By: Devin Winjum, Devin@faribaultmn.org, February 13 2023

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism held its Annual Membership Gala on Friday, February 10^th, 2023, at the remarkable 3 Ten Event Venue in Historic Downtown Faribault. The Chamber and its members celebrated many past successes, and several exciting new initiatives. Thanks to the generous Gala Sponsors who helped make this event fantastic!

It began at 5 pm with a social hour, followed by catered dinner, by Arna Farmer, at 6 pm, and the program began just before 7 pm. There was a special guest recognition of the 2023 Chamber Board members by Nort Johnson, followed by the official passing of the gavel.

Suzanne Terry, 2022 Chair of the Board, officially passed the gavel (via video) to Jody Long, 2023 Chair of the Board. Both Suzanne and Jody provided their own thoughts and words of encouragement to chamber staff and the members. Jody reflected on the leadership of Suzanne, as well as the Chamber.

Nort Johnson, President & CEO for the Faribault Chamber gave the 2022 business report, and provided some insight on the priorities and vision for 2023. Mr. Johnson’s speech provided an enlightening overview of the progress and work that happened in 2021 and 2022—and an outlook on the work, plans, and visionary priorities for 2023, and beyond! Johnson highlighted the management and partnership with the Industrial Corporation regarding several downtown buildings and a new industrial site in the community.  He announced an amazing accomplishment made by the Chamber Trust in obtaining Department of Education grants, and the Chamber’s almost unheard-of membership retention rate of 96%.

There was an exciting raffle drawing for many fabulous prizes, including a barrow of beer, a private movie theater party, and a fish house!

Following the program, guests enjoyed more of the delicious desserts provided by Arna Farmer Catering, drinks, music by Man of Steel DJ & Entertainment, and a photo booth with some fun props to commemorate the evening’s festivities.

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism thanks everyone for their membership, sponsorship, and support—making all the committees, programs, and events possible for our local community. The Chamber staff cannot wait to see you at next year’s annual Membership Gala!

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism extends a special thank you to;

2023 Board of Directors

• Jody Long – Chair
• Samantha Pirkl – Vice Chair
• Suzanne Terry – Past Chair
• Keith Kramer – Treasurer
• Tara Langevin
• Dr. Narren Brown
• Sonji Davis
• Joy Watson
• Molly Titchenal
• Nate Chappuis
• Jeremy Chavis
• Hailey Warner

2023 Gala Sponsors

• Trystar
• Met-Con Companies
• Allina Health Faribault Medical Center
• Chappuis Jewelry
• South Central College
• Shattuck St.Mary’s
• Faribault Public Schools
• Jennie-O Turkey Store
• G&H Management
• Service Master
• Faribault Daily News
• Richie Eye Clinic & Lasik Center
• Edina Realty
• Daikin
• Mercury Cooperation
• Hometown Credit Union
• 1st United Bank
• State Bank of Faribault
• Walmart
• Xcel Energy
• Harry Brown’s Family Automotive
• Faribault Mill
• Reliance Bank
• KGP Companies
• Crown Aerosols
• KCP, Inc.
• LaCanne’s Marine
• North Memorial Ambulance
• Premier Banks
• Steele Waseca Cooperative Electric
• Archambault Disposal
• Tony Langerud State Farm
• Haute Tanning
• Northfield Hospital and Clinic
• Balchem
• Faribault Energy Park
• Redemption
• Janna’s Market Grill
• Revocity
• Rebound Partners
• Caves of Faribault

Chamber Employees

• Nort Johnson – President
• Casie Steeves – Director of Operations
• Devin Winjum – Director of Marketing & Communications
• Kymn Anderson – Special Projects Manager

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