Faribault Selected to Receive Official Main Street Designation
July 29, 2010 by The Chamber
The Main Street Program is a comprehensive commercial revitalization strategy that helps communities preserve some of their most significant assets—their historic buildings. Main Street Four Point Approach™, tailored to local needs and opportunities:
- Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging compatible in fill, and developing sensitive design management systems.
- Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.
- Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors.
- Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities.
The Main Street Approach advocates community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community.”
What’s in it for Faribault?
Basic training on the Four Point Approach is being offered August 17 and 18th in Red Wing. Anyone interested in attending the training should contact The Chamber for details. There is no charge to attend.
The steering committee is hosting a Faribault Main Street meeting on August 26 at 12 noon at the Bachrach Hall at 318 Central Ave in Downtown Faribault.
At the meeting the committee will explain more about the program and the opportunity it brings.
Registration is requested for attendance to assure materials and space is adequate. Lunch will be provided for a minimal fee with pre-registration.
City Administrator Search
June 21, 2010 by The Chamber
Voice of Business!
What is the most important trait for our next City Administrator?
Amplify the Voice of Business by leaving a comment here.
25th Annual Business of the Year Awards
May 4, 2010 by The Chamber
Photos from the Business of the Year Awards Luncheon. Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Harry Browns Family Automotive– Business of the Year
Founded in 1968 by Harry Brown, this local business has been providing new and used cars sales and service for over 40 years. Harry Brown’s employs approximately 75 people. They are the top volume dealer in southern Minnesota and offer Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products. The business also includes an automatic carwash facility and an Abra Autobody dealership. The second generation of the Brown family is now active in ownership and management. Harry Brown’s Family Automotive was chosen as the business of the year for their resiliency in difficult times, altering their business model to meet the changing market and economy while growing their successful enterprise in Faribault. They were also commended for their generous support of many youth sports and community events. Harry Brown’s family Automotive is a living example of entrepreneurship, with humble beginnings as a small used car lot to a large volume family business that is a mainstay of the Faribault area.
Fette Electronics – Small Business of the Year
Fette Electronics first opened in 1962 when owner Dick Fette returned home from the Airforce. They opened their current location downtown in 1967. The business began with Dick making house calls and Joyce home with the kids. Now the “kids” are an integral part of the business, each with their own area of expertise. Fette Electronics is another example of a family business that has weathered many storms and adapted many changes. The business model had to change with each change in technology. There were several years when most of Dick’s time was spent repairing VCR’s. Now Fette Electronics is a retail electronics store with TV’s, Computers, stereo components with service and repair in-house. A big part of their business is commercial and residential security and sound systems. There is virtually no community event that has gone without the expertise of Fette Electronics. Events such as the Rice County Fair, Tree Frog Music Festival and many chamber events benefit from the sound equipment and expertise the Fettes provide. One nomination said “Fette’s has High-Tech products with the same family feel of years gone by”
The Cheese Cave – New Business Spotlight
The Cheese Cave is a unique draw to downtown Faribault. It is also a connection to the historic caves which have a distinct place in Faribault history. The beautiful facility, creative marketing ideas and friendly staff have made it a key element of the community in the short time they have been open. Founded by three friends, Jeff Jirik, Jeff LaBeau, and Bob Foley, The Cheese Cave serves as the retail store for The Faribault Dairy Company, makers of the premium blue cheese Amablu. Store Manager Laura Paquette has become active in the DAC Promotions committee and the I GET IT promotion which promotes the value of shopping locally. In less than one year, The Cheese Cave has become a destination and a local favorite.
Businesses are nominated by any Chamber member and selected based on the impact they have on the local economy, the community and their employees.
Other honorees at the luncheon include the Chamber volunteer of the year and the businesses who have qualified for recognition in the Business Gives Program.
Luncheon
This is the 25th annual Business Awards Luncheon. The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of its tradition on honoring outstanding businesses.
Join us in honoring these award winning businesses at the 2010 Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, Thursday May 13 beginning at 11:30 am at the Elks East Wing. Reservations can be made on-line at www.faribaultmn.org or be calling the chamber office at 334-4381.
Business of the Year Award Winners
April 23, 2010 by The Chamber
The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the
25th Annual Business of the Year Awards.
Harry Browns Family Automotive– Business of the Year
Founded in 1968 by Harry Brown, this local business has been providing new and used cars sales and service for over 40 years. Harry Brown’s employs approximately 75 people. They are the top volume dealer in southern Minnesota and offer Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products. The business also includes an automatic carwash facility and an Abra Autobody dealership. The second generation of the Brown family is now active in ownership and management. Harry Brown’s Family Automotive was chosen as the business of the year for their resiliency in difficult times, altering their business model to meet the changing market and economy while growing their successful enterprise in Faribault. They were also commended for their generous support of many youth sports and community events. Harry Brown’s family Automotive is a living example of entrepreneurship, with humble beginnings as a small used car lot to a large volume family business that is a mainstay of the Faribault area.
