Leading & Communicating in Times of Change
Thursday, February 27th 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
One of the greatest rewards of networking is the lasting connections you make along the way. I first met Jodi, an incredible presenter and trainer with Magnifi Financial, through the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce. She delivered an impactful training session back then, and I’m beyond excited to welcome her back to Glenwood for her second session with us!
Her engaging and insightful training will take place this February, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or looking to enhance your skills, Jodi’s expertise is sure to leave you inspired and equipped to tackle challenges in your role.
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about creating opportunities, learning, and growing together. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and connect with others in our area with this FREE training! |
|
|
|
Join us March 29 at the Pope County Community Expo! |
The Pope County Community Expo is coming up on March 29, 2025, and we’re gearing up for another incredible event that showcases the best of our community. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or home-based entrepreneur, this is your chance to connect with local residents, share your products and services, and make an impact! Sponsorship Opportunities:
Gain extra visibility while supporting this fantastic event! We have sponsorship packages to fit a variety of budgets and goals. Secure your spot early! Space is limited, and preference is given to vendors based in or serving Pope County. |
|
|
Make a Difference in Our Community
The Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce our new Ambassador Program! This dynamic group of community-minded individuals will play a vital role in supporting local businesses, fostering connections, and promoting the Chamber’s mission to help our community thrive.
What Do Chamber Ambassadors Do?
Our Chamber Ambassadors are the friendly faces and active supporters of the Chamber, helping us: - Welcome new members and represent the Chamber at ribbon cuttings and events.
-
Strengthen connections by visiting current Chamber members (just one hour per month).
- Provide valuable input by attending quarterly Ambassador lunches or meetings.
- Ambassadors are the “feet on the ground,” working to keep the Chamber visible, active, and effective throughout the community.
Why Become an Ambassador?
As a Chamber Ambassador, you’ll: -
Build your professional and personal network.
- Strengthen your leadership and communication skills.
- Gain visibility for yourself and/or your business.
-
Make a meaningful impact in Glenwood by supporting local businesses and fostering community connections.
What’s the Commitment?
We value your time! Here’s what we’re asking from our Ambassadors: - Attend a brief orientation in March to get started. (Date to be decided by ambassadors)
-
Commit to visiting Chamber members and attending ribbon cuttings and events as able. (Training provided)
- Check in with the Chamber quarterly at a lunch or meeting.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference? Apply today to become a Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber Ambassador! Simplyfill out our online application below. We’re looking for 5-10 passionate individuals who are ready to represent the Chamber and our community. Applications are open now, and we’d love to hear from you! Applications close February 28, 2025.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program or the application process, feel free to contact Sara at 320-334-3095 or chamber@glenwoodlakesarea.org. |
|
|
Start your day with connection and community at Rise & Shine Glenwood, hosted by Creative Impact Design on Friday, February 14 (Valentines Day!), at the Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center. This monthly networking event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is open to both Chamber members and non-members.
Rise & Shine offers a unique opportunity to learn more about local businesses, connect with fellow community members, and hear updates on Chamber events and initiatives—all while enjoying coffee and a light breakfast. It’s the perfect setting to build relationships, exchange ideas, and discover what’s happening in the Glenwood Lakes area. Don’t miss the business card drawing and the popular Pot of Gold Drawing, where all Chamber members are automatically entered (must be present to win!). Join us to network, share your story, and make valuable connections that support both your personal and professional growth. We look forward to seeing you there! |
| |
|
| Conference Room Rental Included in Membership |
Did You Know? One of the exclusive benefits of your Chamber membership is free access to our fully equipped conference room—up to once per month! Whether you're hosting a meeting, training session, or brainstorming session, our conference room is ready for you. It features seating for up to 24 people, a large TV screen with laptop connectivity, Zoom capabilities, a whiteboard, and Wi-Fi, plus a convenient kitchenette. Regular rates are $50 for a half day or $100 for a full day, but as a Chamber member, you can use this space at no charge once per month. Reserve your spot today and make the most of this valuable member perk! |
|
|
The Member Spotlight is a fantastic way for Chamber members to gain visibility and recognition at no extra cost! Each month, we feature one of our members on the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook and Instagram accounts as part of this initiative. These posts are boosted (meaning we pay to increase their reach) to be seen by a larger audience, including our followers and people within a 15-mile radius of the Glenwood Lakes Area.
As a participating business, you’ll also enjoy an added benefit: your spotlight will remain featured on our website’s Member Spotlight page for at least 12 months. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business, employees, services, or products and connect with the local community in a meaningful way.
Signing up is easy! Simply fill out the questionnaire at this link and email 1-4 high-quality photos to Sara at sara.hoffner@glenwoodlakesarea.org. These can include images of your team, location, logo, or anything that represents your organization. If you’d like to request a specific month to be featured, include that in your email. Otherwise, spotlights will be scheduled in the order we receive applications.
We hope you take advantage of this free opportunity to connect with the community, gain recognition, and experience the value of being a Chamber member! |
| |
2025 Legislative Priorities: COSTS MATTER
Minnesotans want a balanced approach to governing our state. Bipartisan solutions like improving the economy, and lowering costs for families and businesses will help solve the state’s challenges.
Fiscal responsibility
Job one for the Legislature is to enact a sustainable, balanced budget by May 19. The budget is projected to spend more than is collected over the next four years. Legislators must recognize that Minnesota businesses and taxpayers cannot afford new tax increases or additional workplace mandates. Good governance through accountability and transparency
Government fraud costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Policymakers should act upon recommendations from the Office of the Legislative Auditor and enact accountability measures for state agencies and programs.
More than 35 new workplace mandates were passed in the last two sessions. These state-imposed mandates do not consider market conditions and are not scoped accordingly. Implementation must be fair and provide sufficient guidance for employers to comply. Legislators should provide greater flexibility in how the state-mandated Paid Family Medical Leave program is implemented by employers.
Other state-imposed mandates, from health insurance to energy production and consumption, increase costs and weigh down the economy. More effort must be placed on identifying, quantifying, and addressing the growing burden of these hidden state-imposed costs. Taxes
Elected officials must support a pro-growth tax system, to improve competitiveness, cultivate innovation, attract investment and talent, and foster job growth and retention.
Enhancing the research and development (R&D) tax credit would encourage investment. Minnesota lawmakers should conform to provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, if it is extended by the federal government. This is especially true for provisions related to R&D expensing.
Workforce
Employers are working toward building and retaining a skilled workforce that is responsive to the state’s economy. Legislators should consider policies that require recipients of related state aid to stay and be a part of the Minnesota workforce for three years post-graduation. This guarantees taxpayers a direct return on investment and is a critical tool for combating demographic, employment, and migration trends.
Bipartisan solutions that reduce costs
Regulatory reforms to the state’s environmental permitting process will make it more predictable, accountable and timely, while protecting natural resources and encouraging economic development and expansion.
State funding to continue the state’s individual market reinsurance program will avoid large premium hikes and avoid destabilization of the market. |
Have an event or announcement you'd like to share with the community? We'd love to include it! The Community Events & Announcements section is open to all businesses, organizations, and community members—just email the details to us at chamber@glenwoodlakesarea.org.
By sharing your news with us, you’ll reach over 5,000 people every month across our social media channels, website, and newsletter. Whether it’s a fundraiser, open house, special promotion, or any community happening, we’re here to help spread the word and connect you with your audience. Let’s work together to keep our community informed and engaged! |
|
|
The Waterama Polar Plunge will take place at 2:00pm on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH. All those ages 16 and up are invited to participate! |
| |
|
|
