Monthly Newsletter
Vol. 13 | Issue 148
Promote. Engage. Connect.
New Website Launch
Director, Nicole Lalum
Launching a new website is
never an easy undertaking.
Launching
an
intuitive,
responsive
website
that
integrates with our chamber
member database and still
provides ample opportunity
for destination marketing
has been a long row to hoe.
Thankfully, our project
coordinator at the website
firm held our hands and
walked us through the
process and I’m pleased
to announce that as of
April 1st – no foolin’! –
www.parkrapids.com has been refreshed and
relaunched in an updated format and with a whole
new look to it.
Take a minute to check it out…go on, I’ll wait.
The Tourism Marketing Committee is very
excited to have produced a website that is
responsive to the device a user accesses the
site on since mobile and tablet visitors have
surpassed regular desktop pc visitors to the
site in the last six months. We’re also pleased
to have even more
opportunities
to
promote members on
the site with category
specific searches of our
businesses.
Now is a great time to
log in to your member
portal and update your
company profile, if
you don’t know how
to get in, simply email
emma@parkrapids.
com and she’ll send
you log in information. If you notice any quirks
in the flow of the site, please let me know at
[email protected] so that I can continue
tweaking the site.
Happy surfing…
Minnesota Cup Accepting Applications
Largest state venture competition in tech; life science/health IT; social entrepreneur;
the country will offer record $327,000 and student.
“More than 9,000 Minnesotans have participated
in prize money
MINNEAPOLIS – The 11th annual Minnesota
Cup — the largest statewide entrepreneurial
competition in the United States — is accepting
applications for the 2015 contest. Minnesota
residents have until May 8 to submit entries to
compete for a record $327,000 in prize money.
The Minnesota Cup is an opportunity for
entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, small
business owners working on innovative business
concepts, or businesses generating less than $1
million in yearly revenue to move their ideas to the
next level.
The 2015 divisions are energy/clean technology/
water; food/agriculture/beverage ; general; high
in the Minnesota Cup since its inception in
2005,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner
Kevin McKinnon. “This competition encourages
Minnesota small businesses to grow their ideas
and has helped elevate finalists to attract over
$170 million in additional capital.”
“Every year the excitement and energy around
this competition grows, and every year we
strive to find new ways to involve even more
Minnesotans statewide,” said Scott Litman, cofounder of the Minnesota Cup. “Last year, we
connected with a new category of entrepreneurs
through our new food, agriculture and beverage
division, and this year we are working to grow
the field of female entrepreneurs with our
Women in Entrepreneurship series.”
Follow this link to continue reading http://business.
parkrapids.com/news/details/minnesota-cupaccepting-applications-mn-deed
www.parkrapids.com
What’s Inside:
• New Website Launch, Director, Nicole
Lalum
• Member News:
Itasca Mantrap welcomes areas first
community solar project.
• Ambassador Committee Member Visits:
askRick.com, Walker Area Realty, Dorset
Corner Liquor, Living at Home
• Meet our NEW Members:
Rapids Cabin Service, LLC
Charter Media
• March Member Renewals
• Chamber Working For You Web & Visitor Center Stats
• Minnesota Cup Accepting Applications
April Inserts:
(Click on descriptions to view posters)
• Improve productivity, efficiency and
customer satisfaction with one phone
call. Call Arvig!
• Tails on the Trails – Headwaters
Animal Shelter 7th Annual Walkathon &
Pet Expo
• You’re in the GigaZone! Paul Bunyan
Communications Now Servicing the
Rural Park Rapids Area
Save the Date! May 16, 2015
(218) 732-4111
New Member Spotlight
Rapids Cabin Serivice, LLC
Doug Jewison, Electrical Contractor and Owner of Rapids
Cabin Service, LLC, specializes in electrical services for cabin
owners and lake homes. Offerings services that are unique
to life on the lake. New Construction, Remodels, Service
Work, Electrical Design, Trenching, Outdoor Lighting, Cabin
Checks & Freeze Alarms. Also available, landscaping and
handyman work!
