News
SolveCXO Launches to Help Local Businesses Simplify Chaos and Scale Growth
Now offering a free Growth Readiness Assessment FERGUS FALLS, MN – SolveCXO, a new business advisory and fractional leadership firm founded by Fergus Falls native Chris Buckingham, is now open and ready to support local businesses. With over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, strategic operator, and former IT Managed Service Provider owner, Chris built and sold a successful IT company and is now focused on helping others do the same. SolveCXO provides Fractional CEO COO and CTO services,
Otter Tail County Celebrates National Small Business Week
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has declared May 4–10, 2025, as National Small Business Week to celebrate and support the small businesses that are so important to our county’s economy. Otter Tail County recognizes the creativity, dedication, and big impact small business owners have on our economy and communities. There are over 1,800 business establishments in Otter Tail County, contributing more than $3 billion to the local economy. These businesses help provide jobs and services for our
Ready To Start Digging?
Safety is in your hands. Every Dig. Every Time. What is 811? 811 “Call Before You Dig” is the national call-before-you-dig phone number and was created to provide you with a nationwide, easily accessible resource when you are digging. Every dig requires a call. If you plan to do any digging, you must call 811 or visit your state 811 center’s website (in Minnesota, www.gopherstateonecall.org) to request location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags. Doing so will protect you from
Fosters Needed During Humane Society Construction
FOSTER HOMES NEEDED DURING HUMANE SOCIETY CONSTRUCTION Kristi Lausch, for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County It’s an exciting time for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County as we plan for the ground breaking of a 3400 square foot expansion (at the existing location). Yes, you read that correctly …. After 4 years of planning and fundraising, the HSOTC is finally set to break ground June 2nd and we could not be more grateful to everyone who has helped to make this happen! But before we can truly
West Central Initiative Announces 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship
West Central Initiative (WCI) invites current and aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for positive change to apply for the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship. The two-year program provides a suite of support for emerging entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota whose business idea includes a socially beneficial outcome. Individuals who reside and operate in the 53 counties and six Native Nations served by West Central Initiative, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and Southwest Initiative
Local Student Awarded Statewide Scholarship
The Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA) is proud to announce that it received 117 scholarship applications from students across Minnesota – and one of the winners is right here in our community. Mr. Logan Larson has been selected as the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship, presented by the MTA Foundation. The award was announced by Dave Bickett, General Manager/CEO of Park Region, and proud supported of the scholarship program. "We're honored to support Mr. Larson's educational journey," said Mr. Bickett.
M State Basketball Player Foday Sheriff Named NJCAA DIII Player of the Year
Fergus Falls, Minn. – M State Spartans men’s basketball player Foday Sheriff has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, the NJCAA announced today. Sheriff, a sophomore forward from Upper Derby, Pennsylvania, is only the second basketball player in M State history to receive the national Player of the Year title. (The first was Jason Retzlaff in the 1997-1998 season; Retzlaff is now an athletic director at M State.) The
2024 Park Region Annual Meeting & Customer Appreciation Event
UNDERWOOD, MN – Park Region hosted nearly 400 members and customers at their 2024 Park Region Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Underwood Public School. Doors opened at 5pm with an Underwood Lion’s pork chop dinner served in the commons area. Members and customers then made their way to the gym to register for the meeting, visit with staff and board members, see product demonstrations and more. At 6:30pm Park Region’s Business Operations Manager Dave
Businesses Can Apply to Receive Summer Internship Wage Reimbursement
The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a grant to help cover the wages of youth interns in 2025. The Chamber will receive up to $35,556 from the Future Ready Workforce Grant, a program funded by the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. In addition to this grant, the Fergus Falls Chamber will also be working with STEM grant funds through Lakes Country Service Cooperative, which will specifically cover jobs related to science, technology, engineering,
LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops
LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops April 29th at YMCA and June 24th at Fergus Falls Public Library [Fergus Falls, MN] With chronic pain and opioid misuse on the rise, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is one of several rural sites awarded a grant to improve provider skills and community access to holistic chronic pain interventions aimed at reducing the risk for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). “Opioids have been used to address chronic pain regardless of underlying cause or severity for
