News
Fergus Home & Hardware January Staff Spotlight
As we begin the new year, we reflect on the incredible journey of Fergus Home & Hardware and some of the individuals who have shaped our success. This month, we spotlight our owners, Eric and Kari Nelson, along with Tara Johnson. Eric & Kari Nelson – Owners Together, Eric and Kari Nelson form the backbone of Fergus Home & Hardware, combining their unique strengths to lead with vision and care. Eric is actively involved in daily operations and his hands-on approach inspires the team and sets a high
Winter Driving Tips from Fergus Home & Hardware
Winter driving can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can stay safe and confident on the road. As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, now’s the time to ensure both you and your vehicle are ready to face the season’s challenges. Follow these essential tips to keep your winter journeys smooth and stress-free. · Check your vehicle: Make sure your tires, brakes, lights, wipers, battery, fluid levels, ignition system, fuel system, and exhaust system are in good
How to Recognize & Avoid Phishing Email Scams
In today’s digital age, email has become an essential tool for communication. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime target for scammers. Phishing emails are deceptive messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. Protecting yourself starts with knowing what to look for and what steps to take. Here’s how to spot and avoid phishing email scams: 1. Red Flags in the Sender’s Address Look closely at the sender’s email
Lake Region Healthcare Named to Newsweek Best in State Hospitals List
Contact: Katie Johnson VP of Marketing and CommunicationsLake Region Healthcare218.736.8193kjohnson@lrhc.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 19, 2024LRH Named to Newsweek Best in State Hospitals List [Fergus Falls, MN] Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) announced they have recently been named to Newsweek and Statista’s “America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025”, highlighting 700 leading hospitals at the state level to help patients find trusted medical facilities no matter where they live. This year's
Beauty Lounge Hosts Ribbon Cutting
We had a great time celebrating with owner Alex Denzel and the independent beauty consultants at Beauty Lounge Co., LLC on November 7 for their grand opening. Alex cut the bright red ribbon and treated guests to great food, refreshments, and door prizes at their open house. Beauty Lounge professionals offer services for lashes and lash extensions, aesthetic nurse services, estheticians, nails and more. Stop in soon to see all they offer at their lovely new location: 124 E. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls.
Ignite Community Leadership Program Kicks off in January
The Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that our Ignite Community Leadership Program will launch in January 2025. The program is designed to bring together emerging and existing leaders to explore leadership within themselves and for their community. Participants will develop and enhance their leadership skills, grow professional relationships, explore new leadership responsibilities, and foster an understanding of the forces affecting the Fergus Falls area. Classes will be taught by community
Battle of the Businesses is Back on February 8, 2025
Businesses in the area will be battling it out…in the bowling lanes “Mardi Gras” style. The Battle of the Businesses Bowling (BoBB) event returns on Saturday, February 8 to Northern Aire Lanes. This year’s theme will be “Beads and Bowling” since the Super Bowl will be played in New Orleans - the Mardi Gras capital of the United States. So plan on dressing in green, gold, and purple adorned with feathers, beads, and masquerade masks. Registration is now open for Chamber members! Go to fergusfalls.com
Fergus Falls State of the Community Made Us ''Community Proud''
It was a fantastic day at the Fergus Falls State of the Community event on November 14 at the Bigwood Event Center. We handed out 42 plaques for Business Gives (pictured) - honoring for-profit businesses that donated 2% or more of their pre-tax earnings to the surrounding community. Thank you to all of these generous businesses. Lee Rogness, Otter Tail County Commissioner for District 5, was given special recognition for serving in the commissioner role for the past 16 years. Kelly Asche from
Future Ready Workforce Grant Benefited Many Students
Earlier this year, the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce was awarded a “Future Ready Workforce Grant” from the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation to amplify work experiences for youth in the area. The Chamber paid $26,727.39 to businesses for wage reimbursement for student interns in high-demand career areas (like nursing, CDL, manufacturing, technicians, construction trades, child care, education, maintenance, and more). Sixty-five students benefited from this program, at
Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) Scholarship – Due February 14, 2025
Foundation for Rural Services (FRS), along with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) and its members, strongly promotes the continuing education of rural youth. As your local telecommunications service provider, we are happy to offer this national scholarship program to our customers’ high school seniors. To be eligible, the applicant must be a graduating high school senior whose family subscribes to at least one service from Park Region. The application window is now open and
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