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Faribault Selected to Receive Official Main Street Designation

July 29, 2010 by The Chamber  

Minnesota Main StreetThe 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.”

Historic Downtown Faribault

What’s in it for Faribault?

Downtown FaribaultBasic 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

Harry Browns Family Automotive– Business of the YearFounded 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 - Small Business of the YearFette 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 – New Business SpotlightThe 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.

Motokazieland Details

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!

Y-Pro - Young Professionals
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