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Back to Basics is ONLINE this year!
Back to Basics is ONLINE this year! Sustainable Workshops & More February 20-28 Join us for the 15th annual Back to Basics sustainability event, now all online! Take in 2 virtual keynote presentations that are sure to inform and inspire. Stay connected by watching workshop presentations at your leisure from the comfort
Ring in the New Year by starting your Zerona Z6 journey today!
Ring in the New Year by starting your Zerona Z6 journey today! Northern Hope Functional Neurology and Chiropractic 5518 Lakers Lane, Nisswa, MN(218) 232-3178 Call Northern Hope FNC to inquire about the areas ONLY Zerona- cold laser, lose inches with NO downtime. Multiple package options available. For more information, call us
YOU BELONG, at the Y!
YOU BELONG, at the Y! be HEALTHY and be STRONG. As we start a new year, now is the time to invest in yourself! Join the Y today. We are now waiving the enrollment fee for all new memberships, and for a limited time- adults can join for $599 for an entire
Coffee News business opportunity for sale
Coffee News business opportunity for sale Coffee News – Top Rated International Franchise! Small publishing business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Opportunity to grow! Established distribution sites and display stands included! Work from home! For more information call, (218) 831-0898! ACT NOW!coffeenewsbrainerd@yahoo.com
MMFCU Brainerd office construction complete
MMFCU Brainerd office construction complete – enter to win $750, $500 or $250! Watch 5 video tours and enter to win $750, $500 or $250 in gift certificates to downtown Brainerd businesses Win $750, $500 or $250 in gift certificates to downtown Brainerd businesses by watching five virtual tour videos
First Western Bank – the same great people you know and count on
First Western Bank – the same great people you know and count on BlackRidgeBANK is now First Western. First Western Bank & Trust has been a trusted name in banking for over 50 years. Now BlackRidgeBANK is joining First Western. We’re the same great people you know and count on,
Chamber POWER HOUR – Speed Networking Event
Chamber POWER HOUR – Speed Networking Event Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | 4:30-5:00 PMComplimentary Networking Event Via Zoom What is Chamber POWER HOUR ‘speed networking’?Speed networking is like speed dating, but without the dating. At our first Chamber POWER HOUR, attendees will be able to meet a lot of people in a short
Blue Ox Success Series: Showing up to Build and Lead an Inclusive Workplace
Blue Ox Success Series: Showing up to Build and Lead an Inclusive Workplace Blue Ox Success Series WebinarFriday, February 5, 2021 | 10:00-11:30 AM What does it mean to have an inclusive workplace and why is it important in our area to understand what this means? How do we do show
The latest business reopenings per Governor Walz’s January 6th announcement
The latest business reopenings per Governor Walz’s January 6th announcement Following is a brief synopsis of today’s announcement related to reopening Minnesota businesses and easing several restrictions that are currently in place. The following will go into effect on Monday, January 11. Private social gatherings (no changes) Indoor gatherings limited
A New Year and a New Focus on Health and Wellness
A New Year and a New Focus on Health and Wellness Ah, it’s a new year—finally! Time for a fresh start and new beginnings. If there’s one thing that 2020 taught us, it’s how important our physical and mental health is to our overall well-being. Start 2021 off strong by
Start 2021 with a Website Tune-Up!
Start 2021 with a Website Tune-Up! Increase Traffic and Conversions Just like your car needs a regular tune-up, so does your website! Find gaps that are holding back your traffic and conversions. A website visitor’s experience and your website SEO are key for success online. We’ll perform a website evaluation to
Minnesota Legislature Passes COVID Relief Bill
Minnesota Legislature Passes COVID Relief Bill As you may know, state legislators passed a $216.8 million COVID relief bill. Special thanks to our friends at the Minnesota Retailers Association for this great summary: $88 million to businesses closed to the public under Executive Order 20-99 and experiencing at least a 30% sales decline
EndthePause
#EndthePause This Wednesday, December 16th, Governor Walz will announce whether he will end or extend business closures on Friday, December 18. Together with the Minnesota Ready Coalition of more than 80 chambers and business associations, we are respectfully urging the Governor to end the pause. Our businesses are ready to
New October 2020 Chamber Members!
