A huge thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated Minnesota spirit with us at the 2024 Faribault Flannel Formal! It was a night filled with flannel fashion, lively music, delicious hotdish, and of course, good company.

Contest Winners

We were blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm in all our contests! Congratulations to:

• Hot-Dish Champion: Kaylene Little
• Best Dressed Lumber Jane (tie): Crystal Chappuis & Amanda Northrup
• Best Dressed Lumber Jack: Bart Jackson

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Faribault Flannel Formal wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

• Monarch Healthcare Management
• Pleasant View Estates
• The Emeralds at Faribault
• RJR Insurance
• Trystar
• HomeTown Credit Union
• Mercury Minnesota Incorporated
• Reliance Bank
• State Bank of Faribault
• Richie Eye Clinic & LASIK Center
• Northern Tool + Equipment
• Harry Brown’s
• JOD Ltd.
• Humfeld Chiropractic & Nutrition Center

Save the Date for Next Year!

Mark your calendars for the next Faribault Flannel Formal, where we’ll celebrate all things Minnesota once again! In the meantime, relive the memories by checking out photos from the event.

We’re already looking forward to seeing you next year!

The post You Betcha, the 2024 Faribault Flannel Formal Was Unforgettable! appeared first on Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

FARIBAULT, Minn. (1/25/24) – The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
proudly announces its recent grant approval in collaboration with the Minnesota
Chamber Foundation and Greater Twin Cities United Way. This dynamic partnership is
set to empower youth across Minnesota by enhancing career pathways through the
United Way’s Future Ready Workforce Fund.

The Business Education Network partners (BEN), a collective led by the Minnesota
Chamber Foundation and involving local chambers such as Faribault, stand as key
players in steering local initiatives. Serving as intermediaries between local employers
and students, these BEN partners extend their reach statewide, fostering collaboration
between the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and local
chambers of commerce. Together, they strive to narrow the gap between public
education and employment systems, ensuring that Minnesota students gain access to
fulfilling and purpose-driven careers.

Nort Johnson, President/CEO of the Faribault Chamber commented “This grant really
supports what we’ve been working on and will expand the capacity to improve
outcomes for our students and businesses.”

Jennifer Byers, Executive Director of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, highlighted
the pivotal role of local chambers in connecting students with employers. She remarked,
“The Minnesota Chamber Foundation, through our local chamber of commerce partners,
is exceptionally positioned to link students with local employers. By leveraging the
expertise and resources of Greater Twin Cities United Way, we aim to elevate ongoing
efforts in local communities and provide students with opportunities to explore high demand careers.”

Liz Williams, Senior Program Officer for Career Academies at Greater Twin Cities United
Way, expressed enthusiasm about expanding into Greater Minnesota through innovative
partnerships. She stated, “This partnership with the Minnesota Chamber Foundation,
focusing on equity, represents the future of education. It offers tangible solutions to
strengthen our workforce.”

Grant recipients include the following local chambers of commerce:
• Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
• Burnsville Chamber of Commerce
• Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
• Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Mankato Growth
• Lakeville Chamber of Commerce
• MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce
• Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
• Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism
• Shakopee Chamber of Commerce
• Winona Area Chamber of Commerce

This impactful program is slated to run through 2024. For more information about the
program or interview requests, please contact Peter Ingraham at
pingraham@mnchamber.com.

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation, dedicated to understanding and advancing Minnesota’s
economy since 1983, continues its commitment to the state’s economic future through thorough
research, workforce development, and leadership programs. It remains the sole statewide, private sector foundation focused on the state’s economic future across all industry sectors and geographic
regions.

Greater Twin Cities United Way unites changemakers, advocates for social good, and develops
solutions to address challenges, fostering a community where all people thrive. For additional
information, visit www.gtcuw.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The post Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Secures Grant to Foster Local Career Pathways! appeared first on Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

This is also a great opportunity to host your own block party, meet new people, enjoy food and music, and just have a good time. Signing up your block party is easy. All you need to do is fill out the form below and return it to the Faribault Chamber of Commerce – Chamber@faribaultmn.org

Deadline 7/26/23

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Crazy Days is a great chance to host a sale, blow out old inventory, or offer a unique experience. Maybe it’s a fashion show, clearance savings, a promotional item, pop corn for a pop in, have make and takes, do a demonstration, or something else!

