SHOP LOCAL

 Paula Mathews, The Phone Station, submitted the following comments

about the importance of shopping locally.

It’s never too late to take notice of your surroundings.  Born and raised here in Faribault, it has taken me sometime to grasp the fullness of the blessings we have right here in this small Minnesota community.  But they are many.  We have so many people and organizations that work tirelessly to support, promote and make this place better for individuals and businesses to work, play, educate and serve.

The Chamber of Commerce is one such organization and in 2009, they launched the “I GET IT” campaign challenging local residents and businesses to shop locally.  Being a local business owner myself, I went to the web page (www.shopfaribaultmn.com) and took the pledge to keep my spending local.

 While I strive to make all my purchases locally, I know that one cannot always do so, but I also know how much I appreciate it when a customer checks with me first to see if I can meet their needs. It shows they made a conscience choice to start right here, that they understand the impact their spending has on our community, their neighbors, friends and businesses.  It says, “I GET IT.”  

The holidays are fast approaching and local businesses are working hard to provide products and services that will meet the needs of those on your gift giving list as well as your everyday needs. I would like to challenge you to check out the business directory, give a local business a call or stop in to see if they can meet your needs before heading out of town.  Chances are you’ll find what you are looking for and more.

Everyone has that list of gifts to buy this time of year, for clients, friends and family.  One way to support local businesses is to purchase Chamber Checks for gifts.   Chamber Checks are negotiable checks worth the exact amount printed on them and are easy for consumers and businesses to use.  Show that you “GET IT” and encourage others to shop locally by using Chamber Checks good at over 250 places in Faribault.

For every local purchase there is a purpose…. And that purpose is to keep our community connected, the blessings flowing, our businesses thriving and our families working, learning and serving one another.

New Board Members for 2012 Nominated

 

The Nominating Committee appointed by the Chamber Board of Directors recommends the following individuals for appointment to the Board of Directors beginning in January of 2012

Three Year terms:

• Joe Cullinan. Hy-Vee Food Store, Wine and Spirits
• Rodney Gramse, MRG Tool and Die Corp.
• Paul Swenson, Paul Swenson Photography
• Deb White, Paddington’s Seed & Feed

According to the By-laws, this slate of directors will be declared elected if within 10 days of this notification no additional candidates are posted by a petition of 25 members.      

Final approval at November 17, 2012 Board Meeting

Main Street Fall Festival

Join your friends and neighbors in

Downtown Faribault on Saturday Oct 15

The day begins with a Kids Costume Parade starting at 10:30 – get the kids into their Halloween costumes or favorite dress up clothes and join the fun!

Line up for the parade begins at 10:30 am.  Gather at the parking lots of 520 or 533 Central Avenue near Gran Plaza and Katie Brien Photography and ends on the  200 block of Central Avenue. That’s where the rest of the fun begins! Kids activities, Pumpkin painting, Treasures in the Hay Stack will keep the kids happy!

The entire family will enjoy the great chili contest – with over 24 contestants. Purchase a spoon and walk the street to taste as many as you can. Make sure to mark your ballot for your favorite Chili!

Stores on Main Street welcome you to the Annual Fall Festival and invite you in for great bargains too.

The Fall Festival is sponsored by:

Faribault Foods, Faribault Woolen Mill Company and Subway!

City Budget Information

Become better informed about the city budget.

Here are some links to help you.

http://www.faribault.org/departments/finance/budget

http://apps.ci.faribault.mn.us/weblink8/1/doc/508358/Page1.aspx

http://apps.ci.faribault.mn.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=507837&dbid=1

http://apps.ci.faribault.mn.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=506212&dbid=1

City Budget Presentation 2011  is an excellent presentation prepared for a recent City Council Presentation.

Setting Standards

At the June meeting, members of the HR Peer group heard a presentation on behavior standards lead by Lucy DuPree, followed  by a discussion on  best practices for setting behavioral standards in the workplace.

This is Lucy’s presentation:  Standards

The next meeting is August 2 at 7:3o am at the Chamber office.   The discussion topic is:  Coaching Leaders.

Effective teachers need support

It’s a spring ritual across Minnesota – teachers receiving layoff notices as school districts evaluate finances and student enrollment. There’s typically the caveat that decisions are tentative based on legislative action on school funding. What’s a certainty, however, is who will be out of a job. If cuts are necessary, probationary teachers and those on the bottom of the seniority ladder will be the first to go – regardless of their job performance.

School boards and administrations work diligently to identify those budget cuts that will minimize the impact on the classroom – our students. Districts unfortunately have no ability to protect effective teachers, our most important school resource in determining student success. That’s right. In Minnesota, “last in, first out” is the law. Seniority is the sole criteria that can be used for making those decisions.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Contact your legislators and urge them to support Effectiveness Matters, HF 945 – legislation that focuses on hiring the most effective teachers and then keeping them in the classroom.

Minnesota has scores of fine teachers who we depend upon to ensure that our kids achieve success in their careers and lives. Yet thousands lose their jobs strictly on the basis of the number of years they have in the profession.

The ideas advanced in Effectiveness Matters will ensure that the best teachers – those most effective – will be adequately protected during layoffs and continue to use their skills to prepare our kids. Minnesota employers demand an effective workforce to compete in today’s global economy. It’s common sense that we require effective teachers in every classroom.

Faribault Area Chamber of  Commerce Board of Directors

Y-Pro Lunch Schedule 2011

• Tuesday January 25 – Gran Plaza
• Thursday February 24 – Depot
• Monday March 28 – Signature
• Wednesday April 27 – Country Kitchen
• Friday May 27 – Bostons
• Thursday June 23 – Boxers
• Monday July 25 – Joes
• Tuesday August 23 – Perkins
• Wednesday September 28 – Great China Buffet
• Thursday October 27 – Depot
• Tuesday November 29 – Grandpa Als
• Thursday December 29 – Bernies

Main Street Faribault featured

Peggy Keilen from Faribo Air Conditioning & Heating, and Laura Paquette from The Cheese Cave were interviewed about the Main Street Faribault Program by representatives of the Minnesota Historical Society.
The video featured these local leaders telling about the importance of the Main Street Program and how it will help develop the potential of our beautiful downtown.

Add your two-cents to the Superintendent Search

The Faribault Area Public School District 656, seeking a Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent search committee is requesting your input.

This information will assist the search committee in developing the profile of the ideal candidate.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE A SHORT SURVEY

Please pass this link on to anyone who is interested in adding their two-cents to the discussion.

Member’s Diagnosis

During the last few weeks the chamber has undergone an annual Check Up!

Through face to face discussion, comment boxes, and an on-line survey we heard from our members.

The Board of Directors will be evaluating the results and adjusting the business plan based on your diagnosis.

Click the link below to view the survey results:

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