Fette Electronics – Small Business of the Year
Fette Electronics first opened in 1962 when owner Dick Fette returned home from the Airforce. They opened their current location downtown in 1967. The business began with Dick making house calls and Joyce home with the kids. Now the “kids” are an integral part of the business, each with their own area of expertise. Fette Electronics is another example of a family business that has weathered many storms and adapted many changes. The business model had to change with each change in technology. There were several years when most of Dick’s time was spent repairing VCR’s. Now Fette Electronics is a retail electronics store with TV’s, Computers, stereo components with service and repair in-house. A big part of their business is commercial and residential security and sound systems. There is virtually no community event that has gone without the expertise of Fette Electronics. Events such as the Rice County Fair, Tree Frog Music Festival and many chamber events benefit from the sound equipment and expertise the Fettes provide. One nomination said “Fette’s has High-Tech products with the same family feel of years gone by”
The Cheese Cave – New Business Spotlight
The Cheese Cave is a unique draw to downtown Faribault. It is also a connection to the historic caves which have a distinct place in Faribault history. The beautiful facility, creative marketing ideas and friendly staff have made it a key element of the community in the short time they have been open. Founded by three friends, Jeff Jirik, Jeff LaBeau, and Bob Foley, The Cheese Cave serves as the retail store for The Faribault Dairy Company, makers of the premium blue cheese Amablu. Store Manager Laura Paquette has become active in the DAC Promotions committee and the I GET IT promotion which promotes the value of shopping locally. In less than one year, The Cheese Cave has become a destination and a local favorite.
Businesses are nominated by any Chamber member and selected based on the impact they have on the local economy, the community and their employees.
Other honorees at the luncheon include the Chamber volunteer of the year and the companies who have qualified for recognition in the Business Gives Program.
Luncheon
This is the 25th annual Business Awards Luncheon. The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of its tradition on honoring outstanding businesses.
Join us in honoring these award winning businesses at the 2010 Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, Thursday May 13 beginning at 11:30 am at the Elks East Wing. Reservations can be made on-line by clicking on Events at the top of the page or by calling the chamber office at 334-4381.
Motokazie Development Supported by the Chamber
April 16, 2010 by The Chamber
The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board of Directors supports the proposed Motokazie Recreation Land Development plans in the Faribault area.
The Board commented on the positive economic impact on existing businesses in the area, the positive tourism implications and the family friendly business being proposed. They were impressed with the developers proactive approach to likely concerns such as noise and dust, and with his experience and expertise in mitigating these potential issues. Click on the link below to learn more about the proposal.
If you want to sign a petition in favor of the proposed Motokazie Development click the link below
http://www.petitiononline.com/rcrmr/petition.html
Golden Egg Hunt Downtown Faribault
March 29, 2010 by The Chamber
THE GOLDEN EGG WAS FOUND by Will Borwege!
Thank You and hope you had a great time visiting the downtown area.
The GOLDEN EGG contained directions to claim a prize package worth over $400.00 in merchandise from participating downtown businesses.
The Golden Egg Promotion was sponsored by:
- Sweet Spot Candies
- The Cheese Cave
- bloom Floral
- Geek Central
- Sunset Salon
- Burkhartzmeyer Shoes
- Dymanic Daze
- Woodland Arts
- The Window Box
- Floors by Farmer
- Monte’s Steak House
- Crafty Maven
- Paradise Center for the Arts
- Nook and Cranny
- Faribault Daily News
- Faribault Ace Hardware
- Weddings by Deb
- Dandelet Jewelers
- The State Bank of Faribault
- Lyon’s Meats
- The Depot Bar and Grill
- B & J Sewing
- That Scrapbooking Place
- Eastmans’ Music
- SUBWAY
- Voh’s Floors
- Creating A Ruckus
- The Coffee Shop
- Glam Central
- Remember Me
Business Before Hours
March 15, 2010 by The Chamber
Business Before Hours
The first Wednesday of each month 7:30 to 9 am
April 7 State Bank of Faribault
May 5 J & J Powersports
June 2 Cates & Ohme
July 7 St. Lucas/Deaconess Towers
Aug. 4 Minnesota State Academies
Sept. 1 River Valley Church
Oct. 6 North 40 Consulting
Nov. 3 Faribault Public Schools
Dec. 1 Available
Business After Hours
March 15, 2010 by The Chamber
Make plans to attend the next Business After Hours
Held from 5 – 7 pm at the host location
April 15 Johnson Advisors
May 20 Met-Con
June 17 Mayor’s Reception-Heritage Days
July 15 Tony Langerud Neighbors Group
Aug. 19 I&S Group
Sept. 16 GOLF outing (sponsorship available)
Oct. 21 Nelsons Market Place
Nov. 18 GrandStay Hotel
Dec. Available
Y-Pro
February 1, 2010 by The Chamber
Y-Pro Club Can Help You Build Your Career!
The goal of Y-pro is to build relationships and opportunities, provide educational and professional development, build awareness of local issues, contribute to the community and keep young professionals living and working in the area.
Target group: Young Professionals age 21-39
The Y-Pro Club group flourished in their inaugural year with successful events that included networking, informational seminars, fun outings and making business to business connections.
Monthly Lunches
- Friday March 19 @ Godfather’s Pizza
- Tuesday April 13 @ Monte’s
Tentative 2010 Events
- Thursday June 3
- Thursday Sept 9
- Thursday Dec 2
