recognize Small Business Saturday in place of an individual business.

Read our Business of the Month article for more details on what Small Business Saturday is and the details for this year’s event. You can also check out the 2018 Small Business Saturday Facebook page for more exciting information!

New and Returning Chamber Members

We would like to welcome our new members to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce!

• Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant
• Jimmy’s Pizza

We also want to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with us!

• FRF Productions
• Joanie’s Catering LLC
• Jonny Block
• New Journey UCC
• Qdoba Mexican Grill
• TrueBlue
• Upper Midwest A-C Club

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.

October’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Little Stars Childcare Center
• By MAE
• Wild Olive Tree
• Uponor 

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow Chamber Members. This is a way to get behind-the-scenes in our local businesses… to see what they make, do or provide. This monthly event is Chamber invitation only and is open to all Chamber Member business employees. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Ambassadors.

If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

No Business After Hours event will be held in November as the Ambassadors will be hosting the Taste of the Holidays at the Crow River Winery on Thursday, November 15 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Something from Mary!

What’s the big deal?

I can’t keep calm. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY is coming!

It’s November, the leaves are changing, the air is crisp and we are warming up the red scarves to give away… MONEY!

Wait. What?

The rest of Mary’s article can be found on November’s Something from Mary blog.

2019 Quarter 1 – Table Tent Deadline – December 1, 2018

Are you looking for a way to boost an upcoming Hutchinson event? The Chamber prints and delivers 900 table tents around the community. Make sure you get your event added to the table tents! The cost is $30/event listing for community members and Chamber Members receive a $10 discount per event listing.

Also, make sure to add it to the Chamber’s online Community Calendar. The Community Calendar averages about 100 views a day, so don’t forget to utilize it. Submitting an event to the Community Calendar may be done through your Chamber Member Portal or you can go directly to the Community Calendar page.

The deadline for Quarter 1 (January – February – March 2019 events) is December 1, 2018.

Submit an event for an upcoming table tent by mailing/emailing this printable Table Tent Entry form (pdf) by the quarterly deadline to Gina or stop by the Chamber office. If you want table tents delivered to your business or if have any questions, email Gina
or call the Chamber.

Upcoming Save the Dates

November 15, 2018 = Taste of the Holidays
November 24, 2018 = Small Business Saturday
January 18, 2019 = Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards

More information for your business to grow!