Chisago Lakes Chamber
Serving the Chisago Lakes Community
Chamber News & Events!
- Chamber Board Meeting - Thursday, February 4th 3:30-5:00pm
- Newsletter Deadline: 25th of every month
- Newsflash Deadline: Every Monday
Note From the Chamber Board
As I write this, I’m waiting anxiously for the snow the meteorologists claim is coming our way...3 to 6”,, so they say..…I sure hope it more like 16”! Planning is well underway for the upcoming Celebration of the Lakes. Our events are 100% outdoors this year and there is fun for all. Thursday night kicks off the weekend with Celebration of the Diva, shopping night in downtown Lindstrom. Friday night has three great activities: free dog sled rides at Moberg Park in Chisago City, puzzle contest via Zoom and a first-time ever candle lit trail hike at Allemansratt Park in Lindstrom. 2 miles of awesome trails will be luminated for a great night-hiking adventure, so grab your gloves, boots and hats and come out for some winter fun! Saturday events include the popular Radar Run hosted by the Wild River Snowmobile Club, kids snowmobile racing hosted by Kid’s Pro Ice Racing and the ice fishing contest hosted by the Lions Club. There’s lots of great prizes for those that can actually catch a fish! Around 4 pm, some lucky winner will take home a brand-new Polaris 600 SP snowmobile! Tickets are going fast so stop in at the chamber to buy a ticket (or two) if you haven’t yet. After all the daytime fun, pack your vehicles and head on over to Chisago City by 7 pm to watch the 2nd annual fireworks show sponsored by the Chisago City EDA. On Sunday, we will host the 2nd annual Dodge Ball Tournament, as last year’s event was a hoot and a holler! Grab some friends, form a team, and come out for a great time, some fresh air, and some great laughs. More events are still in the works so stay tuned and watch for updates on the chamber website and Facebook.
Welcome New Members!
J&D Marine and Power Inc
Chisago Lakes Chiropractic
10600 South Ave
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-257-1559
Sunrise River Tubing Ice Cream & Snack Shoppe
12355 River Rd
North Branch, MN 55056
651-674-2157
THANK YOU CELEBRATION OF THE LAKES SPONSORS!
- MidwestOne Bank Website
- Lindgren Tax & Accounting Website
- Lindstrom Fire & Rescue Website
- City of Chisago City Website
- City of Lindstrom Website
- Edina Realty-The Shaleen Team Website
- CopyPro Website
- Lake State Carpet Cleaning Facebook
- Lake State Carpet Cleaning Facebook
- All Ways Automotive Website
- Chisago Lakes Chamber Website
- Polaris
- Jack Daniels
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:
Thursday, February 11th
- Celebration of the Diva (Downtown Lindstrom)
- Photo Contest-Photos due by Sunday, February 14th 4:00pm Details in this newsletter.
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) Register Here.
Saturday, February 13th
- Medallion Hunt (Community Wide-Clues Posted on Chamber Facebook Page)
- Vintage Snowmobile Show (North Center Lake)
- Radar Run (North Center Lake)
- Kids Pro Snowmobile Races (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) Register Here
- Kids Pro Snowmobile Races (North Center Lake)
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 Photo Contest!
New this Year! COL Photo Contest!
> Winners in 2 age groups (18 and younger & 19 and older)
> Winners in each photo category
> Photos need to be submitted by 2/14/2021 @ 4:00 PM
> All photographs become the property of the Chamber and Visitors Bureau to be used for marketing and promotional purposes
> Any photographs used for future publication will include credit to the photographer when possible
> Limit of 5 photographs per photographer per category
> Please submit photos with the largest resolution possible
> Winners will receive recognition in the Chisago County Press and in Chamber publications
> Please identify name, age group & category with each submitted photo
> Categories are:
- I Love Chisago Lakes
- This is How We Winter
- Keep it Local Chisago Lakes
> Our committee will choose a winner for each category from both age groups (total of 6 winners).
> Submit photos to info@chisagolakeschamber.com
Celebration of the Lakes Puzzle Contest!
- All teams will receive the same puzzle.
- Via zoom, all teams will log in and open their puzzles together.
- The first team to complete their puzzle will win a puzzly prize!
- Puzzles will be distributed the week prior to Celebration of the Lakes.
- Puzzle contest will begin on February 12th at 6:00 PM.
- *25 TEAM LIMIT* $25/team
- Register Here by clicking on "Register Your Teams"
Celebration of the Lakes Dodgeball Tournament!
2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament!
Sunday, February 14th from 12:00pm 3:00pm
North Center Lake in Center City
- Teams of 6
- $25 per team.
