Director Retirement - 49 Years Of Service
We are honored to celebrate the retirement of Underwood Director Paul Beckman. Paul is retiring after serving on the Park Region Board of Directors for 49 years. He played an invaluable role in guiding our cooperative to where it is today, and we are ever grateful for his dedication and commitment to our infrastructure and community. When asked by GM/CEO Dave Bickett to comment on his retirement at the 2025 Park Region Annual Meeting & Customer Appreciation Event, Paul simply said “it’s been a ride.” It has
Century 21 Atwood Receives 2100 Cup Award
MADISON, N.J., April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Compass International Holdings (NYSE: COMP), announced at its One21® Experience Global Conference in Las Vegas this week that CENTURY 21 Atwood has been named the recipient of the 2026 CENTURY 21® Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award ("2100 Cup"), the most prestigious company-level recognition presented annually within the CENTURY 21 System. Minnesota‑based brokerage, CENTURY 21 Atwood, honored with the 2026 CENTURY 21® Art
2025 Park Region Annual Meeting & Customer Appreciation Event
UNDERWOOD, MN – Park Region hosted over 400 members and customers at their 2025 Park Region Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Underwood Public School. Doors opened at 5pm with an Underwood Lion’s pork chop dinner served in the commons area. Members and customers then made their way to the gym to register for the meeting, visit with staff and board members, see product demonstrations and more. At 6:30pm, Park Region’s Business Operations Manager Ashley Schauff
Turn Public Speaking Into a Business Growth Engine in Fergus Falls
Public speaking is one of the highest-leverage skills a small business owner can develop — and one of the most underinvested. In Fergus Falls, where the regional economy runs on relationships spanning agriculture, healthcare, retail, and tourism, the ability to communicate clearly and compellingly isn't a soft skill. It's a competitive tool with direct payoff. SCORE cites public speaking as one of the most direct ways to build brand, reputation, and confidence — and those three outcomes compound over
A Media Kit Is the Cheapest PR Move Your Business Isn't Making
A media kit — also called a press kit — is a package of ready-to-share information about your business, designed so journalists, bloggers, and event organizers can write about you without chasing down the basics. Muck Rack's State of Journalism report found that journalists prefer advance preparation — 65% want a media kit delivered to them rather than having to hunt for it on deadline. If your Fergus Falls business doesn't have one, you're making the reporter's job harder — and reporters move on
Meet the Chamber Board Member: Stephanie Grow
Meet the Chamber Board Member: Stephanie Grow Stephanie is one of the newest additions to our Chamber Board and serves as the Branch Director for the YMCA of the Northern Sky here in Fergus Falls. She stepped into her leadership role at the YMCA in December 2024 and has officially called Fergus Falls home since January 2025. She hasn't looked back since—she absolutely loves this town! For Stephanie, being a Chamber Board Member is all about the "wonderful opportunities to make new connections and
How to Implement Organizational Change in a Small Business with Confidence
Organizational change can rattle even the most resilient small businesses. Whether you're introducing new technology, restructuring roles, or shifting strategy, small business owners face a unique tension: limited resources and close-knit teams mean every change is personal. The key is not speed alone, but clarity, alignment, and steady follow-through.At A Glance: What Makes Change Work Clear communication reduces resistance and prevents rumor cycles. Involving employees early increases buy-in and
Starting Smart: Key Investments for New Fergus Falls Business Owners
Launching a business in Fergus Falls is more than setting up shop—it’s planting the seeds for community connection and long-term resilience. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or building a local services brand, early investments made today will determine your momentum tomorrow.TL;DR Invest early in accounting, branding, and local networking. Secure digital systems for contracts, marketing, and online sales. Plan for visibility—offline and online—to build trust and traffic. Lean into
Essential Legal Steps for Entrepreneurs to Launch a Business (and Avoid Early Pitfalls)
Starting your first business is an exciting transition, but it comes with legal responsibilities that can shape your future success. From choosing the right entity to protecting yourself with contracts, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Step 1: Register Your Business Entity The first major step is deciding how your company will be structured. Common options include: Sole proprietorship – simplest form, but offers no liability protection. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – shields
Stop the Scroll On the Sidewalk
A storefront isn’t just a physical barrier between inside and out—it’s a psychological gateway. When someone walks by your business, they’re scanning for reasons to stop, peek in, and maybe cross the threshold. And in a world flooded with distractions, you have about five seconds to make that happen. The right storefront display doesn’t just decorate—it persuades. It speaks to curiosity, rhythm, season, even nostalgia. This isn’t about expensive fixtures or flashy tech. It’s about intention, attention,
Going Global: Smart Moves for SMBs Expanding Internationally
Expanding your small or medium-sized business into global markets isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about reshaping how you operate, communicate, and deliver value. You’re no longer serving just one type of customer or cultural context. Each move introduces new risks and opportunities, from regulations and logistics to customer expectations and brand messaging. The good news? With the right structure, global expansion is entirely within reach. Here's how to approach it with clarity and control. Research