January 2019 Chamber Chatter
2019 January Chamber Chatter
From the desk of the Executive Director
As we start out the year of 2019 it is time to reflect on what was done in 2018 and what we have to look forward to in the upcoming year.
We observed the closing of the Hickory Inn, Nelson Furniture and ST Industries, a reflection of the changing times that we live in as our small town businesses are in completion with not only the Mankato metro area but also the internet. Smart internet shoppers using Amazon are using Smile. Amazon which gives you the opportunity to support a non-profit organization in the community.
As an organization we have gained new members with the American Legion, Eagles Club, West Central Sanitation and Mountain Lake Automotive. Chamber members are encouraged to talk to nonmembers and encourage them to become members. The board has also lowered the membership rate for non-profit organizations to only $ 10.00 per month, as the chamber has the ability to assist them in the utilization of social media and translation when they are promotion their events.
In 2019 the Retailers committee has been re-energized as they worked on the Winter Carnival and they are looking forward to how to better promote Hot Dog Days as well as improve upon the 2019 Winter Carnival. New ideas and members are always welcome to join this dedicated group of individuals.
Staff is currently working on Lunch and Learns and Business After Hours and discussing ways to make these events worthwhile for members. The Ag-Business committee will be called upon soon as we begin the scholarship drive for 2019. A new venue is being explored for the Freeze Your Caboose Off as we have lost our host with the closing of the Hickory Inn. The community will have a lot of activity this summer with the All School Reunion scheduled for June 22, 2019.
A subcommittee may be formed soon to discuss the 150th anniversary of the City of St. James which will take place in 2020.
Your Chamber is here to work with the business community in making your business a success as we move into 2019.
Happy New Year,
Joe McCabe, Executive Director
January 2019 Community Events
1st – HAPPY NEW YEAR
3rd – Hamburger Night at VFW from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Child Care Task Force at Human Services meeting room from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
5th – Chicken Fry at American Legion from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
7th – Hot Reads Potluck at St. James Library at 5:30 p.m.
9th – Club Comic at St. James Library at 2 p.m.
10th – Hamburger Night at VFW from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
14th – Improving Health, Happiness, and Well Being at St. James Library at 12 p.m.
Watonwan County Corn and Soy Bean Association Banquet at American Legion starting at 5 p.m.
17th – Red Cross Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Church from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
TED Talk at St. James Library at 12 p.m.
Hamburger Night at VFW from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
18th – Red Cross Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Church from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Friday Flicks at St. James Library at 1 p.m.
Novels By Night at St. James Library at 7 p.m.
19th – Sensory Play Cafe at St. James Library at 10 a.m.
21st – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
23rd – Club Comic at St. James Library at 2 p.m.
24th – Hamburger Night at VFW from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
26th – Cribbage and Cocoa at St. James Library 10 a.m.
28th – Improving Health, Happiness and Well Being at St. James Library at 12 p.m.
30th – Movie for Kids at St. James Library at 2:15 p.m.
31st – TED Talk at St. James Library at 12 p.m.
Knitting with Tessa at St. James Library at 5 p.m.
Hamburger Night at VFW from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Download the Printable PDF School Pantry
Download and submit your nomination here 2018 Business of the year ltr
Download your application AFA Scholarship 2019