The post Crazy Days Business Sign Up appeared first on Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Nort Johnson - President/CEO

We've just hit the mid-year mark for 2023 and we are feeling quite enthused about our town and the Faribault Chamber's role in several important projects and efforts. The partnerships and reciprocal support from businesses and institutions in Faribault over the last few years are resulting in BIG outcomes for the betterment of our town and importantly a deliberate advancement toward our Vision 2040.

The Chamber Vision Task Force (VTF) established priorities 5 years ago and set out to make an impact on important pieces of City Vision. In 2018 the Chamber Board of Directors chose to take responsibility for impacting Excellence in Education, Leadership Collaboration around Economic Development, Downtown Revitalization, Gateway Signage, and Event Center. As priorities often shift so have ours. The 2023 priorities still include Excellence in Education, Leadership Collaboration, and Downtown Revitalization, and we've added Housing (specifically home ownership) as well as Early Education / Daycare. Each of these priorities has progressed with the support and partnerships of our members and many others.

We've also been on the periphery of some other important projects including significant support for the Paradise Center for the Arts mortgage payoff and the advancement of the Faribault Foundation's transformation into a modern community foundation. The work being done by the PCA (The Paradise Center for the Arts) and the Foundation will have a significant impact on moving Faribault steadily toward that Vision 2040!

The Chamber has had a more direct role in helping the Faribault Industrial Corporation (FIC) play a big part in moving our town forward. The FIC was established in 1944 with the leadership of Faribault legends Don Ochs, Ruge Fleckenstein, Lucius Smith, Luke Gallagher, and others. The FIC raised funds to assist business and employee growth for the betterment of the Faribault economy and our workforce.  Among many other accomplishments, the FIC played a significant role in the growth of our fantastic industrial base by aiding with the plant development of McQuay's (now Daiken) and Mercury Minnesota as well as the development of the Airtech Industrial Park which hosts Northern Tool, Balchem. Tru Vue, and Westman Diesel. In recent years the FIC has partnered with the Faribault EDA by providing guidance and support as well as funding several “gap” loans to assist with business start-ups and expansions.  In 2018 the FIC Board began deliberating the possibility of taking a proactive approach with the FIC’s resources to enhance Faribault-centric projects.

In 2021 the FIC began a new journey under a management agreement with the Chamber. The FIC has partnered with others to establish and invest in two funds that are already making a big impact on our Vision 2040.  The first fund is under the umbrella of Faribo Downtown Central LLC (FDC).  This fund is responsible for securing 13 buildings in the Historic Downtown, most of which were in significant disrepair.  The footprint of these deteriorating properties is massive and without intervention, Downtown Faribault was facing a major roadblock in its ability to meet the renaissance citizens want as outlined in Community Vision 2040.  Now, in partnership with the Faribault EDA and HRA, Minnesota DEED, and some private investors the renaissance has begun.

The second fund is responsible for the acquisition and redevelopment of the original Faribault Foods plant, now affectionately known as "The Cannery".  The 257,000-square-foot facility is now helping four local industries meet important warehousing needs and providing space for an innovative agricultural start-up.  This fund has allowed several local players to invest Faribault dollars in Faribault projects helping Faribault businesses and industries.  This fund is also seeking to diversify the portfolio with one or two more projects and has room for more qualified investors as it expands.   *Note to members – the Chamber does not invest member dollars in these funds, nor does the Chamber President or his family.  The Chamber is being reimbursed by the FIC for our work on these projects under a contract for services.

Two other priorities under our Vision Task Force have momentum that we're hoping to report action on soon.  Homeownership opportunities will require new construction. To create affordable home ownership for young families, we've been partnering with Yard Homes to develop high-efficiency starter home options.  Our workgroup is penciling out a pilot project through the Chamber Trust right now.  We’ll keep you posted!

On the Daycare and Early Education priority, we've been partnering with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation on a study with a hopeful outcome that will provide 24/7 daycare and Early Education programs that will weave nicely into another priority - Kindergarten Readiness.  That brings us right back to our Number One Visionary Priority – Excellence in Education.  Be on the lookout for the next column where we’ll share the incredible progress with our community-wide and growing team addressing education from Cradle to Career including the growing curriculum shared with South Central College and Faribault High School in Health Sciences and Mechanical, Engineering, and Construction Trades.

