Chamber Chat
Chamber Chat
AITKIN AREA
Chamber of Commerce
Volume 1 Issue 1
Aitkin First!
One of my goals this year is to identify all that Aitkin offers. I believe there is very little that can’t be found in our own community. We have retail stores with great deals, variety, uniqueness, and friendly service. Local business exchanges support the entire community through tax dollars, employment, and population. We are very fortunate to have excellent health care and education organizations. We have wonderful environmental opportunities, and people from outside the area are seeking out our assets on a regular basis. I recently received an inquiring for a vet, a riding stable, and a skating rink. I get inquiries all the time for restaurants, resorts and hotel rooms, and family entertainment. If you are aware of a business that is little known, tell them about the Chamber and what we do to promote our community. I can’t be aware of everything. I need your help to make Aitkin the FIRST place everyone wants to be. Send your ideas to: upnorth@aitkin.com. I’ll create a list of everything Aitkin offers to be posted on our website-www.aitkin.com!
The Aitkin Chamber Annual Membership Dinner was a lot of fun and a great success. Troy & Molly Dox put out good food, the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and Mike Hagen did a great job of leading the business.
Board seat elections were held, and we are proud to have Mike Steffen, Bremer Bank, Alison Matalamaki, Aicota Health Care, and Ihleen Williams, retired True Value Hardware and past Queen as our new Board Members. Dan Turner was re-elected for another term, and Mike Hagen is on to new ventures. Joan Petersen will now serve as Board President.
Ken Kellar is the Warren Potter Award winner, and we learned of many of his generous contributions to the Aitkin area. The Business of the Year selection is Aitkin Flowers & Gifts. Tim & Gretchen have demonstrated their commitment to Aitkin in their daily business, community involvement and support of the Chambers’ goals.
I want to say Thank YOU for your generous donations for door prizes and silent auction items, taking the time to attend, willingness to serve, and dedication to making Aitkin First! Everything that is contributed by Chamber members is appreciated and allows us to strive to meet our goals.
Thanks, Sue
The Chamber Board of Directors would like to find more ways to improve to your membership. Email, write, or call us to give us your feedback on ideas that will increase the value for you.
As a Chamber Member--You Can Make A Difference!
Retail Committee—Thursday, Feb 5 @ 7:30 a.m. Birchwood Café-help us make things happen in our downtown! This energetic committee always has new ideas in the works-don’t miss out!
Partnership Committee— Tuesday, Feb 3 @ 7:30 a.m. The Beanery-Help to raise an awareness of Aitkin and the great things the area offers! You can develop ideas to show appreciation to our members during our Annual Dinner in January too!
Progressive Committee—Feb 3 @ 9:30 a.m. Chamber Office-Be one of the first to meet & welcome our new and expanding businesses to our community.
Commerce & Sport Show Committee-Feb 4 @ 7:30 a.m. Birchwood Café-Our show is coming up fast! This is a short-term commitment to share ideas and make contacts to help develop this annual event into a “gotta be there” show!
The Chamber Board of Directors is always looking for fresh, energetic ideas to help make Aitkin a better place to live, work & play! Get involved today!
Want to know more about what happening in Aitkin? Do you have an event to tell others about? We offer 3 email blasts per year to Chamber membership for only $25! Contact the Chamber office at 218-927-2316, 114 Minnesota Ave., or upnorth@aitkin.com! See you soon!