HERMANTOWN — Business advocacy, connection and trying new things were the themes running through the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on Thursday. About 70 people gathered at the AAD Shrine to recognize chamber members and officers for their work throughout the year and hear from the president of the Minnesota Retailers Association.
Chamber President and CEO Kim Parmeter gave an update on the chamber and reminded everyone of their reason for being there that day.
“Our chamber was formed to provide our members with advocacy, educational resources and networking opportunities that help businesses grow and thrive in our area,” Parmeter said. “We have approximately 275 members in our chamber in Hermantown, Duluth, Proctor, Rice Lake and the surrounding areas. We’re on a mission to be the voice of business by connecting, educating and supporting members where they are in their communities.”
Outgoing chamber board chair Todd Mell of LHB recognized outgoing board officers as well as new ones coming on for 2023.
“Our board is filled with individuals that bring ideas and resources that help guide the direction of the chamber. Not only are they a talented bunch, but they’re a great team to work with,” Mell said.
The new board chair-elect for 2023 will be Nikki Karnowski.
Contributed / Olivia Sedlachek
Typically one person is honored for their work with the Chamber Ambassadors, a group of volunteers who get out and host ribbon cuttings for businesses and show up to help with chamber events. This year, however, the chamber tried something new and instead honored two people for their work with the ambassadors: Dee Munson and Nancy Rislov-Johnson.
“They were both at just about every event we put on from day one, and if one couldn’t be there, they’d call me. They both have warm and friendly smiles every time we see them and they’re both always ready to roll up their sleeves,” Parmeter said. “So we couldn’t choose. Dee, I know you’re a twin, so I know you’re used to sharing. But seriously, you both earned this outright in your own regards and you’re both the 2022 Chamber Ambassadors of the Year.”
Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, shared with the chamber his tips for business success with today’s trends in Minnesota. He challenged attendees to become problem solvers in both their businesses and personal lives.
“Think of the thing that you hate to do the most but that you’ve accepted that you have to do every year, every quarter, once a day, whatever,” Nustad said. “Think if you really have to do it or if there might not be a better way to deal with it. Now’s a great time to do that because it’s almost the end of the year, so we’re more open to new ideas.”
Nustad also encouraged retailers to find ways to incorporate deals for customers in order to generate brand loyalty.
“Retailers have really resisted this idea,” Nustad said. “But Minnesotans really love deals and loyalty programs. We’re trained to really love them, so no matter where you work, find incentives and deals you can make for your businesses.”
Lastly, Nustad encouraged attendees to be “part of something larger then ourselves.”
“And you’re all here today, part of this chamber, something bigger than yourself, ” Nustad said. “So I will just end with a great big thank you for being part of the chamber and working with the chamber to advance this community. It makes a difference, trust me, I know it well, it makes a difference.”
