Chamber President Brad Meier shares new updates.
Member Guest: Karen McMahon, Smooth Transitions Postpardum Doula Service.
Appx. 20 min.
MP3 File
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Growing & Retaining Business
Brad Meier, president/CEO
Grow Minnesota! – Retaining & Growing Businesses
Seven years of Statewide Success and Counting:
-55 Local partners – Including the OACCT.
-Over 500 private sector business leaders involved.
-Over 4,000 Face-to-face business visits.
-Close to 500 MN companies assisted.
-Programs operating in 57 MN counties.
-1,300 jobs retained in 2009 alone!
You can become involved in our local business retention program. Contact us for more information (507.451.7970 or oacct@owatonna.org).
The Steele County Free Fair-Good for Business
Lisa Havelka, tourism director
Every year almost 300,000 people attend the Steele County Free Fair with around 40% of attendees coming from out of town. And 30% of these visitors spend at least $50 or more at the SCFF. Apply the basic multiplier effect to these numbers and you can see how the SCFF has major economic benefits not only to our tourism industry but also to our retail and service industry.
The return on investment for businesses at the SCFF is priceless! A 2008 Survey of Visitors indicated that 85% of visitors visit the vendor booths at the Fair and 86% of all visitors say they will visit the Fair again next year.
Here’s what some OACCT members had to say about the 2010 SCFF:
•"The SCFF provides an excellent opportunity to show our products and services to a wide variety of customers," John Ryan, Store Manager, Karl's TV & Appliance
•"Great place to educate the public about chiropractic care and the benefits they can receive," Laura Seid, DC/Owner, Chiropractic Care of Owatonna
•"SCFF is a huge opportunity to get your product and sales team in front of a lot of people," John Heerema, Owner, Owatonna Granite and Monument.
Thanks to our Owatonna businesses that help support the Steele County Free Fair with sponsorships and vendor booths. The SCFF is a great place to do business! See you next year at the Fair!
For more information about Owatonna Tourism contact Lisa Havelka, tourism director lhavelka@owatonna.org or see Beverly Bowers, membership director for your businesses value of membership bbowers@owatonna.org.
Every year almost 300,000 people attend the Steele County Free Fair with around 40% of attendees coming from out of town. And 30% of these visitors spend at least $50 or more at the SCFF. Apply the basic multiplier effect to these numbers and you can see how the SCFF has major economic benefits not only to our tourism industry but also to our retail and service industry.
The return on investment for businesses at the SCFF is priceless! A 2008 Survey of Visitors indicated that 85% of visitors visit the vendor booths at the Fair and 86% of all visitors say they will visit the Fair again next year.
Here’s what some OACCT members had to say about the 2010 SCFF:
•"The SCFF provides an excellent opportunity to show our products and services to a wide variety of customers," John Ryan, Store Manager, Karl's TV & Appliance
•"Great place to educate the public about chiropractic care and the benefits they can receive," Laura Seid, DC/Owner, Chiropractic Care of Owatonna
•"SCFF is a huge opportunity to get your product and sales team in front of a lot of people," John Heerema, Owner, Owatonna Granite and Monument.
Thanks to our Owatonna businesses that help support the Steele County Free Fair with sponsorships and vendor booths. The SCFF is a great place to do business! See you next year at the Fair!
For more information about Owatonna Tourism contact Lisa Havelka, tourism director lhavelka@owatonna.org or see Beverly Bowers, membership director for your businesses value of membership bbowers@owatonna.org.
Photo caption: Jo Huntsman, Redbird Acupuncture Clinic and Dr. Laura Seid, Chiropractic Care of Owatonna talk with fairgoers in the Four Seasons Centre, August 17-22.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Steele County Board Notes-August 24, 2010
A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2010 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.
Recording of the County Ditches. It appears that there is not clear title to the county ditches and an effort is underway to get these recorded. As it is in the property owners interest, they are paying for the recording fees and not taxpayer dollars.
