The Chamber provides essential networking opportunities between members to ensure you get to know your local business colleagues in southern Minnesota. Some need business-to-business marketing, while others want to partner together. The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce typically host a variety of committee meetings throughout the year.
Monthly Meetings
- Agri-Business
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month (No meetings June – October)
Mission: To provide a means for farmers and businessmen to promote the importance of agriculture in Fairmont and Martin County.
Projects:- Award two $4,200 ag scholarships to Martin County high school seniors
- Co-sponsor the Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing
- Provide agricultural awareness information to the community
- Ag Academy – Support Ag Related courses and FFA in Fairmont Area School District
- Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off
- Meet the Candidates Steak BBQ
- Ambassadors
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of the month
Mission: To act as the goodwill arm of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce
Projects:- Attend ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, and grand openings
- Co-sponsor the Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing
- Award a $1,000 post-secondary scholarships to a business student
- Bureau 14
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month (No meetings June – August)
Mission: To hold meetings for the discussion of current business trends, government affairs, and local community happenings.
Projects:- Provide education programs for committee members
- Provide a networking opportunity for business professionals
- Business Education
Meetings: As needed
Mission: Dedicated to building partnerships between businesses, schools, parents, and the community in order to develop lifelong opportunities for all learners.
Projects:- Sponsor Teacher Recognition Banquet
- Coordinate Junior Achievement
- Post-Secondary Education Committee
- ACE – Area Career Exploration
- Fairmont Glows
Meetings: As needed
Mission: To create community spirit, pride, and involvement in the Fairmont area by making our community “Glow”.
Projects:- Glows Parade
- Encourage businesses and residents to decorate for Holidays
- Sponsor residential and commercial lighting contests
- Coordinate city wide Christmas Decoration Fund
- City Beautification
- Governmental Affairs
Meetings: As needed
Mission: To assist and promote Fairmont and Martin County business participation in government and legislative affairs through education.
Projects:- Provide current information on legislative proposals
- Sponsor Candidate Forums for local elections
- Hold Legislative Education Luncheons
- “Business Day at the Capital”
- Retail
Meetings: 4th Wednesday of the month (quarterly)
Mission: To provide a greater selection of goods and services by working with existing retailers and by attracting new businesses to the community.
Projects:- Chamber Gift Certificates
- Workshops and Seminars (Lunch and Learn Seminars)
- Retail Recruitment
Annual Events
- Annual Banquet
The Chamber’s Annual Banquet is a celebration of the past year’s successes and a look at what’s to come in the New Year. The Annual Meeting is held in February each year. The annual meeting is an evening event that attracts business and community leaders. It includes the thanking of outgoing Board members and committee chairs and the presentation of awards. - Area Career Exploration (ACE)
The mission of ACE is to raise career awareness and the job opportunities for area students so they are knowledgeable of the opportunities awaiting them in our communities when they finish their education. By making rural students aware of rewarding career opportunities in our region we are hoping to have them return or stay upon completion of their education. Too often they are not aware that the career they are pursuing is available locally. ACE is an important component in ensuring our future workforce for rural Minnesota. ACE is held in April each year. - Fluorescent Light Bulb Recycling
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Martin County Solid Waste funds and Prairieland Compost Facility sponsor the Fluorescent Lamp Recycling pickup in May and October for any business or resident in Martin County. - Chamber Golf Outing
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing is held annually in May. Around 80 members participate each year. This is a great networking event that offers tons of fun. You don’t even have to know how to golf just come out and play. - Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing
The Martin County Pork Producers and the Agri-Business and Ambassador Committees of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce have joined together to host the Annual Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing in July. Martin County is Minnesota’s leading pork producing county. This event recognizes the importance of the pork industry to Martin County and the state of Minnesota while raising funds for Ag-Scholarships and Ag-Awareness. - Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off
The Agri-Business Committee of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and the Martin County Pork Producers help coordinate the Annual Martin County Blue Ribbon Pork Cook Off in August during the Martin County Fair. The purpose of this event is to promote pork and to promote the pork preparation ability of the chefs, restaurants and caterers of this area. The event also directly funds two academic scholarships to area students. - Teacher Recognition Banquet
The Teachers Recognition Banquet helps welcome the new teachers to Fairmont and honor those that have been in the district for twenty-five years. This is a great way for our buisness community to network with our educators in the area. The banquet is held in late October. - Fairmont Glows
In November Santa, direct from the North Pole, will be arriving at the Fairmont Airport on the North Pole Express. Everyone is invited to meet and greet this special arrival. Photo opportunities will be available so remember to bring your camera. Then join the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Glows Parade. Come and see the wonderful floats, thousands of lights, appearance of Santa and more. This is an event for all ages! - Christmas Holiday Open House
In December the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau host an Open House. We invite all community and Chamber members to stop by for food and conversation. It is a great way for our business community to network with other individuals within the community.