What’s Happening in February 2019!

January 31, 2019 By Gina

The Chamber would like to introduce our newest program

Business Connection logo

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

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

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

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

Registration Link for March’s Business Connection

Passing of the Gavel – Chamber Board Chair

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

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

2018 - 2019 Chamber BOD Service Acknowledgement

Passing of the Gavel – Hutchinson Ambassadors

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

2018 - 2019 Ambassador Gavel Pass

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

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

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

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

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline March 1!

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

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

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

Maximize Your Membership!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New & Returning Members

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

Standard Printing ‘n’ Mailing

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

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

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

January’s Ambassador Business Visits:

Lifelong Veterinary Clinic
Jrr. Yoga
ForTykes

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

Valentine blocks spelling out "Love" and a red heart If you are the only primary representative with your business receiving emails from the Chamber, please invite all your employees to join us! Preregistration is strongly encouraged, so our business hosts may plan accordingly.

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

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

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

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

Something from Mary!

Mary Hodson
What if there was no chamber in Hutchinson?

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More For Your Business To Grow…

Filed Under: Newsletters

February 2019 Business of the Month

January 30, 2019 By Ashley

246 Main St S, Hutchinson
(320) 587-5162

In January 2019, Prairie River Home Care, Inc. changed its name to Adara Home Health. Adara means “respect, regard, care” in the Sanskrit language (one of the oldest languages). Adara was chosen because it reflects the way they deliver home health care.

Adara Home Health evolved from Prairie River Inc., a company started in 1989 which provided personal care attendant services to disabled individuals. In 1996, Adara Home Health became a Medicare certified home care agency offering a broad range of services to individuals of all ages. On November 1, 1998 Ken and Judy Figge acquired Adara Home Health. Between them, Ken and Judy have over 50 years of experience in home care.

The corporate office of Adara Home Health is located in Buffalo, Minnesota. Direct client care and services are provided through a network of eight offices located in Fairmont, Hutchinson, Blaine, Mankato, Granite Falls, Rochester, Buffalo and St Cloud. Adara Home Health provides services within 60 Minnesota counties.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ADARA HOME HEALTH

Medicare covers nursing and therapy at home 100% with no out of pocket expense when you meet criteria. Adara Home Health is the best-kept secret. Medicare has had the home health benefit since the 60’s it is just now coming into the forefront as people look for ways to stay out of the hospital and received personalized care in their homes.

Home Health saves Medicare monies and you do not have to leave home to get care or treatment. It is where people want to be – in their home. By providing a nurse or therapist to come to your home, you get the service in the comfort of your home and save Medicare tax dollars by not having a hospital stay.

Clinician Owned and Operated: Nurses and Therapist own Adara and are the corporate team. That means every decision we make is patient centered.

FREE Initial Clinical Assessment: Whether or not you choose to start care services with Adara Home Health, you will at least have a comprehensive understanding of the various options that are available to you in order to maintain your health in your own home. Our RN case managers are oriented and trained in understanding the various government and/or insurance payment options that are available. Some of the common payment methods for our services include:

Medicare payment if you qualify and are at least 65 years of age or disabled
Veterans benefits if you are seeing a physician from a Veterans Hospital, Center or Clinic.
Medica, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Preferred One, etc.
Medicaid, Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, etc.
Private Pay

Our Own Therapists: Often other home care companies contract for therapy services. We employ full-time and part-time therapists at most of our branches which allows us to provide comprehensive care with people who are very familiar with our internal systems, processes and operational policies and have been oriented to our philosophy of care management.

Broad Service Area: No other home care company in Minnesota services as broad of a geographic region as our company. We service 60 of Minnesota’s 87 counties through our eight branch offices.

3 products & services Adara offers for nursing and therapy in your home:

Wound Care: We take pride in our comprehensive training and understanding of the various techniques that are available to provide the best possible outcomes in caring for people with complex wound care needs.

Fall Prevention: We developed a customized program for evaluating risks and preventing falls by oriented, educating and training our caregivers. Our ProActive Steps program handbook was developed to help people with osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart conditions, seizure conditions and many other conditions prevent falling through proactive interactions.

Hospital Care Conferences: Not only do we care for you at home but we will also participate in any appropriate conferences and meetings before your discharge from a hospital, nursing home or other type of facility to ensure a full understand of your present and past condition.

What does Adara Home Health enjoy most about their Chamber Membership?

The promotion and support that the Chamber gives their members is phenomenal! Whether it be use of Chamber conference room, advertising opportunities, or events, it’s wonderful to be included in events that benefit our businesses, but even more so, our community.

Filed Under: Business of the Month

Something from Mary!

January 30, 2019 By Gina

What if there was no chamber in Hutchinson?

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

Let’s think about Hutchinson without the Chamber and Tourism office.

