Community Grant Program – 2025
The Foundation for Rural Service awards grants annually through the Community Grant Program to nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, municipalities, and other organizations doing good work in their communities. These grants provide the opportunity for NTCA members like Park Region to amplify the ways they support their communities and are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high-quality life in rural America. Applications for these grants are
Welcome Wyatt Goetz - New Sales Representative
Celebrating the Next Generation at Nelson Auto ??At Nelson Auto in Fergus Falls, we’ve been proud to be family-owned and operated for over 30 years — and today, we celebrate a special milestone that continues that tradition.Please join us in congratulating Wyatt on his very first vehicle sale! Watching the next generation step into the business is a proud moment for our entire team, and we are thrilled to see Wyatt begin his journey in automotive sales and service with us.Congratulations to Katie on her
From the Garage to Growth: A Business Owner’s Journey to Freedom
Building a business from scratch is no easy feat. I'm Chris Buckingham, and as founder of MinnDak Computer Services and now SolveCXO, I know this firsthand. I have been sharing my story of growing a business from the garage days; when it was all hustle and hard work; to the challenges of scaling, hiring a team, and learning to let go. My journey is all about what it really takes to build a business and get your life back. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business; like it owns you instead of the other
Jordan Tommerdahl Memorial Scholarship 2025 Application Now Open
Students pursuing advanced mental health degrees encouraged to apply[Fergus Falls, MN] When Jordan Tommerdahl died by suicide in 2019, his family wanted to honor his memory by helping to make a difference in the field of mental health. They received an outpouring of financial support when they set up the Jordan Tommerdahl Memorial Scholarship Fund to help fill the resource gap in mental healthcare. They entrusted Lake Region Healthcare Foundation to administer the fund and the scholarship process of
Chamber Celebrates New Businesses and New Locations
Fergus Falls is Growing!Chamber Celebrates New Businesses and New Locations SolveCXO LLC became a new Fergus Falls Chamber member in April 2025. The company's founder and Fractional CXO is Chris Buckingham, a Fergus Falls native whose goal is to offer business and executive-level support at a fraction of the cost. Chris works as a strategic partner with businesses and enjoys being hands-on with his clients. He partners with executives and managers to anticipate needs and provide proactive support
Shop, Move 'n Groove: Fergus Falls' Biggest Downtown Bash Returns July 10, 2025
Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes—Fergus Falls' largest downtown event, Shop, Move 'n Groove, is back on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Spies Riverfront Park & Pavilion. What to Expect: Live Music: Enjoy performances by Blind Joe, bringing his talent to the main stage. He was a contestant on The Voice, TV show on NBC. Family-Friendly Activities: From giant Jenga and inflatable obstacle courses to dunk tanks and mini-golf, there's fun for all ages. Vendor Market:
Businesses: Internship Wages AND NOW Reimbursement for STEM positions is Available
Businesses: Internship Wage Reimbursement Program Expands The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a grant to help cover the wages of youth interns in 2025. The Chamber will receive up to $35,556 from the Future Ready Workforce Grant, a program funded by the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. The grant program is designed to support businesses that offer paid internships in high-demand career areas like nursing, commercial driver's licenses (CDL),
Spark Your Leadership Potential: Ignite Program Inspires and Equips Local Business Leaders
Anna Drenth, Aquatics Director from the YMCA of the Northern Sky, shares her two-minute commercial. What do a room full of energized professionals, a firecracker of a speaker, and two minutes of storytelling have in common? They were all part of the latest session of the Ignite Community Leadership Program, and trust us—you’re going to want in on this. If you're a local business owner, manager, or rising star with a desire to grow professionally while deepening your connection to the Fergus
Chamber Member Mixer at Zen's - A Great Place to Sprout Relationships
Our Spring Chamber Member Mixer at Zens' Steak & Seafood on April 28 was a hit! With 74 members in attendance, the evening was packed with fantastic food, lively networking, and a buzzing atmosphere. Members connected over clever trivia and conversation"seeds" that kept the night lively. A big thank you to Zens’ for hosting a flavorful, fun-filled night!
Nine Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership
Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your membership, or if you’re just starting and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it, here are nine practical ways to tap into the value your Fergus Falls Chamber offers.1. Show Up and Be Seen The
SolveCXO: From Garage to Acquisition: The MinnDak Story (Part 1)
Hey Fergus Falls area friends, Chris Buckingham here. I recently kicked off a new blog series sharing the real story behind how I built MinnDak Computer Services from the ground up. Starting in the garage, out of survival, not strategy. It’s a look back at the journey; what worked, what didn’t, and how I eventually scaled and sold the business. I’ll be releasing a new part each week, very short quick reads, and it’s written for other business owners, leaders, and dreamers right here in greater MN. ??
