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…

 Hutchinson Chamber is fully staffed!

In August, Jill Barrall (Middle) joined the chamber as the new Membership Coordinator. Jill was previously the Legal Advocate at McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence. She is excited for this new venture at the Chamber.

On Sept. 9, Cegi Wassman (Left( joins the Chamber as the new Communications Coordinator. Cegi, pronounced CeeGee, comes to the Chamber after working at 3M in Hutchinson.

Chamber President Mary Hodson(Right) is excited to have both women join the Chamber team and looks forward to a full staff in the office!

Annual Banquet – Save the Date!

45th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival – THANK YOU!

On September 13 & 14, we held our 45th 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: Animal Medical Center on Crow River, Ashley Furniture Homestore, CenBank, Crow River Winery, Customer Elation, Goebel Fixture Company, Harmony River Living Center, Heartland Ag Systems, Main Street Sports Bar,  McCormick’s Family Restaurant, Piehl Hanson Beckman, PA,  Rahk Studios, Stamp-N-Storage, TDK/Hutchinson Technology, Walmart SuperCenter & Winn Exteriors
• CHAMPION SPONSORS: MidCountry Bank, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union & 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,  & West Central Sanitation

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

*Important notes about the 2020 Arts and Crafts Festival. During our usual timeline for Arts & Crafts Festival Main Street, also known as State Highway 15, will be under significant construction. The Arts & Crafts Festival will move to the McLeod County Fairgrounds for 2020.

Taste of Hutchinson– THANK YOU!

The Hutchinson Ambassadors hosted the Taste of Hutchinson on September 13 & 14 along side the Arts & Crafts Festival. Yet again,  The Taste of Hutchinson did an amazing job of organizing a wonderful variety of food options  at the Arts and Craft Festival on Sept, 13th and 14th. In addition to the tasty food, the Ambassadors added a music feature that was enjoyed by many. This years music was provided by Mona Hjerpe & Friends, Sawyer’s Dream,  Taylor Jordan, and Off Duty. Thank you for sharing your talents with our community!

Taste of the Holidays- 2019

The Hutchinson Ambassadors will be hosting the Taste of the Holidays on Thursday, November 21st,  2019 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at the Crow River Winery. Advance Tickets are $15 and go on sale Tuesday, October 15th. 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.

For 2019, the Ambassadors will have Josie Sanken providing live entertainment/music during the event. Door prizes will be awarded, but you must be present to win! The Hutchinson Photography club will be in attendance taking photos throughout the event. As a result, make sure to get your tickets early! For more information, visit the Hutchinson Ambassadors Facebook Page.

Business Connection – November 1

Thank you to everyone that registered for October’s Business Connection scheduled for Friday, October 4, hosted by Adult Training and Habilitation Center.  It was great to learn how Adult Training and Habilitation Center assists people with developmental disabilities on the job to become independent, productive and self-reliant community members.

Please join us for November’s Business Connection hosted by Ecumen Oaks and Pines on Friday, November 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 1015 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson.  Come and learn how Adult Training and Habilitation Center assists people with developmental disabilities on the job to become independent, productive and self-reliant community members.

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 After Hours

After a couple months on hiatus, it’s back! The Hutchinson Ambassadors are ready to welcome you at the Oct. 10 Business After Hours from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. at Slumberland Furniture. Come learn about this local business and it’s history in Hutchinson. There will be refreshments and networking in the comfortable showroom. There will also be a chance to enter to with a $25 Slumberland Gift Card.

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.

Maximize Your Membership!

Here at the Chamber we use Email marketing efforts to reach our membership. As a Chamber member, you, too, can make the most of your membership through Email Blasts!

There are two types of Email Blasts that can benefit your business and raise your Chamber profile with the membership.

A Spotlight Message is a 1-point option that would include a message in one of our monthly Chamber emails, such as the digital newsletter email or one of our other mid-month email updates. Your business name would be in the email’s subject line and your company’s message is a main bullet point in the email.

A Custom Email is a 2-point option that features an email we send to all of the Chamber members whenever you choose. This email contains your message highlighting whatever you wish to share with Chamber members and includes an image we can include in the email.

Email Blasts can help get your message out to other Chamber members and connect you to other businesses. Are you ready to reach out with an Email Blast? Contact Jill at the Chamber office or email her with questions or to work with her to raise your community profile for your business and maximize your membership.

