Talk of the Town-April 2012

News and happenings from Chamber President Brad Meier.

Member Guest: Rick Peterson, Waseca Chrysler

School Position- Future Proposals by Mike Milstead

The Owatonna School District is important to local business success by educating the future workforce, attracting new employees, and creating our future leaders. The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (OACCT) Board of Directors would like to suggest increased involvement by the business community in the strategic efforts of the school district.

Chamber members know the recent decision to cut school programming is a major decision that will impact the district and community in multiple ways. We believe that a clear plan that results in a safe, productive, and challenging environment will continue to produce the quality student for which Owatonna has come to be known. Not being directly connected to the development of these recent proposals leaves us unqualified to advocate a position either way on behalf of our members regarding the validity of the proposal or the course of action that should be taken to resolve the budget crisis.

Chamber members have acknowledged the importance of the district’s plans and are requesting the Chamber’s agenda include sharing business input on current and future school district proposals.

We welcome an opportunity to share business expertise with school district officials to assist in resolving the challenges facing the district.

Committee member

Mike Milstead is one of the owners of Ag Power Enterprises, which is building a new location on 18th St. SW. The building is scheduled for completion late spring/early summer.

Leadership Owatonna-Apply Today

Lead your way to College Credit!

Rhonda Guthier, operations director
OACCT

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in cooperation with Riverland Community College is in its fourth year of the enhanced Leadership Owatonna program.  With Riverland’s involvement, the 10-month program is identified as a credit-based program that will be recognized for continuing education or expanded college transcript for the individual participant.  The Chamber, along with the Leadership Owatonna Year Leaders, continues to oversee the development of the program along with current class participants and/or alumni assisting with individual day planning.

Click here for a program application and brochure!

Chamber 65 Year Fun Fact

Ted Ringhofer (1968) 

In 1968 Ted Ringhofer was named as the Executive Vice President of the Chamber.

Ringhofer served Owatonna for 29 years as the Chamber President and is fondly remembered by many current members today.