News
Chamber Celebrates New Businesses, New Members & a New Location
We want your help welcoming Chrissy Davenport, the new owner of SoapWerks Naturals by Re-Ewe’able, as a new Chamber member. Davenport has farmed sheep for years and understands the benefits of wool, so having her storefront is the perfect opportunity to expand her business Re-Ewe’able by purchasing SoapWerks. Davenport makes wool-felted soap (making the SoapWerks bar soap last twice as long), wool-felted decorative plant spikes, wool washcloths/scrubbers, wool car fresheners, and more.
It's a Mardi Gras Party at Our Battle of the Businesses Bowling Tournament
“Laissez les bons temps rouler! – Let the good times roll!” Bowl your way to victory at the Mardi Gras Battle of the Businesses on Saturday, February 8 at Northern Aire Lanes. Get ready to strike it rich at the most exciting bowling tournament in town, where friendly competition meets festive fun. Here’s what you can expect: Mardi Gras Madness: Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras with festive decorations, costumes, and maybe even a few beads! Dress in the official Mardi
Ignite Community Leadership Starts Today
The Chamber's new Ignite Community Leadership Program brings 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. We are developing the best, brightest, and most energetic people who want to build the skills necessary to assume leadership roles
Holiday Shopping Spree Winners
Our Holiday Shopping Spree Giveaway was a great success with more than $176,250 spent at the 36 businesses on the shopping card. We hope you enjoyed collecting stamps around Fergus Falls as you shopped, ate, played, and stayed local. We also appreciate the participating businesses - we couldn't do this without you! 705 shopping cards were returned to the Chamber making local shoppers eligible for the gift cards giveaway. Winners won a combined total of more than $2,000 in prizes valued from
New Member Enhancements for 2025
The Fergus Falls Chamber offers six membership levels (Classic, Spotlight, Access, Leader, Stakeholder, and Visionary). Each level offers unique features and benefits so businesses can choose benefits that are important to them. Member fees can be paid monthly or annually. The Chamber works tirelessly to make sure our members receive a high value for their investment as members. Benefits have been announced and we want to ensure that your business makes the most of your membership. New in
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
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
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