Businesses would not have an entity to call their own (and they have since the early 1890’s)
Business scams would lay a wider net
There would be no business visits by the Ambassadors to welcome new businesses and congratulate expanding businesses
No Business After Hours to learn about business services & products
Arts and Crafts would be a thing of the past, which would also mean the end to Taste of Hutchinson, and Taste of the Holidays
No one to advocate to shop local, think local, play local, eat local, sleep local, spend local
No visitors’ guide would be published, and no guides would be mailed out to prospective visitors, nor to visitor centers around the state. Over 1000 guides are mailed each year from requests, and 49 statewide centers display our visitor guides.
No business-oriented advocacy for the city, no alerts to new bills or regulations which affect businesses
Leadership Institute would be gone. Almost 800 people have gone through the program in 30 years.
Many businesses and organizations would have to pay for a meeting location, or jam into cramped quarters for meetings and interview
Another avenue of marketing services, products, jobs, and events would be gone
Dairy Day and Farm Fatigue would cease to exist
Young Professionals would be out of luck, and no group to call their own, like PULSE
Resource calls would go unanswered (we are the phone book and google combined)
The electronic marquee at Hwys 7 & 15 would go dark
The community calendar where people visit over a hundred times a day would be lost
Our famous table tents would no longer be printed
No advertisements or billboards recruiting people to come to Hutchinson
No more #muchinhutch on trucks or campers, products or anywhere

YOU matter to us. Our work is about YOU.

Thank YOU for being part of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism organization.

Filed Under: Something From Mary

What’s Happening in January 2019!

January 3, 2019 By Gina

Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards – January 18

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

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

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

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

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

New & Renewing Chamber Members

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

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

January Business of the Month

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

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

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

December’s Ambassador Business Visits:

Branded Solutions
Dana’s Dog Spa

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

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

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

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

Something from Mary

Most of use have benefits through our employers.

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

Your Chamber Membership comes with benefits also.

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

Quarter 1 Table Tents are Here!

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

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

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

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

Save the Date!

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

More Information for Your Business to Grow!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Something from Mary!

January 3, 2019 By Gina

Most of use have benefits through our employers.

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

Your Chamber Membership comes with benefits also.

Benefits to make your business better, healthier, balanced and maybe just a little easier. See what I did there?

Whether you look at your chamber membership as a buffet, or business muscle builders: we are here to help your business.

Maybe you’re seeing emails from Ashley about your membership benefits, but discard them because you are too busy to look at them right now.

Maybe you see messages about events or programs, and think you’ll go back to those later.

Maybe it’s time you take the time to look at what you are utilizing and what’s being left on the table but could help you market/build/enhance your business.

Form your online portal to your web page on our website which gets many searches daily, to networking programs to get out and “press the flesh,” to educational opportunities to build skills, networks and confidence… the chamber has a lot to offer.

We’re your connection to the source, the answer, the obscure, the odd, and many times, just the right person to help you do what needs to be done.

So as you review your business benefits, let’s review your chamber membership benefits and find the best options to help you be bigger, stronger, faster!

You know what to do; call or email us! 320-587-5252 or email any of us:

Mary@explorehutchinson.com
Gina@explorehutchinson.com
Ashley@explorehutchinson.com

Happy New Year from our staff and Board of Directors!

Filed Under: Something From Mary

January 2019 Business of the Month

January 2, 2019 By Ashley

20271 Highway 15 N, Hutchinson
(320) 234-7669

Winter is here to stay. The snow has hit the ground and we might not see grass for a couple of months, but for many people in Hutchinson this is great news. You’ll see snow mobiles and ice houses all around town – many of which may have come from B&B Sports and RV!

B&B Sports opened its doors in 1992 at 20271 Hwy 15 North in Hutchinson. The business was started by Butch Hausladen and is in the same location today as it was over 27 years ago. Jeremy Crosby helped the shop when the business first started and took on a full-time position in July of 2011. He became part owner in 2012 and took over as majority owner in January 2018.

What does this tell us? That the people at B&B know their stuff! There are five full time employees working at B&B sports and each of them strive to provide the best customer experience possible. One of the best things about the people about B&B is their honesty and integrity – they create great experiences for people and if things don’t go perfectly, they help make it right. They try their best to get what the customer needs or give them options on where to get it.

B&B Sports is a dealer for Crestliner, Larson, KZ RV, Ice Castle Fish House, United Enclosed trailers, and Mercury Outboards. They have a full-service Camper & Fish House shop for most makes and models. They also service most makes and models of boats along with servicing Mercury motors, and Johnson/Evinrude outboards. Most people don’t realize that they also stock a lot of parts/accessories and have the experience to help get customers the correct parts. If they don’t have the number of parts you need, they can usually get what you need the next day.

So, whether the snow is falling in the middle of winter or you’re basking in the summer sun, visit B&B Sports to add a little fun to your outdoor experiences.

What does B&B Sports & RV enjoy most about their Chamber Membership?

We like the support and awareness being a chamber member offers.

Filed Under: Business of the Month

What’s Happening in December 2018!

December 3, 2018 By Gina

Annual Chamber Banquet – A Night Under the Stars

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

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

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

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

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

Community Awards

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

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

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar

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

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

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar poster (pdf)

Taste of the Holidays – Thank You!

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

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

Small Business Saturday – Thank You!

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

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

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

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

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

New & Returning Chamber Members

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

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

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

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

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

November’s Ambassador Business Visits:

Nuvera

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

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

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

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

red Christmas ornaments on snow

Something from Mary

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

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

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

Quarter 2 Table Tent Deadline is March 1, 2019!

