Thank you for your support at the Chamber Annual Event and Congratulations to the 2020 Community Award Winners!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2020 Chamber Annual Event – Hutch-Opoly a huge success! A special thanks to our event sponsors. Our deepest gratitude to them for supporting our event.

Visionary Sponsor: Citizens Bank and Trust Co.

Welcome Sponsor: MITGI

Event Sponsors: 3M, ATHC, Hutchinson Health, and Uponor

In-kind Sponsors: CineMagic Century 9 Theatre, Crow River Winery, Innovative Foam, Kock’s Jewelry, Muddy Cow, and Oakdale Golf Course

The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Hutchinson Jaycees are excited to announce the Community Award winners. The winners are (from left to right) Young Leader of the Year – Luke Krueger, Volunteer of the Year –Mavis Schwanke, Teacher of the Year – Gloriann Heikes, and Business Person of the Year – Dean Bertram.

You can find more pictures from this event here:  Hutchinson Chamber’s Facebook page

Passing of the Gavel – Chamber Board Chair

The Chamber takes this opportunity to thank 2019 Chamber Board Chair Roman Bloemke for his service to the Board and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2020 Chamber Board Chair Beth Gasser into that position.

The Chamber would also like to thank outgoing Chamber Board Member Keith Heikes for his committed service.

Passing of the Gavel – Hutchinson Ambassadors

The Chamber takes this opportunity to thank 2019 Ambassador President Leah Watzke  for her service to the Ambassadors and to each of us in the past year; and we welcome the 2020 Ambassador President Matt Bielke  into that position.

2020 Tourism Marketing Grant Deadline – March 1st

Grant applications are due by March 1, 2020! Click the link below for more information.

Since 2013, the Chamber has enjoyed granting money to events held in Hutchinson hosted by nonprofits and for-profits. These grants help cover the expense of marketing that covers a radius outside the Hutchinson area for the event. These events help the Chamber bring more people to our beautiful and welcoming community – there really is #MuchInHutch!

Tell your friends, co-workers, committees, and organizations about the Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Grant. We love to help events as they help us and increase the traffic and awesomeness of Hutchinson!

More information about the Tourism Marketing Grant program, grant criteria, and grant applications can be found on our Tourism Marketing Grant blog.  Grants will be awarded March 31, 2020 for applications returned by March 1, 2020.

2020 Tourism Marketing Grant Criteria, Deadlines and Grant Application (pdf)

Quarter 2 Table Tents – Deadline March 1st

The deadline for Quarter 2 Tables Tents is just around the corner, be sure to get your entry in today!

Due to a lack of entries, Quarter 1 Table Tents were not printed. We have had countless inquiries about where they are. Many people rely on them to know what is happening in Hutchinson. What a great marketing opportunity for your event! Table tents are a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to reach Hutchinson area residents and visitors.  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. 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 the Hutchinson Chamber by phone 320-587-5252 or by email

office@explorehutchinson.com.

Please join us for March’s Business Connection hosted by Health Source Chiropractic on Friday, March 6th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

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, and 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. This 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 attending, please register online via the link provided below. Multiple guests per organization are welcome, just remember to register!

Please join us for the Next Chamber Business Connection at:

HealthSource Chiropractic

Friday, March 6th from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.

Register Here for the March Business Connection 

Thank you to February’s Business Connection host – St. Anastasia’s.

Invitation to Business Connection & Business After Hours

Please extend an invitation to Business Connection and Business After Hours to your employees.  All Chamber Members and their employees are welcome to these programs. Please remember to register for the events through the links provided in this newsletter.

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 as a trustworthy resource to get the word out about your available positions. We reference these job postings and share them on our Facebook page! Click on the image below for instructions, or call the Chamber with questions.

Business After Hours is a great way to learn about businesses in Hutchinson and network with fellow Chamber Members. Get behind the scenes access to our local businesses… see what they make, do, or provide for our community. This monthly event is open to all Chamber Member business employees or by a Chamber invitation. Registration is advised. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event, or seeking more information should email the Hutchinson 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’s Business After Hours will be held on

Thursday, February 13th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at

Edina Realty, located at 904 Highway 15 S, Hutchinson, MN

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

March’s Business After Hours will be held on

Thursday, March 12th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at

B & B Sports & RV  20271 MN-15, Hutchinson, MN

Registration coming soon!

New & Renewing Chamber Members

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

• Berger Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
• Larson Building Inc.

