Chamber Horizons, USPS 330070, is published monthly by the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, MN 56308. Postmaster: Send address changes to

Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce | 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308 320-763-3161 | www.alexandriamn.org

MARCH 2019 | VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 3

Chamber 201Thursday, March 7 from 10 am - 4 pmAlexandria Chamber | 206 Broadway St.

Alexandria Area Young Professionals LuncheonThursday, March 7 from 12 - 1 pmGrand Arbor by Knute Nelson | 4403 Pioneer Rd. SE

Wake Up Alexandria!Friday, March 15 from 7:30 - 8:30 amInnovative Office Solutions | 2921 State Hwy. 29 S

Noontime Knowledge(Details on Page 2)Monday, March 18 from 12 - 1 pmBroadway Ballroom | 115 30th Ave. E

Off the ClockThursday, March 28 from 4:30 - 5:30 pmJohnny Thill - COUNTRY Financial Agency | 507 N Nokomis St., Ste. D

Wake Up Alexandria!Friday, April 5 from 7:30 - 8:30 amAlexandria Cub Foods | 2612 S Broadway St.

Upcoming Chamber Events

CHAMBERHORIZONS

Official Newsletter of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of CommercePromoting the Alexandria Lakes Area as the ultimate destination to live, work, play and prosper.

Chamber 201

Chamber 201 offers members hands-on assistance with the Chamber’s backend services, including logging in to your online member portal. Learn how to update contact information, upload a logo/photo/video to your listing, add a job posting, event, coupon and more!

Thursday, March 7 from 9 am to 4 pmAlexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

206 Broadway St., AlexandriaStop by any time during the day for hands-on help!

Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of CommerceVisit Alexandria MN alexlakesareachamber

Are you spending most of your time and en-ergy in the areas of your life that are most im-portant to you?

Do you struggle to accomplish everything you and others expect you to accomplish?

Learn how to recharge, referesh and replenish your personal and professional energy and ca-pacity at a spring luncheon presented by Al-exandria Public Schools Community Education and the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce!

The event features Mike Kutzke. He holds a M.S. Degree in Social Sciences and a B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice, and has a special interest in technol-ogy, social media and how people and groups adapt to change. He uses humor to teach attendees how to not get caught up in the urgent need-to-dos that can negatively impact quality of life.

Resiliency is topic of Spring Luncheon

Wednesday, April 24 Serving begins at 11:15 am Presentation begins at 11:45 am

Holiday Inn of Alexandria | 5637 State Hwy. 29 STickets are $22/person or $180/table of 8

For tickets or more information: (320) 763-3161 or info@alexandriamn.org

Generously sponsored by:

Noontime Knowledge is a one-hour informative luncheon held the third Monday of each month from 12-1 pm at Broadway Ballroom. Cost (includes lunch): $10. No RSVP required - pay at the door.

Monday, March 18, 12-1 pmSocial EngineeringFeaturing Jim Nash, Chief Storyteller, FRSecure

Social engineering is a form of data theft where attackers prey on hu-man emotion and naivety. Their persuasion may get them access to systems or personal informa-tion. Protect yourself by increasing awareness and understanding of their techniques. Learn the four main types of social engineering attacks and what you can do to avoid being duped.

Jim adds humor and irreverence to his presentations and makes audiences feel they can effect change in their orga-nization. FRSecure is an information security management company that protects sensitive, confidential business in-formation from unauthorized access, disclosure, distribu-tion and destruction.

A & E Plumbing & Heating, Inc.Accent Personal Services, LLCAce HardwareAdvantage Rehab, Inc.Alex Rubbish & Recycling, Inc.Alex TailoringAlexandria Aviation, Inc.Alexandria Clinic, A Service of Alomere HealthAlexandria ElectricAlexandria IndustriesAlexandria Public SchoolsAlexandria Senior CenterAlexandria Technical & Community CollegeAlexandria Veterinary ClinicAlomere HealthAmericInn Lodge & Suites Sauk CentreAmeriPride ServicesAnderson CenterAnderson Funeral HomeAndes Tower Hills Ski AreaBernick’sBillmark’s Lakes Area Insurance, Inc.Blue Collar Bobs (A Plus Install, Inc.)Bon Jos Women’s Apparel & TanningBowen Contracting, LLCBremer BankBrenton, LLCBursch TravelButtweilers Do All, Inc.Cash Wise LiquorCenter for Diagnostic ImagingCenterPoint EnergyCliftonLarsonAllen, LLPColdwell Banker Crown RealtorsColorful Seasons Garden CenterCongressman Collin C PetersonCONTECH Bridge SolutionsCottage Grove Resort AssociationCowing Robards, Inc.Credit Bureau Of AlexandriaCulversDakota Supply GroupDatabae SystemsDean Anderson DentistryDental Health AssociatesDesautels Bartosiewski & Associates CPAs, LLCDiekman’s JewelryDoebbert, JoEllen - AttorneyDouglas County Abstract Co.