New October 2020 Chamber Members! Our Chamber community continues to grow stronger! These new members come from all sectors of business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Read below to learn more about each of their unique stories. #LakesProud #StrongerTogether Facetime Business Recourses (320) 492-0084Brainerd, MN 56401 Face Time Business Resources offers
COVID Relief Update Webinar: When Help is Coming
COVID Relief Update Webinar: When Help is Coming A Brainerd Lakes Chamber Webinar10:00 to 11:00 AM | Tuesday, December 8th Is your business shut down or struggling with COVID-related challenges? Join U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber & Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka as they provide the latest updates on financial
Recap of Governor Walz’s New Restrictions
Recap of Governor Walz’s New Restrictions Here is a recap of the restrictions outlined in Governor’s latest executive order. We realize this will create significant hardships for many, and it goes without saying that we will need our outstanding community to rally around its small businesses once again. Private social
Find Hope for chronic pain in Nisswa, MN at Northern Hope Functional Neurology and Chiropractic
Find Hope for chronic pain in Nisswa, MN at Northern Hope Functional Neurology and Chiropractic 5518 Lakers Lane, Nisswa, MN(218) 232-3178 Our Chronic Pain will start to form a new pathway that by-passes the pain-stopping interneuron. What does that mean? Our body will form new pathways that promote pain. And once we have
Welcome to Doggie Daycare at Pampered Pets
Welcome to Doggie Daycare at Pampered Pets The 4 main benefits of daycare Bringing your dog to daycare enriches their day, so you don’t have to worry about what they are doing while you’re away. Dogs get to exercise both mind and body, from getting to play with other dogs,
Grow your local business with Spectrum Reach this holiday season
Grow your local business with Spectrum Reach this holiday season Increase your traffic with superior advertising products At Spectrum Reach, we are advertising experts , and for decades we have been dedicated to helping local businesses and brands grow in towns and cities across our country. At Spectrum Reach, we
Support local businesses this holiday shopping season with Chamber Bucks!
Support local businesses this holiday shopping season with Chamber Bucks! Chamber Bucks a win for businesses & consumers this holiday season With the holidays fast-approaching, now is the perfect time to stock up on Chamber Bucks. Chamber Bucks are a great way to show your appreciation to your employees as
Ambassador Spotlight Sarah Stultz
Ambassador Spotlight – Sarah Stultz 5 facts about Sarah Stultz Chamber Ambassador | Super 8 Brainerd/Baxter How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? I have been an ambassador for 6 years. What do you do at Super 8? I am the General Manager at the Super 8 in Baxter. We are a
Ambassador Spotlight Kaitlyn Rhoda
Ambassador Spotlight – Kaitlyn Rhoda 5 facts about Kaitlyn Rhoda Chamber Ambassador | Weichert Realtors Tower Properties How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? 4 years. How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? I have been an ambassador for more than a year now. What do you do at Weichert
Stay connected by joining our lead networking group, ChamberNET!
Stay connected by joining our lead networking group, ChamberNET! Next Meeting: Thursday, Dec. 10th | 7-8:30 AMSecond and fourth Thursdays of Every Month ChamberNet is a lead sharing group that meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The objective is to build strong partnerships with participating member businesses and
Sign up now to have your business represented in the 2021 Brainerd Lakes Area Visitor Guide!
Sign up now to have your business represented in the 2021 Brainerd Lakes Area Visitor Guide! 2021 Brainerd Lakes Area Visitor Guide Partnership Opportunities Get noticed by potential visitors and people looking to relocate to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Explore Brainerd Lakes Visitor Guide is the area’s largest and
Reach a new audience with our Explore Brainerd Lakes Tourism Newsletter!
Reach a new audience with our Explore Brainerd Lakes Tourism Newsletter! Get Noticed by 2,500+ Travelers Interested in the Brainerd Lakes Area Each month, we send a tourism newsletter via email to over 2,500 people who are interested in vacationing in the Brainerd Lakes Area. These potential visitors have requested
Presenting our 2020 Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award winner!
Presenting our 2020 Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award winner! Close Converse A sparkling story of success The Brainerd Lakes Chamber and Cub Foods are excited to present the 3rd Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award to Close Converse Commercial Real Estate | Business Brokerage, a small business that truly
Presenting our 2020 Business Excellence Award winner!
Presenting our 2020 Business Excellence Award winner! Lexington Manufacturing A sparkling story of success Joining the cast of legendary Business Excellence Award winners is Lexington Manufacturing! They will be recognized for their leadership, innovation, employee investment and community service. Hy-Tec Construction is proud to sponsor the Business Excellence Award and present it to Lexington Manufacturing during the Brainerd
Presenting our 2020 Business Legacy Award winner!
