Thank you to each of the businesses that participated in our 2025 Chamber Priorities Survey! A summary of the results is below: Business Outlook is positive: 88% of businesses expect 2025 to be as good or better than 2024. Top 5 Business Concerns: Workforce - attracting and retaining employees Volatile costs of goods and services Finding new customers Inflation Workforce - increasing wages Top Desired Focus Areas for City/County Officials: Economic development--growth incentives for
Please help us welcome Dr. Laurie Johnsrud at Touching Lives Chiropractic. Dr. Laurie’s business is located inside the Fergus Falls Spine & Injury Center building (1515 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls) with Dr. Jon McDonald. Dr. Laurie brings 20 years of chiropractic experience to her new location in Fergus Falls. Touching Lives focuses on the health and well-being of all ages, and Dr. Laurie is the only chiropractor in Fergus Falls certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to
As the flowers bloom and the community comes alive with energy, it’s the perfect time to connect, collaborate, and celebrate all the great things happening in our local business scene. This spring, we’re inviting you to two exciting events you won’t want to miss–the Chamber Member Mixer on April 28 and the May 8 Chamber Cafe! Member Mixer: Networking Made Easy Whether you’re a long-time Chamber member or new to the community, our Chamber Member Mixer is the perfect opportunity to network, mingle, and
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,
The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new Leadership Program for the Fergus Falls community in 2024. It’s called Ignite Community Leadership, and the program is designed to bring together emerging and existing leaders to explore leadership within themselves and for their community. Participants in Ignite classes will develop and enhance their leadership skills, grow professional relationships, explore new leadership responsibilities, and foster an understanding of the forces affecting
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
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
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
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
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