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

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

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

Save the Dates

January 18, 2019 = Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards

More Information for your Business to Grow!

Small Business Saturday Shop Small for the Holidays

–

Filed Under: Newsletters

Something from Mary!

December 3, 2018 By Gina

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

Our staff and ThinkLOCAL committee put much time and effort into planning ideas to bring people to, and keep people in, our community for this day. Staff and volunteers spent hours purchasing and collecting gift cards throughout the community for the first SBS ping pong ball drop of prizes and for handing out later in stores.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED, DONATED and SHOPPED!

But….

Let’s ThinkLOCAL more frequently; not just on Small Business Saturday.

Let’s ThinkLOCAL even when there isn’t a ball drop or elves out paying bills.

Even when you are online, there are local options to choose.

Amazon offers their Amazon Smile donations… pick a local charity!
Most online purchases with store pick-up options keep the purchase local to that store!

Did you know you will never run into friends and old acquaintances while shopping online?

Did you know you can’t touch or feel the fabric or texture of something online?

Do you realize if you don’t understand how to use it, or it comes broken or late there is not a real person to talk to without saying or hitting seven 3,785 times first?

How many times have you received a personal reminder online about that email you may have gotten with more savings and how you can use that coupon with another deal?

NOW…. let’s be real…. I know you shop online, sometimes I have to as well. Let’s just pledge to ThinkLOCAL before we just hop online, and let’s spend more in Hutchinson this year.

ThinkLOCAL… because every dollar spent locally pays for someone’s wages, which pays for food, heat, and clothing. Each dollar can be regenerated again and again.

ThinkLOCAL… because we are the reflection of our choices.

ThinkLOCAL… because you’re cool like that!

Filed Under: Something From Mary

What’s Happening in November

October 31, 2018 By Gina

Taste of the Holidays

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

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

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

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

Small Business Saturday

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

2019 Small Business Saturday poster (pdf)

Small Business Saturday town graphic

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

Annual Banquet & Community Awards

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

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

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

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

Farm Fatigue Bucket of Thanks & Ag Seminar!

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

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

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

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar poster (pdf)

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant

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

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

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

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

Business of the Month

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

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

New and Returning Chamber Members

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

Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant
Jimmy’s Pizza

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

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

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

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

October’s Ambassador Business Visits:

Little Stars Childcare Center
By MAE
Wild Olive Tree
Uponor

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

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

Something from Mary!

Chamber President Mary Hodson What’s the big deal?

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

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

Wait. What?

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Save the Dates

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

More information for your business to grow!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Something from Mary!

October 31, 2018 By Gina

What’s the big deal?

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

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

Wait. What?

Yes, the Chamber is giving away money again.

Here’s how people have a chance at winning money:

Shop in Hutchinson on November 24^th
Attend the ping pong ball drop at 10:00 AM on the north side of Library Square

Super easy right?! YES!

Want in on the fun as a business?

Provide the chamber with gift cards, gift certificates, tokens, or items to give away during the ball drop. It’s a great way to drive traffic into your business.

Follow this link to get the download for the ping pong ball drop information.

The balls will be dropped from a large truck and bucket along Washington Avenue. We’ll have separate ball drops for adults AND kids.

Chamber Board Members will be out paying for people’s bills as well… Why? Because the incentive to bring business to you is VERY important to the board and staff.

The chamber has Small Business Saturday materials for you if you haven’t signed up through ShopSmall.

Give us a jingle and we’ll help you make the most of your Small Business Saturday!

Filed Under: Something From Mary

The Chamber would like to introduce our newest program

Passing of the Gavel – Chamber Board Chair

Passing of the Gavel – Hutchinson Ambassadors

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

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant – Reminder – Deadline March 1!

Maximize Your Membership!

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

New & Returning Members

Business of the Month

Professionals Under 40 Leading Socializing and Educating

Something from Mary!

Save the Date!

More For Your Business To Grow…

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ADARA HOME HEALTH

3 products & services Adara offers for nursing and therapy in your home:

What does Adara Home Health enjoy most about their Chamber Membership?

Annual Chamber Event & Community Awards – January 18

New & Renewing Chamber Members

January Business of the Month

Something from Mary

Quarter 1 Table Tents are Here!

Save the Date!

More Information for Your Business to Grow!

What does B&B Sports & RV enjoy most about their Chamber Membership?

Annual Chamber Banquet – A Night Under the Stars

Community Awards

2019 Crop Management Input Seminar

Taste of the Holidays – Thank You!

Small Business Saturday – Thank You!

New & Returning Chamber Members

Something from Mary

Quarter 2 Table Tent Deadline is March 1, 2019!

Save the Dates

More Information for your Business to Grow!

Taste of the Holidays

Small Business Saturday

Annual Banquet & Community Awards

Farm Fatigue Bucket of Thanks & Ag Seminar!

2019 Tourism Marketing Grant

Business of the Month

New and Returning Chamber Members

Something from Mary!

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

Upcoming Save the Dates

More information for your business to grow!

Categories