Programs and Services

Information Center
The Chamber of Commerce is happy to serve as the information center for our community. Whether you are looking for information on our local businesses, tourism information or relocation information, we are ready to answer your questions.

Networking
The Chamber of Commerce is unmatched in our ability to bring together the businesses of our community. By participating in Chamber events, you have direct access to business representatives who may be your clients or may be potential clients. We provide a tremendous opportunity to get your name out there and broaden the awareness of who you are and what you do.

Some of the events that we sponsor include:

Business After Hours
This event is held twice a year from 4:30-6:30. Our winter event is a business showcase where members are invited to sponsor booth space and display their products and/or services. Our summer event is a very relaxed, picnic-style event with the opportunity to meet new people and maybe win some prizes. Aside from our Corporate Sponsors, there are no booths at this event... just lots of fun.

Annual Membership Banquet
This is the night where we encourage our entire membership to join us in celebration of another successful Chamber year. We typically hold this event in October, as our fiscal year runs from October 1 - September 30. Food, entertainment, a live auction, a silent auction, and lots of laughs are found at this exciting event.

Friday Nite Live Comedy Hour
Speaks for itself, right? We bring in live comedy entertainment for the community of Fergus Falls. Why? Because everyone wants to get out and do something different for a change, and spring seems to be the time when people are really ready to do just that. This event takes place around the month of April and creates a lot of sore cheekbones for weeks to come.

Battle of the Businesses Bowling Tournament
Join us for a Saturday full of friendly competition amongst the businesses of Fergus Falls. You don't have to be a professional bowler to participate in our tournament... it's all about having a good time. This event is held the first full weekend in February.

Professional Development
The Chamber of Commerce brings tremendous training opportunities right to the community of Fergus Falls. From customer service seminars to human relations training, we work to meet the needs of our business community.

We provide access to our local legislators via regular Legislative Updates and Business Day at the Capitol.

The Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota State Community & Technical College serve as the coordinators of the Fergus Falls Area Leadership Program. This program covers personal leadership discovery as well as community history and awareness.

Promotion
This organization works to promote the community of Fergus Falls by participating in events such as:
Frostbite Festival - Begins the first full weekend in February.
Crazy Days - Kickoff takes place the third Thursday in July.
SummerFest - Always the second Saturday in June.
Citywide Customer Appreciation Days - First weekend in December.

We also air a monthly radio show called "Good Morning Fergus Falls" which allows community organizations to promote their special events as well. The more enthusiasm we can generate for our area, the better!

And of course, promoting Fergus Falls businesses is what we do best. Which is why we coordinate the Fergus Bucks program to help ensure that shopping dollars are being spent right here in our community.

Tie With Education
Creating a link between the business community and our educational institutions is important to the Chamber of Commerce. We are able to reach the youth of our community via the adopt-a-class program and our Champion Citizens Luncheon.

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce holds the Champion Citizens Luncheon in recognition of graduating seniors who have demonstrated true leadership and contribution not only to their fellow classmates and their schools, but also to the community of Fergus Falls.

Below is a list of criteria that is used in the selection of our Champion Citizens:
1.Overall contribution to the community.
   Community volunteer experiences.
   Conduct befitting of an ambassador for the community.
2.Overall contribution to the school.
   School volunteer programs.
   Conduct befitting of an ambassador for their school.
3.Exemplifying a positive attitude in service, work and academics.
4.Commitment to personal academic effort.
5.Participation in extracurricular activities.