Presenting our 2020 Business Legacy Award winner! Ron & Al Lindner A sparkling story of success. Headlining our 2020 Celebration of Excellence will be the presentation of the Business Legacy Award by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and RiverWood Bank to Ron and Al Lindner! Ron and Al Lindner are true sportsmen and innovators
Improve public speaking skills, build leadership skills!
Improve public speaking skills, build leadership skills! Maximize your potential and enjoy unlimited personal growth! The Paul Bunyan Toastmasters teaches public speaking and leadership skills right here in Brainerd. Every Friday morning from 7:30 – 8:30 AM, we meet in person at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber admin office, or virtually via zoom. If you are
Cabin checks and so much more….
Cabin checks and so much more…. Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area info@lakesconciergemn.com | (218) 330-6046Contact us for an appointment! Lakes Concierge will provide you peace of mind through their offseason property management and monitoring services. Call before November 1st and receive 1 month free with season contract, a $75 or $125 value depending
We understand
We understand Efficient, reliable IT systems are critical for business Is your business prepared in the event of an emergency? Can your business stay viable if there’s a natural disaster? Can your employees work remotely while systems remain secure? What security solutions do you currently have in place? CTC can help
New September 2020 Chamber Members!
New September 2020 Chamber Members! Our Chamber community continues to grow stronger! These new members come from all sectors of business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Read below to learn more about each of their unique stories. #LakesProud #StrongerTogether Whitefish Property Finder 218-513-267712392 Ivy LaneCrosslake, MN 56442 Whitefish Property Finder is
Ambassador Spotlight Danielle Addison
Ambassador Spotlight – Danielle Addison 5 facts about Danielle Addison Chamber Ambassador | Mid Minnesota Federal Credit union How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? 4 years. What do you do at Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union? At MMFCU, I am the Brainerd Branch Manager. What sets Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
Ambassador Spotlight Ryan Sjoblad
Ambassador Spotlight – Ryan Sjoblad 5 facts about Ryan Sjoblad Chamber Ambassador | Heartland Hospice How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? One year in this position, several in other positions. What do you do at Heartland Hospice? I’m an Account Liaison. My responsibilities include building relationships with Assisted Living and Skilled
There is a better way to update your wardrobe with Curated Closet!
There is a better way to update your wardrobe with Curated Closet! Fellas, with Curated Closet, there is a better way to update your wardrobe! Don’t enjoy shopping, struggle to find the right fit or want a safer option? Contact me to schedule a complimentary appointment. I’ll meet with you in
Make it ok videos to share in your workplace
Make it ok videos to share in your workplace Seeking Help Stop the silence. We spend a significant time working. Understanding mental health and wellness is important for our own workplace experience, and for our colleagues as well. Stop the stigma. Support your work team. Simply view and share mental health
Ambassador Spotlight Jill Allord
Ambassador Spotlight – Jill Allord 5 facts about Jill Allord Chamber Ambassador | Wes Hanson Builders How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? I have been a Chamber Ambassador for about 2 1/2 years. What do you do at Wes Hanson Builders? I am the Billing Manager & Safety Director. Since
Ambassador Spotlight Malissa Whitted
Ambassador Spotlight – Malissa Whitted 5 facts about Malissa Whitted Chamber Ambassador | American National Bank of MN How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? Approximately 1 1/2 years. What do you do at American National Bank? I oversee the day to day operations at our Brainerd office as well as
Northern Hope Functional Neurology – Chiropractic
Northern Hope Functional Neurology – Chiropractic 5518 Lakers Lane, Nisswa, MN 56468(218) 232-3178www.northernhopefnc.com At Northern Hope Functional Neurology & Chiropractic we take a neurological & holistic approach to overall health! Chiropractic for all ages Metabolic consults Acupuncture Bio-Scan Massage Cupping Zerona- Fat Emulsifying Laser package FX 635 Cold Laser for chronic pain relief Traumatic Brain
Unbridle Your Potential Working With Leadership Coach Monica Anderson
Unbridle Your Potential Working With Leadership Coach Monica Anderson Forge Ahead this Fall with Help from the Herd I am excited to announce the addition of EQuine™ Assisted Leadership coaching to my practice. What is EQuine™ Leadership Coaching? It’s experiential coaching with goals and outcomes. The sessions take place in a pasture or arena
Have a Lasting Impact with Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity
Have a Lasting Impact with Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Needed and Donate to the Habitat 500 Ride We are now in the height of our busy time for salvages! Because we have been blessed by so many salvages this fall, we are in desperate need for volunteers to
Let’s Rebuild the Y!