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

• Ace Hardware
• Adara Home Health
• Applebee’s Bar & Grill
• Area 22 Paintball
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Cal-Tex Companies
• CenBank
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
• Collin Peterson
• Crow River Golf Club
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
• Dostal Electronics Center
• Echo Family Dental
• Ecumen Oaks & Pines
• Excelsior Homes, Inc.
• FRF Productions
• Hager Jewelry Inc
• Harmony River Living Center
• Hillyard, Inc.
• Hjerpe Contracting, Inc.
• Holiday
• Hometown Realty, Inc.
• Hutch Café
• Hutchinson Area Dollars for Scholars
• Hutchinson Bus Line, Inc.
• Hutchinson Center for the Arts
• Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427
• Hutchinson Health
• Hutchinson Kiwanis Club
• Hutchinson Lions
• Hutchinson Rotary
• James Young & Associates, Ltd.
• Kock’s Jewelry, Inc.
• Larry & Connie Fraser
• Legend Companies
• Little Crow Archery Club
• Masterson Staffing Solutions
• Maurices
• McDonald’s
• McLeod Cooperative Power
• McLeod County Abstract & Title Services
• McLeod County Fairgrounds
• New Discoveries Montessori Academy
• New Era Financial Group, Inc.
• Nuvera
• Oakdale Golf Club
• Parkview Dental
• Piehl, Hanson, Beckman, P.A.
• Primary EyeCare
• Quade Electric
• RAM Buildings, Inc.
• Regional Eye Specialists, P.A.
• Ridgewater College
• River of Hope Lutheran Church ELCA
• Runnings
• Sheila Murphy
• SNAP Fitness
• Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant
• South Skyview Estates
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• State Farm Insurance, Steve Kropp
• Title Mark
• Tri County Water Conditioning, Inc.
• Uponor
• Viking Signs
• West Central Industries
• Wetterling & Roepke Financial Services
• Zellas

Business of the Month

February’s Business of the Month is Chamber Member Hager Jewelry. This locally owned full-service jeweler has been been in operation since 1913! You may recognize them by their signature clock outside their downtown location. They offer watch and ring repair, customization, and a full retail store. To learn more about Hager Jewelry click here.

138 Main St S 
Hutchinson, MN 55350
http://www.hagerjewelry.com
http://facebook.com/hagerjewelry

The Chamber’s Business of the Month program is a free marketing opportunity that is only available to Chamber Members. The featured business will be interviewed on KDUZ by Mary, the business logo and company information will be featured on the Chamber’s website for one month, in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, and will be highlighted by the Chamber in the Hutchinson Leaders’ business section.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Mary or call Mary at the Chamber.

Hutchinson Ambassadors

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:

• CorTrust Bank

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 the 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 2nd Wednesday of the month, January – May & September – December  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.

Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events.  Refer to the printable image below for the 2020 schedule.

Something from Mary!

Networking is for everyone

Insight into the Chamber’s networking events.

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

Save the Date!

• FEBRUARY
  7      Business Connection
  12    PULSE Lunch & Learn
  13    Business After Hours

  MARCH
  6       Business Connection   Register Here
  11     PULSE Lunch & Learn     PULSE Facebook
  12     Business After Hours – B&B Sports & RV  Register Here

  APRIL
  3     Business Connection
  8     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  9     Business After Hours

  MAY
   1        Business Connection
  13      PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14      Business After Hours
  20      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation

  JUNE
  5      Business Connection
  5      Dairy Day

  JULY
  27   Chamber Golf Event – Crow River Golf Club

  AUGUST
  7    Business Connection

  SEPTEMBER
  4           Business Connection
  9           PULSE Lunch & Learn
  18/19      46^th Arts & Crafts Festival
  18/19     Taste of Hutchinson
  24/25     Leadership Institute 2020-2021 Begins

  OCTOBER
  -Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered-
  2     Business Connection
  14    PULSE Lunch & Learn
  8     Business After Hours

  NOVEMBER
      6   Business Connection
  11   PULSE Lunch & Learn
  19   Taste of the Holidays
  28   Small Business Saturday

  DECEMBER
  Crop Management Input Seminar
  4   Business Connection
  9   PULSE Lunch & Learn

  

• 

Chamber Annual Event  & Community  Awards  Banquet

Have you registered yet? Time is running out! Don’t miss this fast-dealing, property trading game, where local businesses have a “property” on a LIFE SIZED “Hutch-Opoly” board game. The Chamber’s Annual Event and Community Awards Banquet held on Friday, January 24th, 2020 at the Crow River Winery from 5:30PM to 10PM. Come and join us for a pasta buffet and a night of buying, selling and scheming your way to riches!

