Lunch & Learns and Breakfast Connections

Lunch & Learn

November 5, 2025  

Much In Hutch App Training PART 2

Presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)

Part 2: Deep Dive into the Munch In Hutch App

Get ready for an exciting next step in exploring Hutchinson’s brand-new Munch In Hutch App—your one-stop guide to everything happening in our community!

This session is the second opportunity for our business community to dive deeper into the app and learn how to:

• Enhance your business listing
• Boost your visibility
• Amplify your message directly to locals and visitors

Built for the entire community, the app is designed to showcase Hutchinson as a vibrant destination to live, work, play, shop, dine, and stay.

Together, we’ll take this important next step in educating local businesses on how to use this simple, powerful tool to promote Hutchinson and help our community thrive.

Schedule:
• 11:30–12:00 | Networking & Lunch
• 12:00–12:45 | Lunch & Learn Presentation
• 12:45–1:00 | Q&A Session

• Free for all Chamber members | $20 non-members
• RSVP required
• Presented by Valerie Mackenthun, President of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Lunch & Learn

December 3, 2025  

Minnesota Secure Choice: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)

A new state mandate is here and it’s one many Minnesota business owners haven’t yet heard about. Minnesota Secure Choice requires most employers to offer a retirement savings option for their employees, regardless of business size.

At this luncheon, you’ll learn what the law entails, when it takes effect, and how it impacts you whether you run a team of two or two hundred. This purely educational session will help you understand your responsibilities, explore your options, and make informed decisions for your business.

With new programs like Paid Family and Medical Leave already on the horizon, Secure Choice adds another layer of compliance that’s important to understand now.

Schedule:
• 11:30–12:00 | Networking & Lunch
• 12:00–12:45 | Lunch & Learn Presentation
• 12:45–1:00 | Q&A Session

• Free for all Chamber members | $20 non-members
• RSVP required
• Presented by Joe Warta- Financial Advisor- Secure Choice

Breakfast Connection

October 22, 2025  

Minnesota Paid Leave

Presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)

7:30-9 AM  Breakfast Connection (doors open at 7am)

Featuring Vinna Human Resources
Art’s Place — 35 First Avenue SW, Hutchinson

Join us for our October Breakfast Connection as we welcome Vinna Human Resources, your full-service HR team, without the full-time cost. Based in Willmar and serving organizations across Minnesota and beyond, Vinna brings a people-first approach to HR, offering everything from à la carte support to full-scale HR management.

This session will spotlight the upcoming Minnesota Paid Leave program, which goes into effect January 1, 2026. Vinna’s team will walk us through what employers need to know to stay compliant and confident, including:

• How MN Paid Leave came to be
• Plan selection and implementation timelines
• Payroll and tax implications
• Coordinating with other leave programs
• Policy alignment and updates

• Free for all Chamber members | $20 non-members
• RSVP required-seating is limited
• Featuring Vinna Human Resources

Lunch & Learn

October 1, 2025

Much In Hutch App Training

Presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)

This will be an exciting deep dive into Hutchinson’s brand new Munch In Hutch App,  your one-stop guide to everything happening in our community!

This is the first opportunity for our business community to explore how to enhance their listings, boost visibility, and amplify their message through the Munch & Hutch app.

The app is built for our entire community and it’s designed to showcase Hutchinson as a vibrant destination to live, work, play, shop, dine, and stay.

Together, we’ll take the first step in educating our local businesses on how to use this simple, powerful tool to promote Hutchinson to visitors and locals alike.

Schedule:
• 11:30–12:00 | Networking & Lunch
• 12:00–12:45 | Lunch & Learn Presentation
• 12:45–1:00 | Q&A Session

• Free for all Chamber members | $20 non-members
• RSVP required
• Presented by Valerie Mackenthun, President of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Let’s put Hutchinson on the map, see you there!

June 24, 2025-  AI in Action: Real-World Tools for Small Business Success

AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s for smart, everyday businesses that want to work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re curious about AI or already exploring it, this engaging, down-to-earth session will show you exactly how to start using AI tools in a way that makes sense for your business.

✅ See real-life examples of how AI is being used in marketing, customer service, and operations

✅ Learn simple, practical ways to save time and reduce the overwhelm

✅ Discover tools you can start using immediately—no tech background needed

✅ Break through the hype and understand what actually works for small businesses

✅ Walk away with confidence and clear next steps you can take back to your team

May 27, 2025- Practical and Tactical Actions for Small Business Owners

Calling all small business owners and self-employed professionals! Join Kayla Tessmer from Equitable Advisors for a Lunch & Learn on smart business strategies, retirement options, and workforce productivity. Learn how to attract and retain top talent while setting yourself and your employees up for success. Walk away with actionable steps to strengthen your business and financial future. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights!

April 29, 2025- Marketing Strategies

Keeping Social Simple: A Step-by-Step Approach to Simple Digital Marketing Success

For many busy business owners and managers, social media marketing can feel like a daunting chore. It often gets relegated to the bottom of the priority list, a task perpetually pushed aside in the face of more pressing demands. The constant updates, algorithm changes, and the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and ineffective. But what if I told you there was a way to “Keep social simple!”? That’s precisely what our unique workshop, designed for the time-strapped entrepreneur, aims to achieve. We understand that your focus needs to be on running your business, not spending hours wrestling with social media. That’s why we’re offering a practical, DIY approach that empowers you to become more present and impactful on your social platforms – without the stress.

March 25, 2025- Cybersecurity

West Central Technology will lead an informative session on cybersecurity best practices, common threats, and strategies to protect your business from cyber risks. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this session will provide valuable insights to help safeguard your business.

February 25, 2025- Succession Planning

Succession planning is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of business strategy. Join Jim Seifert, an accomplished attorney and executive with over 30 years of experience in business strategy, corporate governance, and law, for a deep dive into this essential topic.