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!

Election of Board of Directors

In accordance with Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism By-Laws Article V, Sections 3, 4 and 5, the following candidates have been recommended to serve on the Board of Directors for the indicated terms.

Any question or petitions may be direct to Mary Hodson by phone 320-234-0785 or by email mary@explorehutchinson.com and will be presented to the Nominating Committee.

Section 3 – Publicity
5.3.1 Upon receipt of the report of the Nominating Committee, the President shall be instructed to notify the membership of the names of the persons nominated as candidates for directors, the right of persons nominated as candidates for directors and the right of petition as provided in these By-Laws. A list of candidates so nominated shall be kept on file in the Association office.

Section 4 – Petition
5.4.1 Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures of at least five (5) qualified members of the Association. Such petition shall be filed with the Nominating Committee withing ten (10) days after notice has been given of the names of those nominated. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition shall be final.

Section 5 – Determination
5.5.1 If no petition is filed within the designated period, the nomination shall be closed and the nominated slate of five (5) candidates shall be declared elected upon a 2/3 vote approval by the Board of Directors at their regular October Board meeting.

5.5.2 If a legal petition presents additional candidates, the names of all candidates shall be arranged on the ballot in alphabetical order. Instructions will be to select five (5). Identification shall be made on the ballot to identify those candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee. The usual election procedure shall prevail.

Recommended Candidates: Paul Jossart, Tara Tepley & Don Martinez

Taste of the Holidays

The Hutchinson Ambassadors will be hosting the Taste of the Holidays on Thursday, November 15 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at the Crow River Winery. Advance Tickets are $15 and go on sale Thursday, October 11th. Tickets can be purchased from a Hutchinson Ambassadors or at the Chamber office. There are limited tickets each year and this event has sold out several years. As a result, make sure to get your tickets early! for more information, visit the Hutchinson Ambassadors Facebook Page.

44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival – THANK YOU!

On September 14 & 15, we held our 44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival and Taste of Hutchinson. We had a spectacular weekend! Once again the Festival was a huge success, but would not have been possible without the help of some incredible volunteers and workers.

Thank you to the MANY businesses that make adjustments to allow the Festival to bring 12,000 people to our community. 12,000 people shopping at the event (tax revenue), shopping/eating/staying/playing at local businesses (wages, tax base revenue) and TOURISM!

Did you know many people share with us that they come back to Hutchinson because they feel endeared to our community? They enjoy our shops, restaurants, trails and parks, friendly services and kindness. What a great legacy to have in the state of Minnesota!

We would like to thank the following businesses for their support at the Arts & Crafts Festival:

• SPONSORS: Advance Auto Parts, AG Systems Inc, Animal Medical Center on Crow River, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Buffalo Wild Wings, Crow River Winery, Elena’s Bakery, Goebel Fixture Company, Keller Williams Integrity – The Broll Team, McCormick’s Family Restaurant, Nuvera, Rahk Studios & Stamp-N-Storage
• CHAMPION SPONSORS: MidCountry Bank, MITGI, TDK Hutchinson Technology Inc & Uponor
• VISIONARY SPONSOR: Citizen’s Bank and Trust Co

We would also like to put a spotlight on the backstage people of Arts & Crafts. Thank you for your support, as well as a special THANK YOU to Hutchinson Police Services for keeping this event safe and for all the hard work they do during this busy weekend.

• Cash Wise Foods, City of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Park & Rec, Hutchinson Police Services, Kwik Trip, ShopKo, Walgreens & West Central Sanitation

Again, THANK YOU to everyone that helped out with this event. We hope to see everyone again next year!

Farm Fatigue / Bucket of Thanks Event – THANK YOU!

Each Fall the Hutchinson Agri-Business Committee along with the Glencoe Agri-Business Committee gather donations of food, wellness and safety items from Chamber Members. The donated items are packed and hand delivered to the local farmers out in the field during harvest time. These items are sincerely appreciated by the farmers.

Thank you to all the businesses that donated items this year and a special thank you to the Agri-Business Committees for making this event such a huge success!

Click here for a full list of businesses that donated items (pdf) this year!

Annual Banquet – Save the Date!

Business of the Month

The October Business of the Month is Hutchinson Public Schools.

Read more about the Hutchinson Public Schools in our Business of the Month article and make sure you check out PDF insert at the bottom of our newsletter for some events happening at the High School this October.