Thanks so much for your continued support for the hard work being done by the many partners and organizations that are at the table making a difference for our economy and our workforce.  It’s our blessing at the Chamber to help organize these partners and resources to move us steadily toward our shared Vision for 2040.

---

Nort Johnson - President/CEO

06/30/2023

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce

The post Memorandum from the Desk of Nort Johnson appeared first on Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

CONTACT:

Nort Johnson

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

503 Wilson Avenue

Faribault, MN  55021

507.334.4381    nort@faribaultmn.org

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Faribault Downtown Micro Grant Program Announced

Start-ups, Expansions, and Improvements in Downtown Faribault

 

Faribault, MN; The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Faribault Economic Development Authority is excited to announce the Downtown Micro Grant program. This program is open to both new and existing businesses in the Historic District. Awards range from $500 to $5000. Applications are available online and at the Chamber of Commerce. Submissions will be accepted until August 31st, 2023.

 

The Downtown Micro Grant program is administered by the Chamber’s Main Street Committee.  An important aspect of the application process is business counseling/coaching through the Small Business Development Center free of charge.   Awards are given based on the merit of the final plans. In the past 3 years, 21 businesses have received Micro Grants, placing nearly $125,000 into business improvements in Downtown Faribault.

 

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s Main Street Committee is thrilled to offer this opportunity. Chamber President/CEO, Nort Johnson notes, “We’re excited to see how many more business models we can help support the idea of being part of our fabulous downtown.”

 

Preliminary business ideas must be submitted by August 31, 2023, to be considered. Go to the Faribault Main Street Facebook page, faribaultmainstreet.org or phone the office at 507.334.4381 for more information.

 

About Faribault Main Street

The Faribault Main Street Committee is a community-based effort to revitalize Faribault’s Historic Business District. It is funded by the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and by the City of Faribault Economic Development Authority.

 

About the Faribault Economic Development Authority

The Community Vision 2040 provides a framework to help ensure the success of the community. Thriving economic development and a vibrant downtown are two of the strategic priorities identified in the vision – with specific goals of developing a comprehensive business incentive package to attract, retain and grow quality businesses and industries. The EDA actively promotes development opportunities in the city and continues to administer loans and grant programs that will enhance the overall economic vitality of the City of Faribault.

 

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism serves nearly 400 area businesses with over 10,000 employees through advocacy, promotion, networking, celebration and strategically organizing resources to move Faribault toward our 2040 Community Vision.

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Faribault Main Street Downtown Micro Grant

Micro Grant Forms

Recent Articles

You Betcha, the 2024 Faribault Flannel Formal Was Unforgettable!

March 15, 2024

2024 Business Awards: Nominations NOW Open!

March 14, 2024

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Secures Grant to Foster Local Career Pathways!

February 19, 2024

2024 Annual Membership Gala

February 7, 2024

2024 AG Hall of Fame

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Faribault, MN:  Heavy Metal Customs in Faribault is well known for its many awards, and now the shop is about to become even more famous, when the team is featured on the second season of “My Dream Car.” 

Mike Graham, owner of Heavy Metal Customs said, “the experience was grueling at times, but the happy customers make it all worth it. I am ecstatic to get to work with legend, Mark Oja, who was a former producer of “Overhaulin.”  He added, “I can’t wait to share the finished product.”

A viewing party for the season premiere will be held at The Depot Bar and Grill on Tuesday April 25 at 8:00 pm and Graham will have the truck from the show on display.

The program follows the journey of families finding, buying, restoring and surprising loved ones with the car they once owned and loved.

Graham said he really loves the concept of the show, and that is reminds him of a quote he has held close for many years, “the past is the past.  The future we can not predict, and now is a gift.  That’s why it’s called the present.”  He added, “these vehicles are from the past.  These people never thought they would see the car again, or get it, and here it is….a gift.”

Episodes of “My Dream Car” with host Danielle Trotta can be seen on the Fox Business Channel.

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Did you know!?

Since 1913, the Faribault Chamber of Commerce has advocated on behalf of businesses and the community of Faribault.

Yesterday, the Chamber of Commerce was invited by Senator Amy Klobuchar‘s Office to a meeting to discuss community housing needs, daycare, and our historic district.

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