Sponsorship Forms Available.. click here

To register for the 2020 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 17, 2020.

This year there is no need for a costume; no need for a suit. Come as you are and enjoy this eventful evening with us.

New & Renewing Chamber Members

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

• Muddy Cow
• Wright Farms

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

• Adult Training & Habilitation Center, Inc.
• Albers Insurance
• American Family Insurance- William “Bo” Young Agency
• Animal Medical Center on Crow River
• Aveyron Homes, Inc.
• Bernick’s Pepsi
• Bullert Hospitality Group
• Cash Wise Foods
• Citizens Bank & Trust Co
• City of Hutchinson
• CorTrust Bank
• Dobratz- Hantge Funeral Chapel
• E.G. Rud & Sons, Inc.
• Edward Jones- Pat Chapman AAMS
• Fahey Sales Agency
• Hansen Gravel, Inc.
• Hassan Valley Lodge #109- Odd Fellows & Rebekahs
• Hutch Bowl & Squeaky’s Grill & Bar
• Hutchinson Co-op
• Hutchinson Countryside Retreats
• Hutchinson Downtown Association
• Hutchinson Family Dentistry
• Hutchinson Jaycees
• Hutchinson Leader
• Hutchinson Public Schools
• Hutchinson Theatre Company
• Jay Malone Motors
• Juul Contracting Co
• KDUZ/KAPR/KGLB Radio
• Kraft Walser Law Office
• L & P Supply Co.
• Laraway Roofing, Inc.
• Lynn Card Company
• Mathews & Vasek Construction
• McKimm Milk Transit
• Mediacom Communications
• Melchert Hubert Sjodin
• MITGI
• Peace Lutheran Church
• Prince of Peace Retirement Living
• Pro Maintenance, Inc.
• SEH of Hutchinson
• Simonson Lumber Co.
• Skyview Dariy, Inc.
• Slumberland Furniture
• Southwest Eye Care
• Subway- Hwy 7
• The Village Shop
• Town & Country Tire
• United Way of McLeod County
• Wendling Insurance Services, Inc.
• Westlund Associates

Meet your new Board!

The Hutchinson Chamber Board is extremely excited to introduce to you the 2020 Board!

Standing (left to Right): Sheila Murphy, Leah Watzke, Tara Tepley, John Sanken, Adam Fink, Jeremy Crosby.

Seated (left to Right): Brian Renner, Beth Gasser, Roman Bloemke, Don Martinez. Missing in the photograph is Jesse Bjur.

Hutchinson Ambassadors

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.

      December’s Ambassador Business Visits: 

• HealthSource Chiropractic of Hutchinson

Business After Hours

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 for our community. This monthly event is open to all Chamber Member business employees or by a Chamber invitation, registration is advised. Businesses interested in a hosting Business After Hours event or would like more information should email the Hutchinson 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 held on

Thursday, January 9 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at

Buffalo Wild Wings 1040 MN-15, Hutchinson, MN.

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

February’s Business After Hours will be held on

Thursday, February 13th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at

Edina Realty, located at 904 Highway 15 S, Hutchinson, MN.

Registration coming soon!

Attend these 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.

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! Door prizes will be given out, so make sure you bring your business card to be entered into the drawing.

January Business Connection has been canceled due to the Holiday! Happy New Year!

Please join us for the Next Chamber Business Connection at

St. Anastasia

Friday, February 7th from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.

Registration Link for February’s Business Connection

2019 Ag Person of the Year is…  Glenn Witte

Congratulations to the 2019 Ag Person of the Year Glenn Witte!

Thank you to the Chamber’s AgriBusiness Committee

for their work throughout the year!

Maximize Your Membership!

Does your business or organization have a special announcement or flyer that needs the attention of many? You may want to consider inserting a flyer into the Chamber’s monthly Newsletter! This is a super easy and convenient 1 point option that is available to all members. A 1-point option can get you 3 inserts plus 1 mailing list OR 4 Newsletter insets. Simply send an 8 1/2 x 11 PDF of the flyer by the 25th of the prior month if you would like to share!

If you have any addition questions or are interested in submitting a flyer please contact the Hutchinson Chamber by phone: 320-587-5252 or by email: office@explorehutchinson.com.