In addition, there was a presentation from a member of the National Pork Board. This was an informational presentation that highlighted the pork industry and its vitality for Steele county and MN. It highlighted what advances the pork industry has made over the years. In addition, it touched on how many county jobs are generated through the Pork industry. After all, it is not just "the other white meat."
Lastly, Sheriff Gudmudson presented two proposals. First, to offer a food service plan that would offer "brunch" on weekend/holidays for the detention center. This is a cost saving measure and does not inhibit the required caloric intake. Second, was a plan to hire 4 Correctional Corporals. These would essentially be apprentices to the Correctional Sgts. In the end, this is a cost saving measure as well as the additional FTE will be able to be flexed and have the end result be not to pay OT for the year and will be a gain to the budget
Recording of the County Ditches. It appears that there is not clear title to the county ditches and an effort is underway to get these recorded. As it is in the property owners interest, they are paying for the recording fees and not taxpayer dollars.
In addition, there was a presentation from a member of the National Pork Board. This was an informational presentation that highlighted the pork industry and its vitality for Steele county and MN. It highlighted what advances the pork industry has made over the years. In addition, it touched on how many county jobs are generated through the Pork industry. After all, it is not just "the other white meat."
Lastly, Sheriff Gudmudson presented two proposals. First, to offer a food service plan that would offer "brunch" on weekend/holidays for the detention center. This is a cost saving measure and does not inhibit the required caloric intake. Second, was a plan to hire 4 Correctional Corporals. These would essentially be apprentices to the Correctional Sgts. In the end, this is a cost saving measure as well as the additional FTE will be able to be flexed and have the end result be not to pay OT for the year and will be a gain to the budget
Monday, August 23, 2010
City Council Meeting Notes-August 17, 2010
A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2010 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.
1)The council approved the purchase of two homes for flood mitigation. The homes were on Walnut Ave and East Vine. The home on Walnut will be purchased for $98,000.00 and east Vine will be purchased for $29,000.00. The East Vine home was a foreclosure and thus the lower price. Truelson and Dotson did question the price for the Walnut Ave home as it seems high for the market. There is state flood mitigation funds available for the Walnut Ave home of ½ the cost of the home and razing. Also, OPU will reimburse the city for this when some other homes surrounding this one are purchased.
2)Bids for the bridges on the North Strait River trail were accepted for a total of $204,000.00
3)Phase 3 of the Southeast Storm Sewer improvements was approved.
1)The council approved the purchase of two homes for flood mitigation. The homes were on Walnut Ave and East Vine. The home on Walnut will be purchased for $98,000.00 and east Vine will be purchased for $29,000.00. The East Vine home was a foreclosure and thus the lower price. Truelson and Dotson did question the price for the Walnut Ave home as it seems high for the market. There is state flood mitigation funds available for the Walnut Ave home of ½ the cost of the home and razing. Also, OPU will reimburse the city for this when some other homes surrounding this one are purchased.
2)Bids for the bridges on the North Strait River trail were accepted for a total of $204,000.00
3)Phase 3 of the Southeast Storm Sewer improvements was approved.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Candidate Forums Lining Up for Fall--Mark Your Calendar
Katie Nelson, marketing director
This fall’s upcoming candidate forum events can help you decide whose name you’ll select on your ballot. “I’ve made many of my voting decisions based on attending these forums,” states Barry Gillespie, ERA Gillespie Real Estate.
Event partners (OACCT, Owatonna People’s Press, Early Edition and Noon Rotary Clubs) held the Sheriff’s forum on August 2nd. Participants were able to gain a better understanding of all the candidates’ positions and after the primary, will have more opportunity to connect with the remaining candidates and make their final voting decision in November.
Mark your calendar for Mondays in October for forums on state senate 26, state representative 26A and county districts one, three and five. Forum partners are striving to secure our federal district candidates, as well as gubernatorial candidates, but no confirmations have been made to date.