Servicing the Park Rapids Lakes Area
Visit www.rapidscabinservice.com to learn more!
Call Doug at (218) 255-2600 or email [email protected]
Charter Media
Your District Legislators
U.S. Senate
Contact
Senator Al Franken (DFL)
309 Hart, Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
D.C. (202) 224-5641
St. Paul (651) 221-1016
www.franken.senate.gov
Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL)
302 Hart, Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
D.C. (202) 224-3244
Minneapolis (612) 727-5220
[email protected]
In today’s multi-screen world, keeping your
business engaged with the right customers is more
challenging than ever. Charter Media can efficiently
and strategically deliver your message to millions
online. Target them with pinpoint accuracy by varying
combinations of lifestyle, geography, browsing
behavior and more; across thousands of premium websites through any device in any household.
Learn more from Local Sales Manager, Peter Provost!
(218) 529-8082 • email: [email protected]
Member News
Itasca Mantrap Welcome Areas First Community Solar Project
MN Senate
Senator Rod Skoe (DFL) District 02
(651) 296-4196
[email protected]
U.S. House of Representative
Congressman Rick Nolan (DFL) District 8
2447 Rayburn, House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
D.C. (202) 225-6211
nolan.house.gov
MN House of Representatives
Representative Dave Hancock (R) District 02A
Itasca-Mantrap, a member-owned electric distribution cooperative located in Park Rapids, is
proud to announce the grand opening of its SolarWise™ Community Solar project. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Itasca-Mantrap Tuesday, March 24.
St. Paul (651) 296-4265
Construction on the 46-kW, 112 solar panel array began in the fall of 2014 and was completed
in February. Itasca-Mantrap members can purchase the output of a solar panel, locking in
electric rates by purchasing that output for 20 years. Members can pay for the panels up front or
finance the panels at no interest over a three year period. The cost includes insurance, operations, maintenance and all other costs associated with operating the solar array. As a Minnesota made project, the array utilizes technology from tenKsolar and 3M, both headquartered in
Minnesota.
St. Paul (651) 296-9918
“A major benefit of the community solar project is that it gives our Members access to participate
in solar at an affordable cost.” said Itasca-Mantrap President-CEO Michael Monsrud.
Itasca-Mantrap members can own a piece of solar power that is both affordable and accessible
through the project. Contact our office for more information or to sign up.
[email protected]
Representative Steve Green (R) District 02B
[email protected]
For more information go to
www.gis.leg.mn
MEMBER RENEWALs
FEB. 25 - MAR. 24, 2015
Armory Square Management Corporation
Canvaswork Inc
Fresh Catch
Hafner's Greenhouse, Inc.
Lazy One…
R & D Resort & Campground
Summerhill Farm
Wildwood Enchantment
The Itasca-Mantrap Board of Directors holds the ribbon with the PRLACC Ambassadors, as the
President-CEO makes the cut. Pictured left to right: Debbie Haas, Nicole Lalum, Brian Behrens,
Sue Tomte, Dan Breitbach, Mike Monsrud, Nancy Utke, Marv Vredenburg, Debbie Tostenson,
Kristin Gilmore, Vicki Stewart, Willard Clausen and Tim Kivi.
“Ships in a harbor are safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Author Unkown
Meeting Schedule
Member Visits
April 2015
Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council 1st Monday, 12PM (Noon), Coldwell Banker
Lake Country Scenic Byway - (1st Fri.)
1st Friday, 8:30AM, Grace Lutheran Church
Osage - Heartland Trail Community Meeting - Quarterly
following the LCSB Meeting.
