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

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

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

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

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

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

Hometown Golf Challenge ~ Monday, July 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dairy Day ~ Thank You!

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

We would especially like to thank our sponsors!

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

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

Business Connection

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

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

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

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

Online registration for August Business Connection

Business After Hours

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

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

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

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

45th Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival September 13 – 14

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

Quarter 3 Table Tents are Here!

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

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

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Thrifty White
• Greener Pastures
• Sanford & Co.

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Something from Mary!

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

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

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

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

This year’s activities include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Connection – June 7

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

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

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

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

Online registration for June Business Connection

Business After Hours

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information to come!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

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

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

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

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

May’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Aspire Counseling
• Designs by Jane
• Keller Williams

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

Something from Mary!

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information For Your Business To Grow…

Hutchinson Leadership Institute

Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 Hutchinson Leadership Institute Graduates!

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

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

Hutchinson Leadership Institute Banquet

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

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

Leadership 2.0

Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 Leadership 2.0 Graduates!

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

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

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

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline June 1!

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

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

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

Business Connection – May 3

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

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

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

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

Online registration for May Business Connection

Business After Hours – May 8

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

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

Online registration for May’s Business After Hours.

Maximize Your Membership!

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

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

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

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

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

This year’s activities include:

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

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

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

CrAzY DaYs – Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for July 18 – 20.

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

More information to come!

Hometown Golf Challenge

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

This year’s events and information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste of Hutchinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Members

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

• Custom Stay Residence & Suites
• Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

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

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

April’s Ambassador Business Visits:

• Cancelled due to bad weather

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

Something from Mary!

Why does the Chamber have a golf tournament?

I am so glad you asked! …

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information For Your Business To Grow…