More details to come. Watch the newsletter, Owatonna.org homepage, calendar of events and Facebook.com/owatonna and Owatonna People’s Press for further details. Forums are held at the Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd, from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Lunch is served from 11:30-Noon ($11); admittance is free at Noon.
This fall’s upcoming candidate forum events can help you decide whose name you’ll select on your ballot. “I’ve made many of my voting decisions based on attending these forums,” states Barry Gillespie, ERA Gillespie Real Estate.
Event partners (OACCT, Owatonna People’s Press, Early Edition and Noon Rotary Clubs) held the Sheriff’s forum on August 2nd. Participants were able to gain a better understanding of all the candidates’ positions and after the primary, will have more opportunity to connect with the remaining candidates and make their final voting decision in November.
Mark your calendar for Mondays in October for forums on state senate 26, state representative 26A and county districts one, three and five. Forum partners are striving to secure our federal district candidates, as well as gubernatorial candidates, but no confirmations have been made to date.
More details to come. Watch the newsletter, Owatonna.org homepage, calendar of events and Facebook.com/owatonna and Owatonna People’s Press for further details. Forums are held at the Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd, from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Lunch is served from 11:30-Noon ($11); admittance is free at Noon.
Tourism News & Events--Owatonna- Your Destination
Lisa Havelka, tourism director
Recently the Owatonna Tourism Department made a bid presentation to the Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Association at their annual meeting in St. Cloud, MN. David Buecksler, a local rural letter carrier and state steward for the MN Rural Letter Carriers Association came to us requesting assistance in presenting and organizing a bid to the association in hopes to bring the 2012 Convention to Owatonna.
The Owatonna Tourism Department put together a lodging room block request, meeting space request and information on area attractions and group tours. The outcome was favorable – Owatonna will host the Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Convention June 22-26, 2012! Around 150 officers and delegates of the Association will be in Owatonna for the Convention!
Owatonna Tourism is always looking to bring more meeting and conventions to Owatonna. Services are available to tour operators, show/event planners, families looking to plan a weekend getaway and all to OACCT members!
If you or your business is involved with a club, civic organization, service group, committee, church, employee group, recreation or hobby that has regular meetings, Owatonna Tourism would like to help you organizer your next meeting or convention.
Tourism Services include:
• Visitor Guides & Brochures for Tour Participants: get your attraction noticed by visitors by including a brochure or flier
• Maps for escort/driver: get visitors around Owatonna safely and conveniently
• Customized Tour Itineraries: make the visitors trip memorable
• Price/availability Request to Lodging Properties: best rates and availability for groups
• Welcome Bags: includes area coupons, brochures, pens and other Owatonna memorabilia
• Show/Event Bids: promote Owatonna as a location to host shows and events of all sizes
• Step-on Guide Services: $75/day for personalized guide services from the OACCT
Tell us about your next event and let Owatonna Tourism take it from there! Contact Lisa Havelka, Tourism Director for the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 507.451.7970 or lhavelka@owatonna.org
Recently the Owatonna Tourism Department made a bid presentation to the Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Association at their annual meeting in St. Cloud, MN. David Buecksler, a local rural letter carrier and state steward for the MN Rural Letter Carriers Association came to us requesting assistance in presenting and organizing a bid to the association in hopes to bring the 2012 Convention to Owatonna.
The Owatonna Tourism Department put together a lodging room block request, meeting space request and information on area attractions and group tours. The outcome was favorable – Owatonna will host the Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Convention June 22-26, 2012! Around 150 officers and delegates of the Association will be in Owatonna for the Convention!
Owatonna Tourism is always looking to bring more meeting and conventions to Owatonna. Services are available to tour operators, show/event planners, families looking to plan a weekend getaway and all to OACCT members!
If you or your business is involved with a club, civic organization, service group, committee, church, employee group, recreation or hobby that has regular meetings, Owatonna Tourism would like to help you organizer your next meeting or convention.