New & Returning Chamber Members

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

• Cobblestone Hotel and Suites
• Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bagels

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

• B&C Plumbing and Heating
• Compass Occasions
• Down with Diabetes Alliance
• Edward Jones – Dean Winter
• Home State Bank
• Hutchinson Housing & Redevelopment Authority
• Innovative Foam
• Quilt Haven on Main
• St. Anastasia Catholic Community
• Terning and Ross Company
• Wheel & Cog Children’s Museum

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.

September’s Ambassadors Business Visits:

• No visits were scheduled in September as the Ambassadors were hosting the Taste of Hutchinson September 14-15.

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.

October’s (Business) TigerPath After Hours will be held on Thursday, October 11 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at:

• TigerPath After Hours – Hutchinson High School’s Center for Technical Excellence

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.

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

Something from Mary!

I’m constantly amazed at what people will or will not complain about.

Some are content with whatever is put in front of them, others… well they complain about not having something to complain about.

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

Quarter 4 Table Tent 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/event listing for community members and Chamber Members receive a $10 discount per event listing.

Also, make sure you add your events 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) is December 1, 2018.

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.

Upcoming Save the Dates

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

More information for your business to grow…

HHS Grand Opening Invite Flyer_101218

Last Call — Farm Fatigue Bucket of Thanks Event 2018

The Agri-Business Committee is announcing last call for donations for the 2018 Bucket of Thanks Event. Their donation deadline is September 3rd. Donations needed are food, wellness and safety items. The Committee is looking forward to assembling the buckets for the anticipated and very much appreciated “out in the field” delivery day during harvest time.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to call the Chamber at 320-587–5252  or email us at info@explorehutchinson.com.

44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival and Taste of Hutchinson

We hope you will join us for the 44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival.  The festival dates and times are Friday, September 14th 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday, September 15th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  This festival is full of handmade items and crafts from vendors that travel from all areas of the country. We have several returning vendors and many NEW vendors that are eager to share their creations with you. Please invite your family and friends to attend this community favorite event! For more information follow the Arts & Crafts Festival Facebook Event Page.

The Annual Taste of Hutchinson is held in conjunction with the Arts & Crafts Festival. Along with the delicious food vendors, the Ambassadors bring you live music! This year’s line up includes: Stoney Point, “Off Duty”, Ben Weaver, Area Youth, South Grade Band and Tony Cuchetti. For more information follow the Taste of HutchinsonFacebook Event Page.

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET INVOLVED??? ARTS AND CRAFTS VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!! With 10,0000 – 12,000 people attending each year, volunteers are critical. The 2018 Arts & Crafts Volunteer sign up sheet is the easiest way to sign up to volunteer. This online document automatically save, so there is no need to click save. Otherwise, to speak with someone at the Chamber about volunteer opportunities, please call us at 320-587-5252  or you can email us at info@explorehutchinson.com.

Business of the Month

The September Business of the Month is American Family Insurance – William ”Bo” Young Agency.

We are honored to have American Family Insurance – William ”Bo” Young Agency as September’s Business of the Month. For the Am Fam story and to see what they enjoy most about their Chamber membership read our September Business of the Month article. 

New & Returning Chamber Members

We want to welcome our new Chamber Members:

• Advance Auto Parts
• Junior Achievement
• LandsKapings
• Hutchinson Pet Hospital

We would like to thank the following members for renewing their partnership with the Chamber!

• AMS Coating
• Carpets Plus ColorTile Design
• e2 Electrical Services
• Fairway Mortgage
• Marco Technologies
• Mini Biff, LLC
• RiverSong
• Valley Sales of Hutchinson

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.

August’s Ambassadors Visits:

• Town and Country Tire

Business After Hours:

• Business After Hours is not held in September.
• Business After Hours resumes on October 11th with Tiger After Hours. The TigerPath teachers will be on hand to explain how they will help students discover their talents, develop their skills and build an exciting, rewarding career! “Find your own path” – that’s what it’s all about!

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow chamber members. This monthly event is Chamber invitation only and a way to get behind-the-scenes at our local businesses. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event, should contact the Ambassadors.

Email the Ambassadors if you have any questions or would like more information.

Something from Mary

TigerPath

Yes, you’ve heard it before. The Hype, the Excitement, the Four Pathways, Mary jumping up and down, Miles getting awards, the new school building supporting it….

But NOW…. there’s a TigerPath COORDINATOR… Andrea Moore!

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

Quarter 1 Table Tent Deadline is December 1st 2018!

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/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 the 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 directly on the Community Calendar page!

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

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.

Upcoming Save the Dates

September 14 – 15 = Arts & Crafts Festival and Taste of Hutchinson
November 15 = Taste of the Holidays
November 24 = Small Business Saturday

More Information…