Renewing Members

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

• AMS Coating Systems Inc.
• Branded Solutions/ The Tiger Pro Shop
• Compass Occasions
• Crow River Nutrition
• HealthSource of Hutchinson
• Home State Bank
• Hutchinson Housing & Redevelopment Authority
• Innovation Foam Inc.
• Jimmy’s Pizza
• Joanie’s Catering LLC
• Quilt Haven on Main
• Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant
• St. Anastasia Catholic Community
• Terning & Company Inc.
• Thrivent Financial
• Wild Olive Tree

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the October 9 Lunch & Learn by Friday, October 2 to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! October 9 Lunch & Learn Registration

Yes, every day is a good day to start something new

Something from Mary! … Why wait for New Year’s? If you started today acting on resolutions you are going to make on Jan. 1, think about how much progress you will have made by the start of 2020! Learn more in Mary’s blog!

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!

See below for a full list of all the businesses that graciously donated this year!

Click the image below for a full list of businesses that donated items!

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: We will be accepting nominations for 3 individuals.

Quarter 4 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/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 2020) is December 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 email  Cegi or call her at 320-234-0786.

Business of the Month

This month’s Business of the Month is Chamber member, Heartland Ag Systems, Inc. This agriculture manufacturing business is an industry leader with a rich history and an exciting future. Learn more about Heartland Ag Systems 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 interviewed 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.

Save the Date!

• OCTOBER
  2        Hutchinson Leadership 2.0                                                                                                                                                                              4        Business Connection – Adult Training & Habilitation Center Inc
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hours -Slumberland Furniture                                                                                                                                    16      Hutchinson Leadership Institute
• NOVEMBER
  1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  21     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
   6       Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors                                                                                                                                           10     Crop Management Input Seminar
  12    Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14

The 45th Annual Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival will be held on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 in beautiful Library Square Park in downtown Hutchinson.

This year we currently have more than 100 vendors  and the exciting thing is 28 new vendors will be selling their wares for the first time in Hutchinson. We are thrilled with the selection of vendors, including those returning vendors who will once again delight shoppers.

The event  features handmade crafts in the following categories: accessories, artwork, bath, clay, clothing, dolls, fabric/fiber, floral, furniture/home accents, games/toys/books, glass, gourmet, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, seasonal, wood and much much more.

Come enjoy the downtown setting and shop this annual family-friendly festival!

Taste of Hutchinson

The Hutchinson Ambassadors host the Taste of Hutchinson on September 13 & 14 along side the Arts & Crafts Festival. A wonderful variety of food vendors line First Avenue ready to serve up some delicious fare. In addition to the tasty food, the Ambassadors added a music feature a couple years ago that adds to the festive atmosphere. The music line up this year includes:

Friday

Crowd of people at the 2018 Taste of Hutchinson

• 11am-2:30pm Mona Hjerpe & Friends
• 4-7pm Sawyer’s Dream

Saturday

• 10:45am–12:45pm Taylor Jordan
• 1:15- 3:30pm Off Duty

Change is inevitable, but Blandin Leadership is planned change

Something from Mary! … I’ve been dealing with a lot of change lately, but there are different kinds of change. Some change is unplanned and unexpected and you have to deal with that. Planned change can be discovered through an amazing opportunity in our community at the upcoming Blandin Community Leadership Program. Learn more in Mary’s blog!

Farm Fatigue “Bucket of Thanks” Event 2019

Each harvest, our AgriBusiness Committee works hard to deliver buckets of goodies to our farmers in the fields in McLeod County.

If you business is interested in supplying goodies or money for this program, please complete the printable 2019 2019 Farm Fatigue Flyer(pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber by the deadline, Friday, September 6.

Chamber welcomes new staff, bids farewell to previous employees

This summer has been a season of change at the Chamber office. Ashley Gabbert left her position as Membership Coordinator in early July and then Communications Coordinator Gina Buske exited at the end of July. Both ladies are wished well on their new positions in the community.

In August, Jill Barrall joined the chamber as the new Membership Coordinator. Jill was previously the Legal Advocate at McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence. She is excited for this new venture at the Chamber.

