Chisago Lakes Chamber
Serving the Chisago Lakes Community
January 2021 Newsletter
Note From the Chamber Board
Welcome to 2021!
January 1st has not been so anticipated since Y2K! The turning of the calendar page always signifies to me a new beginning with unlimited possibilities. As we all look in the rearview mirror and reflect on all that came in 2020, I hope you will agree that tough as it was, our community showed grit, determination, flexibility, and fortitude. We have faced challenges, upheavals, and uncertainty, but also support, collaboration, and kinship born of this crazy time.
As we look to 2021, I see some more of the same. Only this time, instead of feeling like our circumstances have been dealt to us, we are able to sit at the table and have a say on what game we are here to play. We have a clearer understanding of the trials of our neighbors. We have solutions and relief on its way. We have spent time this past year reflecting on “the way it’s always been done,” and important adjustments have been made. We are now able to grip the steering wheel of 2021 and confidently hit the gas. We are a community of friends, neighbors, colleagues, and collaborators, and we are ready for whatever comes our way.
The Board of Directors is so grateful to the five incredible people who recently stepped down from the board. Thank you to Dave Ertl, Laura Haseltine, Liza Francois, Greg Paine, & Susan Clayton, for their years of service, ideas, energy, and dedication to our community that has helped the Chamber to thrive for many years. We are also excited to bring on some new faces that are sure to contribute a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and renewed energy for all that the chamber faces in 2021.
Please help me welcome the following individuals to the board of directors:
· Michelle Kleist – ISD 2144
· Shaina Hanson – A-Pro Pool & Spa
· Joleen Wille – Aerotek
· Lorraine Skordahl – Edward Jones (Greg Paine’s Office)
· Jeff Bouchee – Lake State Carpet Cleaning
Your chamber board looks forward to serving the business community of Chisago Lakes. We are proud of our members and are excited to link arms with all of you and take on 2021 with vigor and optimism. Let’s DO THIS!
Sincerely,
Katie Malchow
Chamber News & Events!
- Chamber Board Meeting - Thursday, January 7th 3:30-5:00pm
- Newsletter Deadline: 25th of every month
- Newsflash Deadline: Every Monday
Snowmobile Raffle
WIN A 2020 600 INDY SP 129 SNOWMOBILE!
- 2nd Prize: Bikeman Performance Tuneup (value $500)
- 3rd Prize: FXR Gift Certificate (value $250)
Part of the Chisago Lakes Chamber Celebration of the Lakes fun! Tickets are $10 a chance and are available through Chisago Lakes Chamber, Kid's Pro Ice and Wild River Snowmobile Club. Checks or Cash only. Drawing will be February 13th at 4:00pm.
Chamber Members:
If you would be willing to help us out by selling these
raffle tickets at your business, please let us know!
Celebration of the Lakes
CELEBRATION OF THE LAKES FEBRUARY 12th-14th
We are excited to present the 2021 Celebration of the Lakes line up! With a concentrated effort on making this a safe and fun event for everyone you’ll notice some great activities:
Friday, February 12th
- Dogsled Rides (Moberg Park, Chisago City)
- Hot Chocolate/Cider (Moberg Park, Chisago City)
- Food Truck (Moberg Park, Chisago City)
- Candlelit Trail Hike (Allemansratt Park, Lindstrom)
- Puzzle Contest (via Zoom)
Saturday, February 13th
- Medallion Hunt (Community Wide)
- Vintage Snowmobile Show (North Center Lake)
- Radar Run (North Center Lake)
- Kids Pro Snowmobile Races (North Center Lake)
- Ice Skating/Hockey/Broom Ball (North Center Lake)
- Fishing Tournament (North Center Lake)
- Fireworks (Paradise Park)
Sunday, February 14th
- Grumpy Old Men Church Service (Chisago Lake Lutheran Church)
- Dodgeball Tournament (North Center Lake)
- Ice Skating (North Center Lake)
- Kids Pro Snowmobile Races (North Center Lake)
* * Sponsorship of this event is crucial to it’s success. If you’re interested in sponsoring, CLICK HERE. To be listed as a Celebration of the Lakes sponsor, please send us your information by Friday, January 15th.
Broadband Survey
The Chisago Lakes Chamber is analyzing the current broadband landscape in our area. The data obtained from the community survey and speed test will be a giant step towards universal broadband internet in the Chisago Lakes area. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and do a speed test to measure your current internet speed. Deadline is January 15th.
Thank you for participating in this critical initiative! Go to ChisagoLakesChamber.com and take the survey today!
Ted Talks
How Businesses Can Plan for the Road to Recovery by Rich Lesser
Rich Lesser takes a pragmatic look at the effects of Covid 19 on businesses of all shapes and sizes. He’s empathetic, and optimistic about what the future holds for business in 2021 – Taka a look.
Picket Fence Gals
Picket Fence Gals Sale January 6th-10th
Wednesday 3:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
A large Victorian 2-story house filled with affordable, everchanging items. Find antiques & vintage items, painted furniture, garden items, home & cabin decor, re-purposed items, textiles and so much more! Please know that the health and safety of our customers is our #1 concern, therefore we have the following guidelines.
> One entrance-one exit
> Indoor and outdoor registers each day, weather permitting
> Must wear a mask in buildings, and masks are strongly suggested in the yard
> Social distancing
> Hand washing machine available at exit. Hand sanitizer at all checkouts
13075 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom PicketFenceGals.net
Gustaf's Up North Gallery
- After Christmas Sale - Ends January 9th
- Closed for Inventory January 10-16th
- Gallery Space Available for Rental
Our West Gallery is now available for rental for classes and events! Groups of up to 15 can rent the space for $5/person. Food and beverage can be brought in but we recommend ordering from Gustaf's On Main Eatery! Social distancing rules apply.