Douglas Machine, Inc.Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & ElectricalEscape Room AlexandriaExecutive ExpressEye Associates of AlexandriaFat Daddy’s Bar & GrillGarden Center, Inc.Alan & Kathy GrundeiH Boyd Nelson, Inc.Heartland Orthopedic SpecialistsHenry’s Foods, Inc.Holiday Inn of AlexandriaDon HustadInnovative Office SolutionsInspire NutritionJ Wiener Construction, LLCJan’s PlaceJB Tractors, LLCJim’s Electric Company, Inc.KIK-FM & COOL-FMLakes Area RecreationLutheran Social Service & NuVantageMartinson Insurance AgencyMcCarten Law FirmMichael H. Collins DDS, PAMidway 9 TheatreMills Fleet FarmNorthwoods Construction, LLCPast & Present Home GalleryPro StaffQdoba Mexican GrillRunestone Electric AssociationRural Minnesota CEP, Inc.Senior PerspectiveSid’s ElectricSignmaxSpectrum Marketing ServicesStub’s MarineSwenson Lervick Syverson Trosvig Jacobson Cass, PAThornton, Dolan, Bowen, Klecker & Burkhammer, P.A.Travelers InnTri County Foam InsulationTrumm DrugUS BankViking Speedway, Inc.Village Cooperative of AlexandriaWidseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.Winning Edge Graphics, Inc.The Written GiftZimny Insurance Agency

Thank you! January renewals

Chamber News

320.763.8366 803 N Nokomis NE | Alexandria | Member FDIC

The Bank That Feels Like Home Del Mari RunckCOO/Market Manager/

Director

Dawn ThorstadSr Universal

Banker

Paul MartinekVP Business Banker

Vic DaleRetail Manager

Jean FeigumMortgage Lender

We’re in the Business of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors!”

2 Chamber Horizons | MARCH 2019

Don’t miss ‘Noontime Knowledge!’

Generously sponsored by:

The Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excit-ed to introduce a new Facebook trivia game called Cham-berChallenge! This challenge will take place the first and third Wednesday of each month on Facebook. It includes 3 trivia questions relating to Chamber member businesses.Get all three questions right PLUS “Like” our page and be entered in a drawing to win prizes!

MARCH 2019| Chamber Horizons 3

Off the ClockOff the Clock is a networking event held the fourth Thursday of each month from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at a Chamber Member location. A dollar gets you in the door, with all proceeds donated to a non-profit Chamber member.

February Host

The team at LifeQuest Chiropractic & Sports emphasizes im-proving and maintaining your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain, sickness and disease by tailoring a wellness pro-gram specifically targeted to your needs and goals.

LifeQuest Chiropractic & Sports Clinic| Feb. 28123 3rd Ave. E. Ste. 100

Non-profit: Alexandria Education FoundationChamber Buck Drawing Sponsor: Tasha West & Sheryle Steingbring RE/MAX Lakes Area Realty

Please consider these new members for your personal and professional needs, and welcome them to our network!

Welcome! February new members

Wake Up Alexandria

February Hosts

Wake Up Alexandria is a networking event held the first and third Friday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at a Chamber member location. A dollar gets you in the door, with all proceeds donated to a non-profit Chamber member.

Ollie’s Service has been serving the community since 1955! The staff prides itself on excellent customer service. The com-pany sells, services and has parts and accessories for many different commercial lawn mowers, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Sea-Doo personal watercrafts, Can-Am ATVs and more.

Zion Lutheran Church has served the Alexandria community since its organization in 1886, and the school got its start in 1890. The church’s mission is to teach and preach God’s Word while the school is a resource to provide a Christian education from a “Lutheran” perspective.

Zion Lutheran Church & School | Feb. 1300 Lake St.

Non-profit: Lutheran Social Service & NuVantage

Ollie’s Service| Feb. 151213 Broadway St.

Non-profit: Runestone Off-Road ATV Riders (ROAR)

Douglas County Developmental Achievement Center

4125 Minnesota St.(320) 762-1771barbara@dcdac.com

Kindred People111 6th Ave. E(320) 219-7880info@shopkindredpeople.com

www.shopkindredpeople.com

First Lutheran Church/ Community Preschool

822 Douglas St.(320) 762-2196greg.tvrdik@ firstlutheranalexandria.comwww.firstlutheran alexandria.com

Mark Lee Asphalt & Paving Inc.6320 County Rd. 87 SW(320) 763-9343mle@wisper-wireless.com

4 Chamber Horizons | MARCH 2019

AmbassadorsThe Ambassadors are volunteers who extend the public relations arm of the Chamber. They attend business open houses, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings; welcome new businesses to the area; and commemorate relocations and major remodels. They are out making business visits the second Wednesday of every month.

February Visits

Dancin’ Off Broadway - New LocationCheryl Lawinger, Administrative Director; Mariya Kemper,

Creative Director; Wes Kemper, Assistant Technical DirectorDancin’ Off Broadway (DOB) has been in business for 31 years. In 2015 it was purchased by the Lawinger family and in August 2018 the studio moved to 422 Broadway St. DOB serves more than 350 students in 31 communities and has 30 instructors.