- Register Here
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church
"Grumpy Old Men" Church Service
Sunday, February 14th 9:00am-9:30am
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church 1 Summit Avenue, Center City
(the actual Grumpy Old Men church)
A Celebration of the Lakes Event! Wear your Long Johns and join us 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 Event Flyer
Ted Talks
The Cost of Work Stress and How to Reduce It by Rob Cooke
The economic impact of stress is rarely talked about but majorly prevalent. Take a look at what Rob Cooke has to say about it.
We Are Hiring!
Chisago Lakes Chamber is hiring for Office Manager. This position will be the face of Chisago Lakes Chamber/Chisago Lakes Visitor's Bureau. Interested applicants should send their resume to info@chisagolakeschamber.com by Friday, February 12th. Office Manager Description
Chisago County Small Business Relief Grants
This is a new program and has $1.09M to distribute to businesses in Chisago County. The program plan is to get the money out to those who need it quickly and efficiently. Businesses that were forced to close down due to Executive Order 20-99, have been targeted and are eligible for $10K, while all other businesses are eligible for $5K.
* Please complete the application and forward it to the Chisago County HRA-EDA. Guidelines Application ChisagoCounty.org GRANT DEADLINE IS NOW CLOSED.
Chisago Lakes Home & Business Expo
The Chisago Lakes Home & Business Expo is a collaborative community event. The Chisago County Press, Community Education and the Chamber along with other community committee members have had to make the tough decision to cancel the 2021 Expo.
Last year we had a very successful Event in the new Wildcat Center. The committee realized that we could not replicate or build upon that success and opted instead to focus on bringing the Expo back in 2022.
Recognizing the need to provide businesses the opportunity to spotlight who they are, what they do and what resources that they provide, we have come up with an alternative for this year.
The chamber will be creating a digital spotlight for our members that wish to be promoted in such a way. Here is what we need from you:
- 3-5 photos of your business (can be staff, product/services, store front etc.)
- a few sentences highlighting your business
- High resolution logo
Please send items to the chamber at info@chisagolakeschamber.com
East Central Regional Development Commission
Our friends at SCORE will be holding some free, small-business focused webinars coming up in the next several weeks. They include…
- January 28th: Data Privacy - Why it Should be a Top Priority for Your Small to Medium-Size Business Information
- February 2: Shipping as a Small-Business Growth Strategy Here's What You Need to Know Information
- February 9: How Packaging Can Build Your Brand, Reduce Damages and Waste, and Even Save Money. Information
- February 16: Mastering Finances for Black-Owned Businesses Information
- February 18: Choose the Right E-Commerce Technology to Grow Your Small Business Information
- February 23: Shoestring Solutions to Common Startup Issues Information
- March 2: Reach More E-Commerce Customers with Expert Online Marketing Tips Information
Picket Fence Gals
Picket Fence Gals Sale February 3rd-7th
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
February Framing Sale - February 1st-28th
Take 25% OFF framing materials during the month of February! Discount applies to complete framing projects, does not apply to repairs or touch ups. Book your appointment on our website: www.gustafsupnorthgallery.com/framing
Event Space Available
Our gallery is now available to rent for classes and events! Groups of up to 15 can rent the space for $5/person. Social distancing rules apply. Call 651-257-1821 to inquire.
13025 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom 651-257-1821 GustafsUpNorthGallery.com
Wild Mountain
After a summer of improvements across the mountain, we are upping the ante for next winter. We are excited to announce the addition of:
- A new bar and lounge adjacent to the Eagle’s Nest! The new bar will have a long row of seats along the counter, plus it will have a sitting area with great views of the slopes.
- A 2,000 square foot deck on the west side of our building. The new deck will be a gathering place for afternoon sun in both summer and winter.
- The improvements continue with new flooring, lighting and paint throughout the Bear’s Den and Upper Commons.
- We’ll be moving all lockers into a dedicated locker room at the north side of the building. The new locker room will offer seating for booting-up and it will have easy access to parking in the rear of the base lodge
The projects begin this spring with all of the new amenities ready for the winter of 2021/22.
All these improvements are consistent with our principle to “Keep It Wild” – a commitment to improve the guest experience without losing the vibe that makes Wild, Wild.
Wild Mountain is Carbon Neutral Certified. Check this out!
Welcome Tour of Honor
The National Tour of Honor has selected Lindstrom’s Memorial Park as one of their 500 national sites for 2021. From April 1 – October 31, we will welcome motorcyclist from around our nation to honor our veterans and celebrate their service. Tour of Honor is a self-directed motorcycle ride throughout the United States that highlights various memorials and contributes to veteran specific charities. More information can be found at www.tourofhonor.com. This is a tremendous opportunity for our community, and we encourage businesses to consider offering incentives to this group of tourists. If you’d like to be listed as offering promotions, please contact the chamber at 651-257-1177 or info@chisagolakeschamber.com.
