There are as many ways to become active with the Chamber. We know that with so many options for involvement, determining where and how to start can be overwhelming. Don’t worry! We are here to help.
Many members find that a great place to start is to receive a New Member Orientation. At this orientation we will sit down with you and discuss your interests and objectives, and then recommend the best involvement options for you and your business; we will also give you an overview of Chamber events, programs, committees and member benefits. To schedule a New Member Orientation please email [email protected]. We welcome you to get engaged!
Meetings
The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to facilitating community leadership to create economic prosperity. That leadership begins with you, our members. We welcome the chance to work with you on the important issues that will shape our region’s future prosperity – from education to small business, and from community relations to business recruitment.
Agri. Business Committee
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month November through April
Mission: To provide a means for farmers and businessmen to promote the importance of agriculture in Fairmont and Martin County.
Projects:
- Award $8,400 in Ag Scholarships to high school seniors
- Co-sponsor the Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing
- Provide agricultural awareness information to the community
- Blue Ribbon Pork Cook-Off
- Help sponsor 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 $1,000 Scholarship to a college senior of second year Technical College student
Bureau 14
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month September through May
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
Fairmont Glows
Meetings: As needed
Mission: To create community spirit, pride and involvement in the Fairmont area by making our community “Glow”.
Projects:
- Offer light displays to businesses through Adopt-A-Display Program
- Glows Parade
- Encourage businesses and residents to decorate during the 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 business participation in government and legislative affairs, as well as, promote the interest of the Fairmont and Martin County business community in the political process through education.
Projects:
- Provide current information on legislative proposals
- Sponsor Candidate Forums for elections to facilitate voter choice
- Hold Legislative Education Luncheons to keep members informed
- Sponsor “Business Day at the Capital”
Retail, Business and Entertainment (RBE)
Meetings: As needed
Mission: To attract and encourage local shopping.
Projects:
- Chamber Gift Certificates
- Bad Check Alert System
- Workshops and Seminars
- Fairmont First – Shop Local
- Retail Recruitment
Young Professionals
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month from 4:00-6:00
Mission: The Young Professionals Network is a personal and professional development program of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce that provides opportunity for young leaders to interact socially and to engage the community.
Goals for Membership/Attendees
Build Relationships: Meet new people and build relationships with other young professionals in our community.
Gain Skills and Knowledge: Through variety of speakers presenting information and visits throughout the community.
Give Back to the Community: Learn about charitable and non-profit organizations in our community and how to give back through service and volunteer opportunities.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Whether your business is small, medium or large the Chamber provides opportunities for you to increase your visibility with a growing number of business decision makers and opinion leaders by sponsoring an event or program. Listed below are all the opportunities for you to consider – just contact the Chamber for additional information. Click here if you would like to download our Sponsorship Brochure.
- Chamber Golf Outing
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing is held at Rose Lake Golf Club in May. Around 80 members participate each year. Sponsorship includes recognition in Golf Outing email notices, Chamber E-Newsletter, logos on scorecards and a booth set up on a green the day of the event. Sponsorship is available for $100. - Area Career Exploration (ACE)
Sponsorship: $200 minimum; each business will get name recognition at the event as well as in the ACE Resource Guide. 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 rural communities when they finish their education. ACE is held the second Wednesday in April. - Teachers 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. The banquet is held in late October. We offer our members the ability to sponsor a teacher at this event If you would like more information about being a sponsor for a teacher please contact us at 507-235-5547. - Leadership Martin County
Leadership Martin County is a community leadership program developed by the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and Riverland Community College Training and Development Division. Its purpose is to identify and assist individuals who are interested in developing leadership skills and increasing their involvement in the community. Martin County Community Leadership builds civic awareness, leadership skills and helps develop relationships to better connect individuals to the community. Participants become better informed of community issues, better connected to community leaders, and better prepared to take on an enhanced role in the community decision-making process. If you would like to sponsor Leadership Martin County please contact us at 507-235-5547. With your sponsorship we will be able to offer scholarships to individuals accepted into the program.
- Agri. Business Scholarship
The Agri-Business Committee of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) offers graduating Seniors of Martin County High Schools that plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or an area of study that services agriculture, an opportunity to apply for up to $8,400 in scholarships. We offer two $4,200 scholarships, which includes a registration for the fall AFA Leaders Conference. We are ask for a $500 contribution to help make these scholarships possible. However, any contribution is appreciated. If you would like to make a contribution please contact us at 507-235-5547. - Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing
The Martin County Pork Producers along with the Agri-Business and Ambassador Committees of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce have joined together to host the Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing. 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. We have a limited number of tee, green, breakfast, and beverage sponsorships available. The sponsorship levels are as follows:
$550 Sponsorship
Tee or Green
1. Two complimentary golf registrations
2. 2’ x 4’ sign with business logo at the sponsored tee/green
3. Six 30 second radio commercials.
4. Listing on scorecards
5. The opportunity for your company to network with 250 golfers
6. Games are designed for every hole
$275 Sponsorship
Tee or Green
1. One complimentary golf registration
2. 2’ x 4’ sign with business logo at the sponsored tee/green
3. Three 30 second radio commercials
4. Listing on scorecards
5. The opportunity for your company to network with 250 golfers
6. Games are designed for every hole
$100 Beverage or Breakfast Sponsorship
1. Listing on beverage or breakfast sponsor sign at the clubhouse
2. Listing on scorecards
If you have any questions regarding the Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing, please contact us at 507-235-5547.
- Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement has proven to be engaging and fun while stressing the importance of an education as economic concepts and information about the world of work are introduced to students. For the future of our community, it is essential for businesses to work with the schools so our children are aware of the opportunities here in virtually any occupation they may be interested in. Junior Achievement is an ideal way to start this process.
The Junior Achievement program has included grades K-6, the sessions run for five weeks, one hour each week, during the school day. All materials are provided along with a training manual.
The Junior Achievement Program included asks for a voluntary tax-deductible donation of $190, the cost of sponsoring a class. However, any contribution is appreciated. If you are unable to sponsor a class there is an option of being a volunteer teacher.
If you have any further questions regarding Junior Achievement please contact us at 507-235-5547.
- City Map
Members have the option of placing an ad on the City/County Map. There will be 6,000 copies of the map printed. The ad size is 3 inches x 1 7/8 inches. You can supply us with the content and we can design your ad or you can send us a completed ad. Please contact us at 507-235-5547 and let us know if you are interested in advertising on the map. Ad prices are as follows:Front Page Ad – $150
Back Page Ad – $120