Our annual After Christmas Sale is here! Save on Christmas decor across the store.
50% off lights
40% off ornaments
30% off Tomten
20% off Christmas linenes & decor
$5 Christmas dishcloths.
Artist work excluded. Call or email if you would prefer to shop virtually!
13025 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom 651-257-1821 GustafsUpNorthGallery.com
Franconia Sculpture Park
January 2021 Highlights
29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer 651-257-6668 Franconia.org
- January 4th - Franconia's New Community Ice Rink is Open!
- January 12th 6:00pm - Virtual Dinner & Discussion: Andrew Erdos
- January 16th - Opening Reception for "Andrew Erdos: The Flash of Silver Breaths on the Wing of the Sky"
- January 30th - Art Classes @ Franconia Commons: Tin Can Hand-Crank Automatons
Family Pathways
Dementia Friends (A virtual educational session)
Tuesday, January 19th 2:00pm
These monthly sessions are free and useful both to family members with loved ones with dementia and businesses dealing with individuals with dementia either in person or by phone or online in this time of social distancing. Flyer To register or for more information contact Collette at collette@familypathways.org
St. Croix Festival Theatre
Now announcing our 2021 Season! Our website has been updated with info about all shows being produced in 2021! We'll start the year with some online staged readings (War of the Worlds in January, The Prince and the Pauper in April) and look forward to having live theatre back in our space in early May (as long as the pandemic recovery goes well, of course!) Thank you for your support in 2020 through a wild year, and we look forward to what 2021 brings! Click here to hear about our 2021 season. 2021 Season Announcement!
FestivalTheatre.org 125 N Washington St · Saint Croix Falls
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church
"Grumpy Old Men" Church Service
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church 1 Summit Avenue, Center City
(the actual Grumpy Old Men church)
Celebration of the Lakes Event!
Wear your Long Johns and join us from Sunday, February 14th 9:00 to 9:30 AM in the upper parking lot. Grumpiest and Warmest attire will be welcomed...remember your coffee and hot chocolate, and something to sit on. Social Distancing, and Minnesota Department of Health and ELCA guidelines will be followed. No reservations, just come and have fun. Contact/questions: Louise at the church, 651-257-6300 or office@chisagolakelutheran.org
Empire Insurance Group
EMPIRE INSURANCE GROUP
Christine Larson, President & CEO of Empire Insurance Group, was featured in the nationally recognized Independent Agents & Brokers’ Big I Magazine for their "Declaration of Independents" section! Elaborating on the major benefits for insureds & aspiring agents to partner with an independent agency that provides significant company choices, product flexibility, family roots and white glove service! "I enjoy helping business owners customize a plan that protects their livelihood. As an owner myself, I take pride in that."—Christine Larson
Empire Insurance Group is a locally owned Independent Insurance Agency with offices in North Branch, Wyoming & Lindstrom Minnesota, licensed in ten states to better serve your needs. Offering over 70 insurance companies in one agency to save you time while providing licensed, local agency specialists who work for you to ensure a competitive fit while crafting coverage to ensure it covers you when you need it most!
Auto, Home, Recreational, Commercial/Business, Farm, Life, Bonding, Health, Medicare, Annuities, Long-Term Care, Dental & more!
Read full digital version: https://bit.ly/3pMM79y
East Central Regional Development Commission
Tax Break Available for Beginning Farmers
Please see attached information from the MN Department of Agriculture on regarding assistance programs for beginning farmers. Information
Wild Mountain
Get Hooked Ski Program!
Research has shown that people have the highest likelihood of becoming lifelong skiers and riders after visiting their local mountain three times. After three visits, most people have the confidence to enjoy the mountain and a complete skiing and snowboarding experience. Our Get Hooked program gets you 3 days of tickets, rentals and lessons. Then, when you complete your first three visits... you'll receive a punch card which entitles you to three more tickets and rentals to enjoy skiing and snowboarding on your own. Simply put - This is the fastest way to learn to ski and snowboard and a very low cost.
This program is available on Friday evenings at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10:30am from January 10 to February 7, 2021. You'll are welcome to sign up for any three of these sessions to complete your experience. Ages 8+
Snow Tubing
Each 2-hour tubing session is limited to 200 guests. Starlight tubing takes place at dusk on all Friday and Saturday nights, plus holidays. All Ages 42" or taller $24.00. Tickets
WildMountain.com 37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls 651-465-6365
Xcel Energy
Happy New Year greetings to our community leaders and partners!
Recently Xcel Energy launched a new electric vehicle charging program for residential electric customers: EV Accelerate at Home. This is a turn key offering that makes it easy for customers to lease or purchase a Level II charger and participants receive low electric rates for charging overnight. The program is part of Xcel Energy’s vision to power 1.5 million electric vehicles in our service areas by 2030.
The following link provides a wealth of information on electric vehicles – the EV Accelerate at Home program can be found under the “charging” tab. https://ev.xcelenergy.com/ I’ve also attached the full press release – let me know if you need further information or help crafting a message to your constituents.
We are happy to share the news that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved our plan to avoid raising rates for customers in 2021. This plan is similar to the proposal the Commission approved last year which delivered benefits to customers. In addition to avoiding a rate increase, last year’s agreement resulted in about $42 million that will be returned to residential customers – a credit of about $3 per month on average, beginning in April 2021. We will also dedicate $17.5 million to our proposed Payment Plan Credit Program which would provide direct relief to residential customers who have fallen behind on their bills.
Best wishes for a prosperous . . . and healthy . . . . new year!
ADVERTISING INVESTORS
Chamber Champion
Lindgren Tax & Accounting
11183 Lake Blvd Suite 102
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-257-2152