On Sept. 9, Cegi Wassman joins the Chamber as the new Communications Coordinator. Cegi, pronounced CeeGee, comes to the Chamber after working at 3M in Hutchinson.

Chamber President Mary Hodson is excited to have both women join the Chamber team and looks forward to a full staff in the office, just in time for Arts and Crafts Festival!

Business Connection – October 6

Thank you to everyone that registered for September’s Business Connection scheduled for Friday, September 6, hosted by New Discoveries Montessori Academy.  We are excited to learn from  Dave Conrad and the staff at New Discoveries Montessori Academy how the school enables children to share and contribute their unique talents in the world.

Please join us for October’s Business Connection hosted by Adult Training and Habilitation Center on Friday, October 4 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 425 California St.  Come and learn how Adult Training and Habilitation Center assists people with developmental disabilities on the job to become independent, productive and self-reliant community members.

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 After Hours

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

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.

Table Tents Quarter 1 (Jan, Feb & March 2020) Deadline – December 1

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.

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 1 (January, February and March) is December 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 the Chamber or email the Chamber.

Maximize Your Membership!

A great way to get your business some positive exposure and maximize your membership is through event sponsorship. You can raise your business profile just by supporting a variety of events that will get participants thinking about your business more!

When your business sponsors a Chamber event, the Chamber will highlight your business by putting your name on all marketing materials. Your business will be highlighted as a sponsor during  the event, whether through announcements made at the event or sign placement at the event. Event sponsorship can be added to your membership as a 1-point option.

There are also some multiple point options that further increase your exposure. For example, a 2- Point Sponsorship option that increases your membership exposure could be a Staffed Hole Golf Sponsorship or Crop Management Input Seminar Bronze Sponsorship. Use of these options clearly maximizes your membership by putting a staff member at the event representing your business or organization.

At an even larger level, there are 5- and 6-Point options for Sponsorship giving your business VIP access to those events. Many of these Sponsorship options include tickets for guests of your business at the event.

Contact Jill at the Chamber office of email her with questions or to work with her to raise your community profile for your business and maximize your membership.

New & Renewing Members

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

• McLeod for Tomorrow
• Touch of Grace Dance Studio

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

• Ashley HomeStore
• Carpets Plus ColorTile Design Showroom
• Down with Diabetes Alliance
• e2 Electrical Services
• Factory Direct Furniture
• Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp
• Heartland Ag Sysems
• Hutchinson Hockey Association
• Junior Achievement of Hutchinson
• Mini Biff
• Wheel and Cog Children’s Museum
• Yutzy Construction

Business of the Month

This month’s Business of the Month is Chamber member, Hutchinson Area Community Foundation. This philanthropic nonprofit organization has granted thousands of dollars to local groups and businesses. Learn more about the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation 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 interviewed 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.

Save the Date!

• SEPTEMBER
  6        Business Connection – New Discoveries Montessori 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
  4        Business Connection – Adult Training & Habilitation Center Inc
  9        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  10      Business After Hours
• NOVEMBER
  1        Business Connection – Ecumen Oaks & Pines
  13     PULSE Lunch & Learn
  21     Taste of the Holidays
  30     Small Business Saturday
• DECEMBER
  6       Business Connection – Jay Malone Motors
  10     Crop Management Input Seminar
  12    Holiday Business After Hours

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Farm Fatigue “Bucket of Thanks” Event 2019

Each harvest, our AgriBusiness Committee works hard to deliver buckets of goodies to our farmers in the fields in McLeod County.

If you business is interested in supplying goodies or money for this program, please complete the printable 2019 Farm Fatigue Bucket form (pdf) and mail, email or drop it off at the Chamber by the deadline, Friday, September 6.

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

We are happy to announce the Hutchinson Leadership Institute is back for its 31st year! The Hutchinson Leadership Institute is hosted by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. This comprehensive program is designed to build community leaders. Over the period of nine months, participants will experience 10 days of training and classes. Each participant will be assigned to a group service project, which will assess community needs, determine a project, and facilitate the project working with other community members and/or groups.

Once you have completed the Leadership program, you can participate in Leadership 2.0! The 2.0 program takes a deeper dive into personal leadership and how it can impact the future of the entire community.

Click link for application: Hutchinson Leadership Institute (pdf) or Hutchinson Leadership 2.0 (pdf)

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

Crazy Days ~ thinkLOCAL Thank You!

