May 18, 2013

Chamber Member Testimonials

What Satisfied Members Had to Say

The Faribault Animal Center has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 23 years. We have always enjoyed a good relationship with the Chamber and although we don’t participate in a lot of the Chamber events, we know the Chamber is always working on our behalf. The Chamber promotes the value of shopping local which has been a major focus for the Chamber and I do believe it has helped our business. Keep up the good work!

Joyce Murphy – Faribault Animal Center

www.faribaultanimalcenter.com

 

We believe the Faribault Chamber of Commerce adds value through membership and community networking, attracting new businesses and sponosoring “shop Faribault” events. The strengths of the Chamber include conistent service with a professional staff and understanding of local needs.

Mike Ferris – Haskell’s

www.haskells.com

 

We really appreciate being a member of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce. It allows us to get involved with other businesses here in town and help each other succeed. Growing a small business on your own is tough enough so being able to connect and network with each other is so very important to our success.

Mike Kawell – Mike’s Garage

www.mikesgarage411.com

 

As a long time Chamber member, we have had many valuable experiences. The reinvestment of the downtown through the Main Street initiative is just one example of the partnership the Chamber has in business development. The Chamber makes it simple to stay in touch with local business and special events throughout the community. There’s no better way than Chamber membership to promote and grow your business. It’s worked for us for over 30 years.

Nate Chappuis – Chappuis Jewelry

www.chappuisjewelry.com

 

I feel the Chamber provides an excellent service to its members and the entire Faribault community. In recognition of October being Manufacturing Month, I value their support in promoting the awareness and importance of manufacturing for our community and state. I appreciate the connections and opportunities they facilitate to interact with other business owners, with the various educational institutions, and our elected officials. The Faribault Chamber is a great resource, promoter and supporter of the Faribault community.

Rod Gramse – MRG Tool & Die

www.toolanddie.net

 

If you are serious about your business, become a member of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce. The reason I am involved, active and a long term member is because the Chamber is committed to bettering the business climate in Faribault and Minnesota. The Chamber is an advocate, a promoter and a networker of not only my business but all business. Look at membership in the Chamber as an investment in your business, your community and your state.

Tony Langerud – Tony Langerud Insurance Agency

www.tonylangerud.net

 

Faribault Web has been a Chamber member since opening for business in January of 2008, though I’ve been in the web development and online marketing industry since 1995. At that time I was new to the Faribault area and only knew one person in town. As a business to business service organization, Chamber membership has provided us with local credibility and a vehicle to network with other business owners. It also has given the perfect means to give back to the community as a member of the I Get It in Faribault committee.

Faribault Web has grown considerably these past 3 years. Not only by being a Chamber member but by involvement in helping our business community grow. Thank you Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism!

George Rhodes – Faribault Web

www.faribaultweb.com

 

Cumulous Radio; KDHL-AM 920 and KQCL-FM (Power 96) is proud to be a member of such a progressive organization. As local radio stations, we feel it is our honor and duty to help the Chamber achieve its mission of promoting economic vitality in the Faribault area.

Shannon Knoepke – Station Manager KDHL-Power 96

www.faribault.cumulusradio.com

 

On behalf of the downtown Faribault community I would personally like to thank the Chamber and the Chamber Board for their unwavering support of downtown Faribault. I have always felt that a strong downtown is a direct reflection of the strength and vitality of the community as a whole. I know the Chamber shares this same vision and have been willing to put the man hours and financial backing to make that a reality. We should all be very proud and excited to have become a “Designated Mainstreet Community”. This program provides the framework, resources and expertise for unlimited economic development and growth in our downtown; and while membership and involvement is open and encouraged to everyone, the fact is, this would never have happened without the direction and leadership of our Chamber.

Thanks again to the Chamber for being so supportive of our downtown.

Bruce Burkhartzmeyer – Burkhartzmeyer Shoes

www.burkhartzmeyershoes.com

 

Our business is highly dependent on local businesses. The business itself and all of the people in the business are our prospective customers. When businesses expand, we share in their success. When businesses choose to locate here, opportunity is created for our organization. We support the Chamber because they are the single best advocate we have in bringing new business’ to Faribault and they are the  most focused organization we have in promoting the benefits our local business’ provide. The Chamber’s unwavering resolve to buy local, is something that, as a business dependent on the local customer, I truly understand and appreciate. I would like to thank the Chamber staff for all the hard work and effort they put in to making Faribault a better place to do business.

Grant Wilson – Heartman Insurance

www.heartman.com

 

As a new member of the community the staff at the Chamber has been amazing. They continue to help me learn about the community and have made me feel very welcome. I’ve enjoyed the wonderful Before and After Hours,  the members graciously provide with delicious food and new people to meet at the functions.