Starbucks - New BusinessKelsey Corrick, Store Manager

In December of 2018 Starbucks opened a new location at 615 44th Ave. W in Alexandria. It offers a large variety of coffee drinks, tea, espresso and food items including breakfast, protein boxes and bowls, baked goods, sandwiches, and more.

NorthStar Sports Complex / Alexandria FCA - New Facility

Gerry Hoelscher, Field House ManagerThe Alexandria FCA NorthStar Sports Complex is a 70,000-square- foot facility built for the community and especially the youth of this area to improve their athletic skills and develop a closer re-lationship with Jesus Christ.

Lakes Area Jump4fun Inflatables - New LocationElisha Sorenson, Manager; Jennifer & Bill Nowak, Owners

Lakes Area JUMP4FUN Inflatables started out as a bounce house rental company and recently opened the doors to its new indoor amusement center located at 3015 Highway 29 S, Alexandria. It also continues to rent out bounce houses.

No more traveling for your basic cardiovascular procedures and checkups. Now the highly skilled cardiologists you already know and trust will be right here at Alomere Health full time.

Introducing: The Cardiovascular Center

Dr. Erickson Dr. Schuchard

CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER

MARCH 2019 | Chamber Horizons 5

Membership TeamVolunteers on the Membership Team visit new member businesses to welcome them to the Chamber. They also serve as mentors and liaisons, supporting new members with introductions, information, and education on membership benefits.

February Visits

Carlson Dock & BargeScott Peters, Sales/Service Manager; Liz Berg, Office Manager;

Shane Gibbons, Sales/Marketing CoordinatorCarlson Dock & Barge is located at 13285 State Hwy. 29 N near Miltona. This year-round company provides sales and service for all lake shore needs, such as dock, lift and boat install, removal and storage, storm recovery, barge service and more.

L’Etoile du Nord VineyardDavid Christianson, Owner; Polly Perkins, Owner

L’Etoile du Nord Vineyard is located at 16451 NW Irene Court NE Parkers Prairie. This local vineyard has about 3,000 grapes on a 10-acre plot and offers a variety of local wines such as Mar-quette, Blueberry Apple Cider, Petite Pearl and more.

The Priceless JourneyGinger Bailey, Director of Public Relations

The Priceless Journey is a non-profit organization that strives to help individuals realize they are priceless. It ministers to victims of human trafficking, provides safe houses and counseling cen-ters, minsters to jails/prisons and provides outreach programs.

Avon Independent Rep.Mary Becker, Independent Representative

Mary Becker is an Avon Independent Representative in Alexan-dria. Avon is a direct selling company of beauty, household, and personal care items such as makeup, skin care, bath and body, fragrance, jewelry, fashion, wellness, and home.

February visits continued on Page 6

6 Chamber Horizons | MARCH 2019

To include your business news in the Chamber Horizon Newsletter, email information to Lauren at marketing@alexandriamn.org.

Alexandria Rotary ClubTodd Emmons, Rotarian

Alexandria Rotary Club is a local chapter of the world-wide non-profit organization that provides international scholar-ships, cultural exchanges and humanitarian projects that help improve quality of life for millions of people.

Membership Team February visits continued

Business BuzzSECURA Insurance donated $25,000 to five nonprofit organi-zations through a #GivingTuesday contest designed to help in-dependent agents support organizations in their communi-ties. Zimny Insurance Agency of Alexandria submitted local nonprofits throughout the contest, and Andria Theatre of Al-exandria was randomly selected to receive a $5,000 donation.

Target’s work.win.give program awarded one team member in each of the 1800+ stores a $500 Target gift card for themselves and a $500 donation to their charity of choice. The winner drawn at the Alexandria store was Nicole Eastmead. Her chosen charity was Boots on the Ground, which funds recreational outings for veterans

Catherine Stine joined the Habitat for Humanity of Douglas Coun-ty team as the developmental director.

Lakes Area Recreation held a ribbon cutting for its opening day of Shenanigans Indoor Playground, which offers activities devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of youth while giving parents the satisfatction of a safe place for their kids to play.

Shenanigans Indooor PlaygroundPatrick Running, Lakes Area Recreation Board President

The biennium budget pro-posal released Feb. 26 by Governor Tim Walz shows an aggressive approach in government growth, which will require the need for new taxes - taxes on businesses in particular. Governor Walz proposes increasing the budget to $49.5 billion, up $3.5 billion from the 2018-19 budget. The next budget forecast is due out this week, but indications are that the state’s economic outlook is less optimistic, which leads to decreased budget surplus.

This is the start of a lengthy budget process at the Legis-lature. The Minnesota Chamber, with support from local Chambers across the state, is watching closely as things unfold, and is ready to take action to ensure policymak-ers are aware of the implications of the proposed budget.

Join us at the next Alexandria Chamber Government Affairs Team Meeting:

Wednesday, March 20, 1:15 pm Viking Bank Upstairs Community Room

Legislative Corner