Thank you to businesses that participated in Crazy Days and the Chamber’s .5k Receipt Run Race to Savings! What a great way to see how thinking local can impact our community! Also, a special thanks to our volunteers — our events would not be a success without you!

Check out our Facebook page to view event video.

Hometown Golf Challenge Thank You!

We would like to thank everyone that joined us for the 2019 Hometown Golf Challenge Tailgating event on July 22 at the Oakdale Golf Club. The event would not be possible without our mighty volunteers and the businesses that donated to and sponsored this event. THANK YOU all for your time, talents, donations and support!! A special shout out to the Oakdale Golf Club’s Mike Knodel and his staff! 

Last but never least, we would like to acknowledge our Event Sponsors, Champion Sponsors and Visionary Sponsor. Our deepest gratitude to these businesses for their generous support.

Visionary Sponsor – Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

Champion Sponsors – Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, MITGI and SouthPoint Financial Credit Union. 

Welcome Sponsors – MITGI

Staffed Hole Sponsors – Asset Protection & Restoration Inc, Buffalo Wild Wings, Caspers Chiropractic Center, Edina Realty – Erika Kellen, Hutchinson Health, MidCountry Bank, MnDOT, Ridgewater College, State Farm – Steve Kropp, and Woodstone Senior Living Community.

Hole Sponsors – Ashley HomeStore, Cash Wise Foods, Compass Occasions, Crow River Winery, Fairway Mortgage Company, First Minnesota Bank, Goebel Fixture Company, Heartland Ag Systems, Hometown Realty, Hutchinson Dental Center, Hutchinson Leader, Hutchinson Manufacturing, Iron Jungle Crossfit, LBC of Hutchinson, Novation Credit Union, Nuvera, Piehl Hanson Beckman PA, Plumbing and Heating by Craig, State Farm – Mike McGraw, The Tiger Pro Shop / Branded Solutions, TDK Hutchinson Technology, Uponor, Valley Sales of Hutchinson and Walmart Supercenter.

Hole-In-One Sponsors:  Citizens Bank & Trust Co and Factory Direct Furniture.

See you next year!

Check out our Facebook page to view event photos.

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline September 1!

The September 1 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 – September 6

Thank you to everyone that registered for August’s Business Connection scheduled for Friday, August 2 hosted by Buffalo Wild Wings. It will be a blazin’ good time I am sure! Also, sending a special shout out to Cliff Cleveringa and his staff – the do such a great job!

Please join us for September’s Business Connection hosted by New Discoveries Montessori Academy on Friday, September 6 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at 1000 5th Ave SE. See how New Discoveries Montessori Academy enables children to share and contribute their unique talents in the world.

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

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

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

Online registration for September Business Connection

Business After Hours

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

Looking for a way to highlight a message from your business? How about having the Chamber send an email on your behalf from our Chamber account to literally hundreds of subscribers? Let’s have a blast with your email!

With a Spotlight Email, the Chamber will highlight a message from your business in one of our newsletter emails or other monthly updates. Your business or organization will be recognized in the subject line and your message will be a main bullet point in the email sent out. The Spotlight Email can be added to your membership as a 1 point option.

A Custom Email is an email sent on your behalf from the Chamber account to our over 700+ subscribers. The Custom Email can be added to your membership as a 2 point option.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

• JBL Companies

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

• AmericInn Lodge & Suites
• Canvasworks, Inc
• Casey’s General Store
• Century 9 Theatre
• Clay Coyote Gallery & Pottery
• Crow River Habitat for Humanity Inc
• Edward Jones – Nick Pederson
• Evergreen Apartments
• Hutchinson Dental Center
• Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Maytag Laundry, Tanning & Car Wash / Maytag Laundry & Car Wash
• New Century Academy
• Papa Murphy’s Take-N-Bake Pizza
• Re/Max Results
• Upper Midwest A-C Club
• Vivid Image, Inc
• Winn Exteriors LLC
• United Community Action Partnership, Inc

Business of the Month

The Chamber’s Business of the Month program is a free marketing opportunity that is only available to Chamber Members. The featured business is interviewed 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.

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

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

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

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area of the Hutchinson Chamber by actively supporting and promoting Hutchinson and its surrounding business community.

