News
2025 Park Region Annual Meeting & Customer Appreciation Event
UNDERWOOD, MN – Park Region hosted over 400 members and customers at their 2025 Park Region Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 16, 2026 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 Ashley Schauff
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
Meet the Chamber Board Member: Emily Sivertson
Meet the Chamber Board Member: Emily Sivertson Emily Sivertson has been a wonderful addition to our Chamber Board! Born and raised right here in Fergus Falls, Emily returned to her hometown in 2015 after attending Concordia College and living in the Fargo - Moorhead area. Emily has been with Northern Contours for over eight years and has served as the Director of the Human Resources team for the past two years. Being a Chamber Board Member is about making valuable connections, not just with other
Save The Date Annual Meeting
Park Region is thrilled to announce the date of the Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event which will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Underwood Public School. Doors will open at 5pm. Enjoy a famous Underwood Lion’s pork chop with all the fixings in the commons area, then make your way to the gym to register for the meeting, visit with staff members and our Board of Directors, see product demonstrations, and more. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:30pm, followed by numerous prize
Nelson Auto Center Announces New Leadership Appointment and March Madness Winner
FERGUS FALLS, MN – Nelson Auto Center is pleased to share several key updates for April, including a recent promotional success and a strategic addition to its leadership team. March Madness Challenge Winner The dealership recently concluded its "March Madness" promotion, which encouraged community participation through an on-site shooting challenge. Nelson Auto Center is proud to congratulate local customer Jill, who successfully made three consecutive shots to earn a $1,000 credit toward her vehicle
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
New Military Exhibit
NEW MILITARY EXHIBIT A new temporary exhibit, A Legacy of Service, is now open at Otter Tail County Historical Society (OTCHS), located in Fergus Falls since 1927. This exhibit was created to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution by focusing on the military service of Otter Tail County’s men and women. OTCHS gathered together a majority of its military collection for this display. Over 161 items plus many photographs. To OTCHS, these items symbolize sacrifice, heritage, and honor,
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,
Going Global: Smart Moves for SMBs Expanding Internationally
Expanding your small or medium-sized business into global markets isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about reshaping how you operate, communicate, and deliver value. You’re no longer serving just one type of customer or cultural context. Each move introduces new risks and opportunities, from regulations and logistics to customer expectations and brand messaging. The good news? With the right structure, global expansion is entirely within reach. Here's how to approach it with clarity and control. Research