Quarter 1 Table Tents

****We are sad to announce that Quarter 1 Table tents will not be delivered. Due to lack of entries we were unable have them printed.

The deadline for Quarter 2 Tables Tents is just around the corner, be sure to get your entry in today!

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 the Hutchinson Chamber by phone 320-587-5252 or by email

office@explorehutchinson.com.

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 2nd Wednesday of the month, January – May & September – December  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.

Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links.

The group also gets together at quarterly social events.  Refer to the printable image below for the 2020 schedule.

You get out what you put in….

Something from Mary! ….

We are sliding into the new decade- the roaring twenties are back!

The new year, and in this case decade, always brings me to a place to contemplate…..

Learn more in Mary’s blog!

Save the Date!

JANUARY
8     PULSE Lunch & Learn
9     Business After Hours – Buffalo Wild Wings
24      Annual Chamber Event – Hutch-Opoly

FEBRUARY
7      Business Connection
12    PULSE Lunch & Learn
13    Business After Hours – Edina Realty

MARCH
6       Business Connection
11     PULSE Lunch & Learn
12     Business After Hours

APRIL
3      Business Connection
8     PULSE Lunch & Learn
9     Business After Hours

MAY
 1         Business Connection
13      PULSE Lunch & Learn
14      Business After Hours
20      Leadership Institute 2018-2019 Graduation

JUNE
5      Business Connection
5      Dairy Day

JULY
27   Chamber Golf Event – Oakdale

AUGUST
7    Business Connection

SEPTEMBER
4           Business Connection
9           PULSE Lunch & Learn
18/19      46^th Arts & Crafts Festival
18/19     Taste of Hutchinson
24/25     Leadership Institute 2020-2021 Begins

OCTOBER
-Farm Fatigue Buckets Delivered-
2     Business Connection
14    PULSE Lunch & Learn
8     Business After Hours

 NOVEMBER
    6      Business Connection
11   PULSE Lunch & Learn
19   Taste of the Holidays
28   Small Business Saturday

DECEMBER
Crop Management Input Seminar
4   Business Connection
9   PULSE lunch & Learn

Annual Banquet

Are you ready for a fast-dealing, property trading game? The Chamber Annual Event will be Monopoly themed life size board game, held on Friday, January 24th, 2020. “Hutch-Opoly” will be at the Crow River Winery from 5:30PM to 10PM. Come and join us for a night of buying, selling and scheming your way to riches! Be sure to purchase your tickets and nominate someone today!!

Sponsorship Forms Available.. click here

To register for the 2020 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 17, 2020.

This year there is no needs for a costume; no need for a suit. Come as you are and enjoy this eventful evening with us.

Community Awards

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 19, 2019.
• 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 24, 2020.
• 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.

2020 Crop Management Input Seminar

The University of Minnesota Extension and the Hutchinson Chamber are proud to be hosting the 2020 Crop Management Input Seminar. The seminar is set for Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Hutchinson Events Center. The seminar will provide educational speakers, agribusiness vendors, lunch and much more! Also, the 2019 Ag Person of the Year will be announced at the event.

Questions should be directed to the Extension Office by phone at 320-484-4334 or by emailing mnext-mcleod@umn.edu.

2020 Crop Management Input Seminar (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’s

Small Business Saturday – Thank You!

What happens when you mix approximately 300+ people and roughly 200 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 was our second go around with the ping pong ball drop. Dare I say that everyone had a bouncing good time yet again this year? 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 generously donated gift cards for the event! The day would not have “bounced” as well as it did if it wasn’t for you!!!

SHOUT OUT… to Jay Malone  for providing cookies for the event.

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 2020 Ping Pong Ball Drop.

Business Connection – December 6th

A January Business Connection will not be hosted due to the close proximity of the Holiday.

Please join us for January’s Business Connection hosted by Jay Malone Motors on Friday, December 6 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 1165 Highway 7 W., Hutchinson.  Learn how Jay Malone became Hutchinson’s “Dealer for Life” and find out how the local dealership provides top-notch customer service. Sit in a new car and try out heated seats to keep you warm this winter.

Registration Link for December’s Business Connection

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!

We are currently working to fill our 2020 Business Connection calendar, so if your Chamber business would like to learn more about becoming a Business Connection host, contact The Chamber office..

Hutchinson Ambassadors

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:

• Hometown Mortgage
• Today’s Driving
• Muddy Cow

Business After Hours – January 9

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.