Let’s Rebuild the Y! It’s Time for Businesses to Step Up. CTC and Digital Horizons are leading a grassroots effort to raise money for the YMCA so they can repair the damage sustained from rainfall this summer. They’re calling on other businesses to step up and help. Can you contribute $1,000? Can you
Make it ok videos to share in your workplace
Make it ok videos to share in your workplace Talking to a Professional Stop the silence. We spend a significant time working. Understanding mental health and wellness is important for our own workplace experience, and for our colleagues as well. Stop the stigma. Support your work team. Simply view and share
Lake Country Cares 101 + NEW GEAR
Lake Country Cares 101 + NEW GEAR Introducing New Posters, Downloads and Promotional Products for Lake Country Cares! Lake Country Cares is a COVID-19 safety campaign designed to build trust among residents, visitors, and local businesses. It’s our community promise to take care of each other by adopting easy and
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week three
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week three This week we celebrate seven local businesses that have been Chamber Members since 1988. These businesses have been members for 32 years, and we would like to thank them for their continued partnership in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities.
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week two
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week two This week we celebrate seven local businesses that have been Chamber Members since 1988. These businesses have been members for 32 years, and we would like to thank them for their continued partnership in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities.
Welcome to the Chamber! New June Chamber Members
Welcome to the Chamber! New June Chamber Members This past June our Chamber community grew by 11 new members! These new members come from all sectors of business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Read below to learn more about each of their unique stories. #LakesProud #StrongerTogether Trinity Business Partners – Pequot
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week one
July Chamber Member anniversaries – week one This week we celebrate seven local businesses that have been Chamber Members since 1988. These businesses have been members for 32 years, and we would like to thank them for their continued partnership in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities.
Improvements Made to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Improvements Made to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) As you may have heard, Congress recently made substantial improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program. We’re proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber, which recently updated its “Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness.” It summarizes the program in a simple, understandable way. Key changes
Minnesota Ready: Businesses are ready to restart our economy, keep us safe
Minnesota Ready: Businesses are ready to restart our economy, keep us safe We are calling on Governor Walz to fully reopen all businesses with safety practices no later than Friday, June 19. Last week, the “Phase 3 dial” was officially turned and many businesses across the state were able to
Welcome to the Chamber! New May Chamber Members
Welcome to the Chamber! New May Chamber Members In May, our Chamber community grew by 15 new member businesses! These new members come from all sectors of business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Read below to learn more about each of their unique stories. #LakesProud #StrongerTogether Interested in joining our
Chamber Membership May Anniversaries
Chamber Membership May Anniversaries The Brainerd Lakes Chamber is able to strengthen local businesses and our community because of the dedication of our members. Help us celebrate a few of our longstanding member businesses for their continued membership and commitment to the Brainerd Lakes Area! Celebrating 14 years of Chamber
May Chamber Anniversaries
May Chamber Anniversaries The Chamber is more than 1,000 members and 100 years strong because of our members. We would like to thank some of our longstanding members who are celebrating their anniversary of partnering with us in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities. Celebrating 31 years
E-commerce webinar recording: How to move your business online
E-commerce webinar recording: How to move your business online If you missed our free e-commerce webinar: Learn how to move your business online from successful local retailers, you can access the recorded session at the link below. Hear from an expert panel of local retail business owners who have found
Essentia Health pharmacies offer curbside pick-up
Essentia Health pharmacies offer curbside pick-up Essentia Health pharmacies are now offering curbside pick-up to better and more safely serve visitors. Designed as a convenient solution to social-distancing recommendations, curbside pick-up service is available to by calling the pharmacies for refills or using the online refill web-page at EssentiaHealth.org/RxRefills. Once
Local hospitals and clinics resume nonemergency elective surgeries
Local hospitals and clinics resume nonemergency elective surgeries Local hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics (including dental and veterinary clinics) received some good news. Governor Walz’s latest Executive Order 20-51 allows them to start nonemergency elective procedures beginning Monday, May 10 as long as they put physical distancing plans in place
Celebrating Our New Chamber Members