The Ambassador’s Facebook page is a great place to see photos of all the visits and other special events hosted by the Ambassadors.

You may have seen our Ambassadors around town – you can recognize them by their blue shirts and friendly smiles. They host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

July’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• No visits were scheduled

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

The group also gets together at quarterly social events  (green dates listed in calendar below). Like the PULSE Facebook page to get the latest event information and registration links. Register for the August 14 Lunch & Learn by Friday, August 9 to be entered into a $25 gift card drawing! August 14 Lunch & Learn Registration

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

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

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

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

Something from Mary!

Hands Free, Free Time

As the Hands-Free law goes into place today, August 1, 2019, I am thinking about the many times, we should put down our phones…

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

Save the Date!

• AUGUST
  2          Business Connection – Buffalo Wild Wings
  14        PULSE Lunch & Learn
  14-18  Made in McLeod @ County Fair
• SEPTEMBER
  6        Business Connection – New Discoveries Montessori 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
  21     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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hometown Golf Challenge ~ Monday, July 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are happy to announce the Hutchinson Leadership Institute is back for its 31st year! The Hutchinson Leadership Institute is hosted by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. This comprehensive program is designed to build community leaders. Over the period of nine months, participants will experience 10 days of training and classes. Each participant will be assigned to a group service project, which will assess community needs, determine a project, and facilitate the project working with other community members and/or groups.

Once you have completed the Leadership program, you can participate in Leadership 2.0! The 2.0 program takes a deeper dive into personal leadership and how it can impact the future of the entire community.

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

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

Dairy Day ~ Thank You!

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

We would especially like to thank our sponsors!

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

And a special shout out to: Agri-Business Committee, Below  Zero Frozen Yogurt, Benny’s Meat Market, Bongards, Celebrity Milkers, Community Volunteers, First District Dairy, HHS FFA Members, Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival Royal Family, the Kurth Family, McLeod County 4-H, McLeod County Dairy Princess & Ambassadors, McLeod County Extension and Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Business Connection

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

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

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

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

Online registration for August Business Connection

Business After Hours

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

Are you searching for a new way to remind customers of the services or products you offer, an upcoming event or promotions, etc? Do you have a promotional flyer already and don’t feel like recreating the wheel? Your search is over…

Chamber Members can add a newsletter insert to the Chamber’s monthly newsletter or request a Chamber Member mailing list in one of two ways. They can purchase a single newsletter insert or mailing list; or to maximize their benefit they can add it to their membership as a 1 point option.

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

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

Quarter 3 Table Tents are Here!

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

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

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

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

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

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area of the Hutchinson Chamber by actively supporting and promoting Hutchinson and its surrounding business community.

The Ambassador’s Facebook page is a great place to see photos of all the visits and other special events hosted by the Ambassadors.

You may have seen our Ambassadors around town – you can recognize them by their blue shirts and friendly smiles. They host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

June’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Thrifty White
• Greener Pastures
• Sanford & Co.

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Something from Mary!

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

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

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

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

This year’s activities include:

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

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

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

We are happy to announce the Hutchinson Leadership Institute is back for its 31st year! The Hutchinson Leadership Institute is hosted by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. This comprehensive program is designed to build community leaders. Over the period of nine months, participants will experience 10 days of training and classes. Each participant will be assigned to a group service project, which will assess community needs, determine a project, and facilitate the project working with other community members and/or groups.

Once you have completed the Leadership program, you can participate in Leadership 2.0! The 2.0 program takes a deeper dive into personal leadership and how it can impact the future of the entire community.

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

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

Business Connection – June 7

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

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

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

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

Online registration for June Business Connection

Business After Hours

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information to come!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

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

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

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

Business of the Month

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

The Hutchinson Ambassadors serve as the welcoming and social area of the Hutchinson Chamber by actively supporting and promoting Hutchinson and its surrounding business community.

The Ambassador’s Facebook page is a great place to see photos of all the visits and other special events hosted by the Ambassadors.

You may have seen our Ambassadors around town – you can recognize them by their blue shirts and friendly smiles. They host Business After Hours, welcome new business openings, as well as, celebrate business renovations and milestones with an Ambassador Business Visit.

May’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Aspire Counseling
• Designs by Jane
• Keller Williams

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

Something from Mary!

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information For Your Business To Grow…