January’s Holiday Business After Hours will be held on

Thursday, January 9 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at

B&B Sports, located at 20271 MN-15, Hutchinson, MN.

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

Maximize Your Membership!

Attend networks events such as Business connection, Business after hours other chamber sponsored events.  These events provide real time connections with other chamber members. Business to business contacts are knows to be vital and a key to business growth.

Quarter 2 Table Tent Deadline is March 1, 2020!

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 2020) is March 1, 2020.

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

New and Renewing Members

We would like to thank the following members for joining the Chamber and/or renewing their partnership with the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism!

NEW

• Collin Peterson
• Cobblestone Hotels & Suites

RENEWING

• River of Hope Lutheran Church
• New Discoveries Montessori Academy
• New Era Financial Group
• Cal-Tex Companies
• Harmony River Living Center
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Ecumen Oaks & Pines
• Junior Achievement of the Hutchinson Area
• McGraw- Mahon, P.A.
• Meghan’s Place Inc
• Robert Peterson

Business of the Month… All local Businesses!

As the height of retail shopping season begins, the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce wants you to think local/shop local.  The Chamber strongly encourages everyone to thinkLOCAL when making a purchase. Please consider where you will be spending your shopping dollars this holiday season! That doesn’t only mean shop small but shop LOCAL as well.

Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 30, is a nationwide event intended to encourage residents to shop local and to shop small businesses in each participating hometown.  Previously mentioned in the Newsletter are the details of Hutchinson’s exciting plans for Small Business Saturday 2019.

Just think, if you were to switch just 50 % of your online purchases to store front pick up you could greatly impact the Hutchinson Community. When we shop local the entire community we live in is positively impacted!

Did you know?

• If every household were to take 10 percent of what they typically spend online or out of town and spend it LOCALLY and every business spent 5 percent more locally, that would equal $42 million in annual revenue for our community.
• Revenue from local purchases keeps tax dollars in our community. These are dollars that support our police and fire departments, our schools and parks, our streets and utilities and much more.
• Local businesses offer great customer service. Shopping at a local store and tapping into local expertise, you’re as much as 3 times more likely to discover something new.

You get out what you put in….

Something from Mary! …Change. We all have a relationship with this six-letter word: change.

Learn more in Mary’s blog!

Save the Date!

DECEMBER
6       Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
12     Holiday Business After Hours- Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company                                                                                              19     2020 Crop Management Input Seminar

JANUARY
8       PULSE Lunch & Learn                                                                                                                                                                                        9       Business After Hours – B&B Sports
24     Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards- Crow River Winery

FEBRUARY
7          Business Connection
12        PULSE Lunch & Learn                                                                                                                                                                                  13        Business After Hours

March
6          Business Connection
11        PULSE Lunch & Learn                                                                                                                                                                                  12        Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

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 30th at 10:00 AM on Washington Avenue/ Main. St. Come check out our annual ball drop, where we will be dropping 100+ numbered ping pong balls! Each ball dropped will be redeemable for prizes from local businesses.

Click here for the 2019 Small Business Saturday Flyer

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: Adam Fink, John Sanken & Leah Watzke

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 Hutchinson Chamber office.

No tickets will be sold at the door – advanced sales only.

Come out and enjoy the evening, and hopefully you will find some great holiday gift ideas too. There will be many vendors with samples of tasty treats and beverages. Live music by Josie Sanken will be provided. Hope to see you there!

2019 Taste of the Holidays Vendor Info & Registration

2020 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.

2020 Tourism Marketing Grant Criteria, Deadlines and Grant Application (pdf)

Annual Banquet & Community Awards

Are you ready for a fast-dealing, property trading game? This year’s Chamber Annual Event will be Monopoly themed life size board game, held on Friday, January 24th, 2020. “Hutch-Opoly” will be at the Crow River Winery from 5:30PM to 10PM. Come and join us for a night of buying, selling and scheming your way to riches!

Sponsorship Forms Available.. click here

To register for the 2020 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 17, 2020.

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 19, 2019.
• 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 24, 2020.
• 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.

2020 Quarter 1 – Table Tent Deadline – December 1, 2019

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 2020 events) is December 1, 2019.

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

You get out what you put in….

Something from Mary! …You get out of it what you put into it.  Much like your gym membership, your results from the chamber depend on if you USE the membership.

Learn more in Mary’s blog!

Business Connection – December 6

Thank you to everyone that registered and attended the November’s Business Connection Friday, November 1, hosted at Ecumen Oaks and Pines.