Barton Jackson – American Family Insurance

www.bartonjackson.com

 

We have been Chamber members since we opened our business in 2001. We have found that being active in the Chamber sponsored events has increased our local business contacts and helped build good working relationships with fellow chamber members. We have definitely seen an increase in our local sales due to the “I GET IT” campaign. The resources the Chamber has to offer are invaluable to small business.”

Bill and Nancee Mosley – Servpro of Cannon Valley

www.servprocannonvalley.com

 

One of the ways that I most benefit from my membership is through the networking opportunities the Chamber provides. By exhibiting at the Chamber Expo, serving on the Taste of Faribault Task Force, and attending other Chamber-sponsored events, I am constantly expanding my network of contacts. Currently, I am active on the planning committee for Faribault’s Young Professionals Club. This group has connected me with local professionals who are in a similar stage of life, and I enjoy growing and learning with the future leaders of this community.

Kristen Koch – Treadway Graphics

www.kkoch.geigermall.com

 

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce provides a communication vehicle with their weekly Hot Deals that we use to get specials out to the membership. In addition, the new “I Get It” campaign focuses on shopping locally and local merchant referrals, which is something we practice and believe in.

Joe & Kathryn Donahue – Faribault Ace Hardware

www.faribaultace.com

 

The Chamber has become an important part of running our small business. We utilize their knowledge and resources to help us in day to day activities. They also support and assist us in planning events and or promotions for marketing our products and services.

Dee Bjork – Crafty Maven

www.craftymaven.com

 

Months before PADDINGTONS SEED & FEED opened, I knew the importance of joining the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is a top notch entity, with a mindset of always searching and trying new ideas to promote Faribault and the businesses. Their energy is non-stop when it comes to providing programs for business owners to use as tools help enrich their business.

Deb White – Paddington Seed & Feed

www.paddingtonsseed-feedstore.com

 

Successful businesses leverage all available resources at their disposal. Mercury Minnesota Inc. has found that our local Chamber is a valuable resource your business needs to leverage. We recently utilized the Chamber to engage in important round table discussions including legislation about the “Employee Free Choice Act” (Card Check) and our “Health Care Reform” debate as they’ve assisted in providing access to our elected officials at the capital to have our voices heard. Our Chamber works diligently at being informed on issues that affect our business at local, state and federal levels. Support and utilize our Chamber to better your business.

Gordon Adamek (VP & GM) – Mercury Manager

www.mercurycorp.com

 

It is in the past year that I have come to realize all the Chamber has to offer. Staff encouraged me to join the Faribault Futures Class of 2009 in which I learned so much about Faribault. From there I started attending meetings with the DAC and became very involved with the downtown construction project. The Chamber helped me communicate with all the business on the 400-500 blocks of Central Avenue which in turn made for a very successful project. Chamber Staff and services have been a great asset to me and truly help make Faribault a great place to live and work.

Peggy Keilen (VP) – Faribo Air Conditioning & Heating

www.fariboair.com

 

Community Service is the price you pay for the space you occupy.

This quote has stayed with me ever since I heard it at a conference. In these challenging times, our Chamber has stepped up and delivered in every way for me and my business. Rely on the Chamber of Commerce for all of your business needs no matter how big or small, they are worth every cent!

Sam Ramaekers – Floor to Ceiling

www.faribaultftc.com

 

The Faribault Chamber has been a wonderful resource for the growth and continuance of my business. The staff is so friendly and helpful; I don’t know what I would do without them. I have used the publications and facilities with great success and no glitches. Every business that wishes to succeed should join the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce.

Joni Becker – CPA

 

Faribault is very fortunate to have a very active and quality Chamber of Commerce office. As a member of the Chamber there are too many benefits to list. I am particularly interested in the business advocacy activity. Faribault is a great community as it stands now. But we are on the cusp of being bigger and better Faribault. We continue to make strides in all sectors of government and business to collaborate collectively rather than individually. Kymn and her staff have done a tremendous job of being involved with-in the community and assisting in this effort.

Jay Valentyn – Cedar Lake Electric

www.cedarlakeelectric.com

 

We really appreciate the Alert Service that is provided by the Chamber. Recently, Faribault Harley-Davidson received an email alerting all Chamber members of an individual that had been writing fraudulent checks in the area and had several warrants for their arrest. When we saw the name on the Alert Service we realized that this was a customer we were currently working with to sell and finance a brand new motorcycle. Because of the Alert Service we were able to notify authorities and prevent a $20,000 loss to the dealership.

Ann Hofmeister – Faribault Harley-Davidson

www.faribaulthd.com

 

I have been a member of the Chamber since 1990 and have gone through the ranks from Ambassador, Expo committee; Chamber Board, Executive Board and Chamber Chair, and I have enjoyed each and every one. I have enjoyed the Chamber Members as well as all the staff throughout the years. I like to tell people that the best way to get your business out to the public is join a committee or the Board and get involved in Chamber activities, I think it is the easiest and best advertising you can do.

Milo Larson – Faribault Print Shop

www.faribaultprintshop.com