Tourism Services include:
• Visitor Guides & Brochures for Tour Participants: get your attraction noticed by visitors by including a brochure or flier
• Maps for escort/driver: get visitors around Owatonna safely and conveniently
• Customized Tour Itineraries: make the visitors trip memorable
• Price/availability Request to Lodging Properties: best rates and availability for groups
• Welcome Bags: includes area coupons, brochures, pens and other Owatonna memorabilia
• Show/Event Bids: promote Owatonna as a location to host shows and events of all sizes
• Step-on Guide Services: $75/day for personalized guide services from the OACCT
Tell us about your next event and let Owatonna Tourism take it from there! Contact Lisa Havelka, Tourism Director for the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 507.451.7970 or lhavelka@owatonna.org
New Leadership Owatonna Class Announced
Rhonda Guthier, operations director
The OACCT along with partner Riverland Community College will be holding its annual kick off picnic on Tuesday, August 10th at the Gainey Conference Center.
The goal of the program is to develop knowledge and understanding of our community: its complexities and potential; to provide an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders. The intent is to motivate and encourage participants to assume individual leadership roles in community affairs.
Congratulations to the 2010/2011 Leadership Owatonna incoming class:
Doug Betti (Viracon)
Tim Ceglo (Cash Wise Foods)
Scott Chabot (Pearson, NCS)
David Christopherson (Gainey Conference Center)
Laura Dalland (Viracon)
Matthew Durand (City of Owatonna)
Alan Fraboni (Pearson, NCS)
Mary Gontarek (Owatonna Public Library)
Kurt Halverson (Hometown Credit Union)
Stephanie Hanson (Wenger Corporation)
Diane Holland (Century 21 Vision Real Estate)
Lisa Krause (Owatonna Clinic-Mayo Health System)
Jamie Kreuser (Steele County Attorney’s Office)
Mark Krug (Owatonna Public Schools)
Jane Kubista (Wells Fargo)
Loren Olson (United Methodist Church)
Dawn Rathai (Federated Insurance Company)
Lance Resner (Wells Fargo Bank)
Kathleen Smith (U.S. Bank)
Darci Stanford (South Central College)
Christy Tryhus (Riverland Community College)
Pauline VanNurden (Riverland Community College)
Nicholas Vincelli (Horizon Eyecare Professional)
The OACCT along with partner Riverland Community College will be holding its annual kick off picnic on Tuesday, August 10th at the Gainey Conference Center.
The goal of the program is to develop knowledge and understanding of our community: its complexities and potential; to provide an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders. The intent is to motivate and encourage participants to assume individual leadership roles in community affairs.
Congratulations to the 2010/2011 Leadership Owatonna incoming class:
Doug Betti (Viracon)
Tim Ceglo (Cash Wise Foods)
Scott Chabot (Pearson, NCS)
David Christopherson (Gainey Conference Center)
Laura Dalland (Viracon)
Matthew Durand (City of Owatonna)
Alan Fraboni (Pearson, NCS)
Mary Gontarek (Owatonna Public Library)
Kurt Halverson (Hometown Credit Union)
Stephanie Hanson (Wenger Corporation)
Diane Holland (Century 21 Vision Real Estate)
Lisa Krause (Owatonna Clinic-Mayo Health System)
Jamie Kreuser (Steele County Attorney’s Office)
Mark Krug (Owatonna Public Schools)
Jane Kubista (Wells Fargo)
Loren Olson (United Methodist Church)
Dawn Rathai (Federated Insurance Company)
Lance Resner (Wells Fargo Bank)
Kathleen Smith (U.S. Bank)
Darci Stanford (South Central College)
Christy Tryhus (Riverland Community College)
Pauline VanNurden (Riverland Community College)
Nicholas Vincelli (Horizon Eyecare Professional)
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
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