Please join us for December’s Business Connection hosted by Jay Malone Motors on Friday, December 6 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 1165 Highway 7 W., Hutchinson.  Learn how Jay Malone became Hutchinson’s “Dealer for Life” and find out how the local dealership provides top-notch customer service. Sit in a new car and try out heated seats to keep you warm this winter.

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!

We are currently working to fill our 2020 Business Connection calendar, so if your Chamber business would like to learn more about becoming a Business Connection host, contact Jill.

Business of the Month

November’s Business of the Month is Chamber member, Hutchinson Pet Hospital. This veterinary clinic provides comprehensive care for pets, including grooming and boarding services. They are celebrating 35 years in business with an Open House on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. Learn more about Hutchinson Pet Hospital here.

The Chamber’s Business of the Month program is a free marketing opportunity that is only available to Chamber Members. The featured business is interview on KDUZ by Mary, the business logo and company information will be featured on the Chamber’s website for one month, we will put your logo and information in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, as well as the Chamber highlighting your business in the Hutchinson Leaders’ business section.

If you are interested interested in this opportunity, please email Mary or call Mary at the Chamber.

Maximize Your Membership!

As the height of retail shopping season begins, the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce wants you to think local/shop local.  The Chamber strongly encourages everyone to thinkLOCAL when making a purchase. Please consider where you will be spending your shopping dollars this holiday season! That doesn’t only mean shop small but shop LOCAL as well.

Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 30, is a nationwide event intended to encourage residents to shop local and to shop small businesses in each participating hometown.  Previously mentioned in the Newsletter are the details of Hutchinson’s exciting plans for Small Business Saturday 2019.

Just think, if you were to switch just 50 % of your online purchases to store front pick up you could greatly impact the Hutchinson Community. When we shop local the entire community we live in is positively impacted!

Did you know?

• If every household were to take 10 percent of what they typically spend online or out of town and spend it LOCALLY and every business spent 5 percent more locally, that would equal $42 million in annual revenue for our community.
• Revenue from local purchases keeps tax dollars in our community. These are dollars that support our police and fire departments, our schools and parks, our streets and utilities and much more.
• Local businesses offer great customer service. Shopping at a local store and tapping into local expertise, you’re as much as 3 times more likely to discover something new.

Sometimes maximizing your Chamber membership is about supporting local efforts to aim to make Hutchinson the best community it can be. There are ways to promote thinkLOCAL at your Chamber business. How do you do that? We have free resources and materials available for your business right here at the Chamber office.  You can request:

• thinkLOCAL business cards to hand out to customers. The cards feature facts that explain the value in shopping locally and thank customers for a local purchase.
• thinkLOCAL magnets are also available and serve as a great visual reminder.
• thinkLOCAL window clings can be put on your storefront or door.
• a digital version of the thinkLOCAL logo to show your support on your Web site or other social media.
• and several other promotional materials to

Want to know more? Download your copy of the thinkLOCAL Business Guide.

Contact Jill at the Chamber office or email her with questions or to work with her to maximize your membership.

New and Renewing Members

We would like to thank the following members for joining the Chamber or renewing their partnership with the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism!

NEW

• FireLake Manufacturing, Inc.

RENEWING

• B&C Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
• Hutchinson Area Community Foundation
• Hutchinson Toastmasters II
• Jonny Block
• MeshedDesigns  LLC
• New Journey UCC
• Qdoba Mexican Grill

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.

Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the Nov. 13 Lunch & Learn by Friday, Nov. 8 to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! November 13 Lunch & Learn Registration

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Looking ahead to the new year, PULSE has released their 2020 event calendar. New in 2020, PULSE will take the summer off. See all the 2020 events listed below.

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.

October’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Queen’s Inn
• FireLake Manufacturing, Inc.
• Kelly’s Dance Academy

Save the Date!

NOVEMBER
1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
14     Taste of the Holidays
30     Small Business Saturday

DECEMBER
6      Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
12     Holiday Business After Hours                                                                                                                                                                      19    Crop Management Input Seminar

JANUARY
8       Business Connection                                                                                                                                                                                        8       PULSE Lunch & Learn                                                                                                                                                                                        9          Business After Hours – B&B Sports
24       Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards

FEBRUARY
7          Business Connection
12        PULSE Lunch & Learn                                                                                                                                                                                  13        Business After Hours – Edina Realty

More Information For Your Business To Grow…