News
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Financial resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Starting up or expanding a business takes more than a good idea. It also takes funding, planning, and support from organizations that understand the financial needs of local businesses. Loans, tax incentives, and other financial resources can help business owners take their next step—renovating or expanding buildings, buying equipment, improving energy efficiency, creating jobs, or planning for long-term growth. There are a variety of financial resources available to Otter Tail County businesses. These
Meet the Chamber Board Member: Larissa Campbell
Larissa Campbell has been an excellent part of the Chamber Board! She has lived here in Fergus Falls for seven years, and growing up, she spent two years living in the dormitory at Hillcrest. She serves as the CFO and Operations Manager at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and has held that position for seven years. Her favorite part about being a Chamber Board Member is that it allows her the opportunity to help strengthen our community. She said, “It is rewarding to support local businesses, encourage
How To Restrict Unwanted Telephone Solicitations
In 2003, the Do-Not-Call Act was signed into law. This legislation allowed for the establishment and enforcement of a national Do-Not-Call Registry giving consumers a choice regarding telemarketing calls. If your number is listed on the registry, all commercial telemarketers, except for businesses with whom you have an existing relationship or certain non-profit and political organizations, are not allowed to call you. Consumers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers,
FRS Community Grant Program
The Foundation for Rural Service awards grants annually through the Community Grant Program to nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, municipalities, and other organizations doing good work in their communities. These grants provide the opportunity for NTCA members like Park Region to amplify the ways they support their communities and are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high-quality life in rural America. Applications for these grants are
What Would You Do with An Extra $10?
Movie tickets, clothes, or fishing jigs? Whatever you’re into, treat yourself by switching to autopay and e-billing with Park Region. As our way to thank you for switching to both options, we will provide you with a $10 bill credit on your next bill. If you only sign up for one option, you will receive a $5 bill credit on your next bill. Simply stop by one of our offices to sign up or scan the QR code to access the Automatic Payment Form. Return the form to one of our offices, or mail to: PO Box 277
Welcome Dacia Young to the Park Region Team
We are thrilled to introduce and welcome Dacia Young as our new Provisioning Specialist! Her hometown is Underwood, MN and has been in the area her whole life. She has gained experience in a variety of administrative work over the past 9 years. In her free time, she loves being with friends and family as much as possible, and also enjoying a good book. She is excited and grateful to be working at Park Region. Please join us in welcoming Dacia to our team!
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Succession planning resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Succession and transition planning are important for business owners at every stage, not just for those who are ready to retire. A succession plan helps a business get ready for what comes next. This could mean selling the business, handing over ownership, training the next group of leaders, hiring new managers, or making a plan for unexpected events. Starting early can make things easier for the owner, employees, family, customers, and the community. Many business owners wait until they are close to
Business resources available in Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County knows that supporting local businesses helps build strong communities. Whether someone is starting a new business, managing a current business, planning for growth, looking for funding, needing workforce support, or preparing for the future, there are resources available to help. The Business & Development Resources page on the Otter Tail County website brings many of these tools together in one easy place, so business owners and community members can find support that fits their unique
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AI resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Business owners have a lot to manage each day. From helping customers and managing employees to handling finances, marketing, operations, and future planning, running a business can bring up questions at every stage. There are business resources, so Otter Tail County businesses do not have to figure everything out on their own. The West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one consulting for small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to business consulting, the
An Owner's Guide to Adobe Firefly for Small Business
What Is Adobe Firefly? It is a web-based generative artificial intelligence application created by Adobe that allows users to create and modify visual content using simple text descriptions. The platform works by interpreting everyday language prompts to generate images, text effects, and video assets according to user preferences. Key outputs include high-resolution digital files suitable for both online marketing and print materials, and all features out of beta are fully cleared for commercial
Pebble Lake Golf Club Launches New Official Facebook Page
Hello Fergus Falls Area Chamber community! Pebble Lake Golf Club has launched a new official Facebook page, and we'd love to invite our fellow Chamber members, local businesses, community leaders, and area residents to follow along. https://www.facebook.com/pebblelakefergusfalls Whether you're a golfer, event organizer, business owner, sponsor, visitor, or simply someone who enjoys seeing great things happening in our community, our new page will be your source for: Course Updates Tournaments &
Turn Public Speaking Into a Business Growth Engine in Fergus Falls
Public speaking is one of the highest-leverage skills a small business owner can develop — and one of the most underinvested. In Fergus Falls, where the regional economy runs on relationships spanning agriculture, healthcare, retail, and tourism, the ability to communicate clearly and compellingly isn't a soft skill. It's a competitive tool with direct payoff. SCORE cites public speaking as one of the most direct ways to build brand, reputation, and confidence — and those three outcomes compound over
A Media Kit Is the Cheapest PR Move Your Business Isn't Making
A media kit — also called a press kit — is a package of ready-to-share information about your business, designed so journalists, bloggers, and event organizers can write about you without chasing down the basics. Muck Rack's State of Journalism report found that journalists prefer advance preparation — 65% want a media kit delivered to them rather than having to hunt for it on deadline. If your Fergus Falls business doesn't have one, you're making the reporter's job harder — and reporters move on
How to Implement Organizational Change in a Small Business with Confidence
Organizational change can rattle even the most resilient small businesses. Whether you're introducing new technology, restructuring roles, or shifting strategy, small business owners face a unique tension: limited resources and close-knit teams mean every change is personal. The key is not speed alone, but clarity, alignment, and steady follow-through.At A Glance: What Makes Change Work Clear communication reduces resistance and prevents rumor cycles. Involving employees early increases buy-in and
Starting Smart: Key Investments for New Fergus Falls Business Owners
Launching a business in Fergus Falls is more than setting up shop—it’s planting the seeds for community connection and long-term resilience. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or building a local services brand, early investments made today will determine your momentum tomorrow.TL;DR Invest early in accounting, branding, and local networking. Secure digital systems for contracts, marketing, and online sales. Plan for visibility—offline and online—to build trust and traffic. Lean into
Essential Legal Steps for Entrepreneurs to Launch a Business (and Avoid Early Pitfalls)
Starting your first business is an exciting transition, but it comes with legal responsibilities that can shape your future success. From choosing the right entity to protecting yourself with contracts, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Step 1: Register Your Business Entity The first major step is deciding how your company will be structured. Common options include: Sole proprietorship – simplest form, but offers no liability protection. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – shields
Stop the Scroll On the Sidewalk
A storefront isn’t just a physical barrier between inside and out—it’s a psychological gateway. When someone walks by your business, they’re scanning for reasons to stop, peek in, and maybe cross the threshold. And in a world flooded with distractions, you have about five seconds to make that happen. The right storefront display doesn’t just decorate—it persuades. It speaks to curiosity, rhythm, season, even nostalgia. This isn’t about expensive fixtures or flashy tech. It’s about intention, attention,