Franconia Sculpture Park
February 2021 Highlights
29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer 651-257-6668 Franconia.org
- February 2nd 6:00pm - Virtual Dinner & Discussion: Amanda Yates Garcia
- February 27th - Art Classes @ Franconia Commons: Mixed-Media Collages & Combine Sculptures with Preston Drum
- We are Hiring! Visit our website for details.
- Program Assistant
- Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper
Point Pleasant Heights
Point Pleasant Heights
28600 Fairway Lane, Chisago City
EcumenPointPleasantHeights.org
Join us for a mid-winter drive-thru celebration and pick up a free box of chocolates and learn a little more about our community. Make sure to ask about our 2021 Warm Reception Move-In Special for securing an apartment by the end of April! Quantities limited. RSVP to reserve your sweet treat today to Darlene Shafer at 651-257-4035 darleneshafer@ecument.org Flyer
'Warm Reception Move-In Special' - through April 30th
Join our community to take advantage of our new Warm Reception rent program, bringing you a little added financial security to welcome you to your new Ecumen home. Sign by April 30th and you receive $1,000 moving-expense credit. Schedule an appointment today at 651-257-4035. Flyer
Family Pathways
'Aging Services'
- Homemaking Services Need a little help cleaning, meal prep, mail? We are here to help
- Door Step Delivery Family Pathways’ Aging Services and Food Shelf programs are working together to ensure persons 60+ have the food they need to thrive during and after the COVID-19 pandemic!
Harnessing the Power
Harnessing the Power Webinar
Thursday, February 18th 9:00am-10:30am
The economic and community development groups representing the entire St. Croix River watershed will gather online to explore ways to partner for success throughout the St. Croix watershed. The event, “Harnessing the Power of Our Watershed for Economic Development,” is being organized through North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix Heritage Area* a nonprofit organization that promotes the natural, cultural and historic resources of the St. Croix River watershed.
Chisago County HRA-EDA is sponsoring this webinar along with a wide array of organizations from both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The event is free, but registration is required: REGISTER For more information, please contact Alyssa Auten: northwoodsandwaters.manager@gmail.com
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Plenty of outdoor fun at Wildwood Campground. Come for the night, the weekend or stay a whole month! Enjoy the pool, playground, basketball, horseshoe, mini-golf, and the Swedish Immigrant Trail for biking and hiking. Want a little more adventure? We can shuttle you from the campground to the Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental for an afternoon on the beautiful St. Croix River.
Empire Insurance Group
EMPIRE INSURANCE GROUP
WE ARE HIRING!
Customer Service Specialist - Job Location: Lindstrom, MN
Position will be primarily responsible for desk & service duties including
greeting clients, claims handling, policy issuance, coverage comparisons
Commercial Insurance CSR Job Location: North Branch, MN
Position will be responsible for Commercial Lines new and renewal business quoting & servicing, billing & issuance, claims, networking and policy changes. Empire provides lucrative compensation packages for those candidates who provide experience qualifications. Must be friendly & personable, positive attitude & ability to multi-task. Insurance experience & insurance licensing in MN is required. Team environment.
Compensation Full-Time Benefits Include: Salary Range is Dependent on Experience, Uncapped. Company Bonuses & Incentives, Health Insurance + HSA Dental, Simple IRA Matching Plan PTO + Company Holidays, Continuing Education & Licensing Available.
Applicant must include a resume & cover letter.
After submission, applicant must complete the skills assessment
sent from Indeed for consideration.
Apply Directly On Indeed:
https://www.indeedjobs.com/empire-insurance-group-inc/_hl/en_us
Free Early Literacy Skill Building Kits
Chisago Lakes Community Education in collaboration with the Chisago Lakes Early Literacy Project and Chisago Lakes Area Library are excited to offer FREE Early Literacy Skill Building Kits focused on supporting families and caregivers of young children ages birth to Kindergarten entry. Early Literacy Skill Building Kit
Each kit is specifically designed by age group (Infant 0-1, Toddler 1-3, and Pre-School 3-5) and includes creative ideas & engaging hands-on activities to support building your child's early literacy foundation. Registration will close at 4pm on Wednesday, February 3rd.
ADVERTISING INVESTORS
Chamber Champion
Lindgren Tax & Accounting
11183 Lake Blvd Suite 102
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-257-2152