Celebrating our new Chamber members! We need each other now more than ever. Our Brainerd Lakes Chamber community is more than 1,000 members strong, and even in times of uncertainty and crisis, we continue to grow! Read below about a few of our newest members. #LakesProud #StrongerTogether Interested in joining
Minnesota partnerships help with workers’ health and safety
Minnesota partnerships help with workers’ health and safety Steve Grove, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), announced partnerships between Target Corp., Minnesota IT Services, and the Minnesota Safety Council to help ensure that workplace safety is a top priority as Minnesotans go back to work. Executive Order 20-40, which
Webinar Recording: Brainerd Lakes COVID-19 Local Healthcare Update
Webinar Recording: Brainerd Lakes COVID-19 Local Healthcare Update If you missed our free healthcare webinar, you can access the recorded session. Presenters from Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Essentia Health, and Lakewood Health System discussed for the first time what they’re seeing and doing at the local level in response to
COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors
COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress enacted on March 27, provides new benefits for self-employed people and independent contractors. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) This program provides weekly benefit payments for self-employed people, independent contractors, and others who
April Chamber Anniversaries
April Chamber Anniversaries The Chamber is more than 1,000 members and 100 years strong because of our members. We would like to thank some of our longstanding members who are celebrating their anniversary of partnering with us in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities. Celebrating 20 years
Reopen Brainerd Lakes
Reopen Brainerd Lakes. Save our businesses. Save our communities. To save our small businesses from closing their doors forever, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce supports the immediate development of a plan to reopen Minnesota businesses with state-recommended public health and safety accommodations. We believe businesses should be allowed to
Having difficulty recalling furloughed employees?
Having difficulty recalling furloughed employees? “Raising an issue” is possible with MN Unemployment In most circumstances, furloughed employees must relinquish unemployment benefits and return to work if they are recalled. If you believe a former employee should not be eligible for benefits due to a refusal to return, you may
Webinar Recording: Navigating Employee Layoffs & Unemployment
Webinar Recording: Navigating Employee Layoffs & Unemployment If you were unable to attend our complimentary Wednesday webinar, you may still access the recorded session here. Presenters covered employee communication, the FFCRA Act, Minnesota unemployment programs, and complications related to the federal $600 supplement. They also answered several participant questions including
April Chamber Anniversaries
April Chamber Anniversaries The Chamber is more than 1,000 members and 100 years strong because of our members. We would like to thank some of our longstanding members who are celebrating their anniversary of partnering with us in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen our communities. Celebrating 26 years
Recap: webinar recordings & business resources
Recap: This week’s webinar recordings & business resources 1) Blue Ox Success Series: Business Relief at the Local Level2) Accessing Relief through the Federal CARES Act If you were unable to attend our virtual webinars this past week regarding resources for business relief and assistance, you can watch the recorded
March Ambassador Welcome Visits
March Ambassador Welcome Visits Early this past March, our Chamber ambassadors were able to visit with new members and welcome them into our Chamber community. Read more about each of these businesses below!
How do I use my Chamber Bucks?
How do I use my Chamber Bucks? If you’ve recently won or received Chamber Bucks, you might be wondering what they are and how to use them. What is a Chamber Buck? Chamber Bucks are an incentive to help support local businesses. Chamber Bucks are a monetary check certificate issued
Chamber Bucks Q&A
Locals have received $3,000+ in Chamber Bucks, but what does that mean for your business? The Brainerd Lakes, Crosslake, and Pequot Lakes Chambers are supporting Chamber members by hosting Facebook contests, tagging businesses and getting the word out that small businesses need support right now! Winners of the contests are
April Member Anniversaries
Celebrating membership: our April 2020 Chamber Member anniversaries The Chamber is more than 1,000 members and 100 years strong because of our members. We would like to thank some of our longstanding members who are celebrating their anniversary of partnering with us in our mission of strengthening businesses that strengthen
Welcome to our new Chamber Members!
Welcome to our Chamber, Members! This past March, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber welcomed 15 new members. Read more about each unique business below! #LakesProud
Cliffs Notes for Business Relief
Cliffs Notes for Business Relief As we’re sure you know, there is a boatload of information regarding the many state and federal programs designed to stimulate the economy and provide relief to businesses, nonprofits and employees. Details are changing daily, so here is a brief overview of the higher profile
7 tips on how to communicate with your employees during times of uncertainty
7 tips on how to communicate with your employees during times of uncertainty Be authentic and transparent: What your employees need most in times of uncertainty is transparency and trust. Be yourself. Be real. Be open. Double your communication: Think you are already sending a lot? Double it! It is