Fergus Falls Salvation Army Announces Closure of Thrift Store
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – The Fergus Falls Salvation Army regrettably announces the closure of its longstanding Family Store, marking the end of more than 60 years of service to the community. Despite exhaustive efforts by dedicated staff to increase profitability, the thrift store has faced financial challenges exacerbated by a challenging economy and increased competition. "Our team has worked tirelessly to explore various avenues to sustain the store's operations," said Lieutenant Joshua Bowyer, who
Otter Tail County Community Development & Housing Annual Report
The Community Development and Housing department had a year of growth, connections, and progress in 2024. The Annual Report shares housing, workforce, child care, broadband, business development, and community partnership efforts accomplished last year, and it's available to read on the County's website: ottertailcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CDH-Annual-Report2024.pdf
Otter Tail County sees housing growth in 2024
Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year, over $94.2 million in housing investment was added in the county from 443 new and rehabbed housing units, 358 of these being new construction and 85 being rehabbed units. The success in 2024 is great progress for The Big Build housing growth and investment initiative, launched by the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) at the end of 2019. Since launching the initiative, nearly 3,000 homes have been
FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline: 01/01/2025 - Fergus Falls, MN Businesses Must File Now to Avoid Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to enhance financial transparency and deter illicit activities. As of today, November 27, 2024, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—act quickly to avoid $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as
Pave the Way for Sustainable Growth: Essential Steps for Small Business Expansion
Growing a small business often signals a promising future, but expansion brings challenges that require thoughtful planning. The decision to scale involves more than just increasing output; it touches every aspect of the business. As growth opportunities emerge, business owners must evaluate their readiness to navigate new complexities while ensuring their core values remain intact. Planning for expansion is about laying the groundwork for sustained success rather than short-term gains.Assess Financial
Financial Mastery for Small Business Success
In the dynamic landscape of small business, financial acumen is paramount for sustainable growth. To navigate the complexities of fiscal management effectively, it's imperative to arm yourself with the requisite knowledge and strategies. Here are key steps to gaining financial wisdom and making astute decisions for your small business. Streamline Financial Processes with PDFs Small business owners must prioritize the protection of their financial documents. With PDFs, businesses can
Secret Sauce Strategies for Persuasive Sales Pitches
In business, the ability to sway decisions and win over clients is crucial to your success. Crafting persuasive sales pitches and formulating winning marketing strategies requires a deep understanding of several key elements that resonate well with your target audience. The following guidelines will help you refine your approach, ensuring you communicate value effectively and captivate your prospective customers.Understand Your Target Audience Understanding your target audience’s needs, preferences, and
Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant: All You Have to Do Is Ask Acrobat’s Generative AI Document & PDF Tool
Adobe Acrobat has long been an invaluable tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees all over the world thanks to its wide array of PDF generation and editing tools. Now, Acrobat AI Assistant offers new benefits for businesses of all sizes. Acrobat AI Assistant’s revolutionary software can transform your business with its incredible features: Data Extraction: Extracting data from documents is crucial for tasks like compiling financial reports and analyzing market trends. The AI
Amplify Your Business: Mastering Public Speaking for Small Business Growth
Harnessing the power of public speaking can significantly elevate your small business's profile and reach within the market. This invaluable skill is crucial for entrepreneurs striving to assert their authority, forge meaningful connections with potential clients, and differentiate their enterprises from competitors. By articulately sharing your passion, expertise, and the distinctive benefits your business provides, you can captivate a broader audience, creating a fertile ground for growth and new
Global Freelance Team Success: Key Strategies for Unity and Productivity
In the dynamic world of business, assembling a global team of freelancers is a strategic pivot toward innovation and flexibility. The diverse talents from various corners of the world bring a wealth of perspectives and skills. However, the real challenge lies in smoothly integrating these individuals into a cohesive, productive, and happy team. This article discusses a few best practices for cultivating such a team, highlighting effective strategies for a harmonious, efficient, and successful global