Fosters Needed During Humane Society Construction
FOSTER HOMES NEEDED DURING HUMANE SOCIETY CONSTRUCTION Kristi Lausch, for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County It’s an exciting time for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County as we plan for the ground breaking of a 3400 square foot expansion (at the existing location). Yes, you read that correctly …. After 4 years of planning and fundraising, the HSOTC is finally set to break ground June 2nd and we could not be more grateful to everyone who has helped to make this happen! But before we can truly
West Central Initiative Announces 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship
West Central Initiative (WCI) invites current and aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for positive change to apply for the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship. The two-year program provides a suite of support for emerging entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota whose business idea includes a socially beneficial outcome. Individuals who reside and operate in the 53 counties and six Native Nations served by West Central Initiative, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and Southwest Initiative
Businesses Can Apply to Receive Summer Internship Wage Reimbursement
The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a grant to help cover the wages of youth interns in 2025. The Chamber will receive up to $35,556 from the Future Ready Workforce Grant, a program funded by the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. In addition to this grant, the Fergus Falls Chamber will also be working with STEM grant funds through Lakes Country Service Cooperative, which will specifically cover jobs related to science, technology, engineering,
LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops
LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops April 29th at YMCA and June 24th at Fergus Falls Public Library [Fergus Falls, MN] With chronic pain and opioid misuse on the rise, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is one of several rural sites awarded a grant to improve provider skills and community access to holistic chronic pain interventions aimed at reducing the risk for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). “Opioids have been used to address chronic pain regardless of underlying cause or severity for
Otter Tail County Community Development & Housing Annual Report
The Community Development and Housing department had a year of growth, connections, and progress in 2024. The Annual Report shares housing, workforce, child care, broadband, business development, and community partnership efforts accomplished last year, and it's available to read on the County's website: ottertailcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CDH-Annual-Report2024.pdf
Otter Tail County sees housing growth in 2024
Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year, over $94.2 million in housing investment was added in the county from 443 new and rehabbed housing units, 358 of these being new construction and 85 being rehabbed units. The success in 2024 is great progress for The Big Build housing growth and investment initiative, launched by the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) at the end of 2019. Since launching the initiative, nearly 3,000 homes have been
FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline: 01/01/2025 - Fergus Falls, MN Businesses Must File Now to Avoid Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to enhance financial transparency and deter illicit activities. As of today, November 27, 2024, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—act quickly to avoid $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as
Pave the Way for Sustainable Growth: Essential Steps for Small Business Expansion
Growing a small business often signals a promising future, but expansion brings challenges that require thoughtful planning. The decision to scale involves more than just increasing output; it touches every aspect of the business. As growth opportunities emerge, business owners must evaluate their readiness to navigate new complexities while ensuring their core values remain intact. Planning for expansion is about laying the groundwork for sustained success rather than short-term gains.Assess Financial
Financial Mastery for Small Business Success
In the dynamic landscape of small business, financial acumen is paramount for sustainable growth. To navigate the complexities of fiscal management effectively, it's imperative to arm yourself with the requisite knowledge and strategies. Here are key steps to gaining financial wisdom and making astute decisions for your small business. Streamline Financial Processes with PDFs Small business owners must prioritize the protection of their financial documents. With PDFs, businesses can
Secret Sauce Strategies for Persuasive Sales Pitches
In business, the ability to sway decisions and win over clients is crucial to your success. Crafting persuasive sales pitches and formulating winning marketing strategies requires a deep understanding of several key elements that resonate well with your target audience. The following guidelines will help you refine your approach, ensuring you communicate value effectively and captivate your prospective customers.Understand Your Target Audience Understanding your target audience’s needs, preferences, and
Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant: All You Have to Do Is Ask Acrobat’s Generative AI Document & PDF Tool
Adobe Acrobat has long been an invaluable tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees all over the world thanks to its wide array of PDF generation and editing tools. Now, Acrobat AI Assistant offers new benefits for businesses of all sizes. Acrobat AI Assistant’s revolutionary software can transform your business with its incredible features: Data Extraction: Extracting data from documents is crucial for tasks like compiling financial reports and analyzing market trends. The AI
Amplify Your Business: Mastering Public Speaking for Small Business Growth
Harnessing the power of public speaking can significantly elevate your small business's profile and reach within the market. This invaluable skill is crucial for entrepreneurs striving to assert their authority, forge meaningful connections with potential clients, and differentiate their enterprises from competitors. By articulately sharing your passion, expertise, and the distinctive benefits your business provides, you can captivate a broader audience, creating a fertile ground for growth and new
Global Freelance Team Success: Key Strategies for Unity and Productivity
In the dynamic world of business, assembling a global team of freelancers is a strategic pivot toward innovation and flexibility. The diverse talents from various corners of the world bring a wealth of perspectives and skills. However, the real challenge lies in smoothly integrating these individuals into a cohesive, productive, and happy team. This article discusses a few best practices for cultivating such a team, highlighting effective strategies for a harmonious, efficient, and successful global