Heartland Trail to Itasca Extension Task Force 2nd Monday, 10AM, Hubbard County Public Works
Conference Room
Park Rapids Downtown Business Association 1st Wednesday, 8AM, Bella Caffe
Welcome New Members - askRick.com & Walker Real Estate
Park Rapids City Council -
Owners Nancy & Rick Schaefer pictured here with Ambassadors, left to right, Nicole Lalum, Jill Dickinson,
Debbie Haas, Sue Tomte and Jeremy Nelson
2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6PM, Lower Level of Library
Hubbard County Commissioners 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 9AM, Court House 3rd Floor
Board Room #324
PRLA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 8:00AM, Chamber
Chamber Committees:
Legends & Logging Days 3rd Thursday, 7:30AM, Chamber
Ambassador Committee - (Brown Bag)
4th Thursday, 12PM (Noon), Chamber
Events Committee - (2nd Wed)
2nd Wednesay, 8AM, Chamber
Making Connections
Working for You...
FEB. 25 - MAR. 24, 2015
Web Stats
Welcome New Member - Dorset Corner Liquor
Owners Craig & Missy Rossman pictured here with Ambassadors, left to right, Jeremy Nelson, Sue Tomte, Jill
Dickinson and Debbie Haas
Pageviews - 25,943
Unique Visitors - 20,217
Mobile Visits - 4,613
Unique Notable Pageviews:
Visitors - 1,473
Lodging - 1,466
Business/List - 861
Events - 650
Itasca - 646
Visitor Center Stats
Guests assisted - 439
Discovery Guides mailed - 460
From the Phones and Referrals
• Event space for rent
• Locally made products
• Ojibwe Forest Rally
• Commercial space for sale
Congratulations on the New Location -Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area
Pictured here left to right; Sue Tomte, Jeremy Nelson, Executive Director Jaime Jensen Hemphill, Jill Dickinson,
Debbie Haas and Eldercare Services Coordinator, Mark Anderson
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Albert Einstein
2015 Board of Directors
Visit Park Rapids...
Creating powerful partnerships to unite and grow member businesses and the region.
Shop
Play
Eat
STAY
* Joe Scharber, President
Sleeping Fawn Resort & Campground
Uzi Monka
Wild Loon Outfitters
* Butch DeLaHunt, Vice President
DeLaHunt Broadcasting
Candy Parks
Park Rapids Enterprise
* Kent Fritze, Secretary Treasurer
Northwoods Tax Professionals
Jackie Senenfelder
C’mon Inn Hotel & Suites
Ed Becker
In-We-Go Resort
Pete Young
Y-Steak House
Hendri Ernst
Smokey Hills Outdoor Store
Cynthia Jones
RiverBend Home Expressions
Julie Larson
Lamb Weston - RDO Frozen
Molly Luther
The Good Life Cafe
* Denotes Members of the Executive Committee
Chamber Staff
Nicole Lalum
Executive Director, [email protected]
Emma Moore
Project Coordinator, [email protected]
Tara Norton
Bookkeeper, [email protected]
Lynette McFarren
Member & Guest Services Agent,
2015 Programs
Membership
(Chair position open)
Ambassadors, Grow MN!, Member & Networking
Events
Tourism Marketing
(Joe Scharber)
Discovery Guide, Happy Pac, Tourism Media
Campaigns
Events
(Butch DeLaHunt)
4th of July Parade, Legends & Logging Days, Community Tree Lighting and more
Chamber Task Force
(Hendri Ernst)
Maximizing Membership Value
[email protected]
Calendar of Events,http://business.parkrapids.com/events/calendar/
APRIL 2015
A complete calendar of events can be found at
Apr 8
Community Education - Internet Class
$15 Fee - Pre-registration required.
9:00AM - 10:30AM at Frank White Education
Center.
www.parkrapidscomed.com
Apr 9
Cash Mob - 5PM
Meet in the parking lot of the Chamber.
Cash Mob is a program focused on business
promotion and shopping local. It is your
commitment to spend $10 at a member’s
business. The name of the business will remain
a secret until just minutes before the mob!
Apr 9 & 10 - 5:30PM
Auditions for Northern Light Opera
Company’s “West Side Story”
Are you ready to mambo? Northern Light
Opera Company seeks 14 males, 14 females
for the high-energy musical “West Side Story.”
Additional character roles available. Be
prepared to dance, sing 32 bars of your chosen
song, and do a prepared monologue or read
from excerpts of the script that will be provided.
Auditions begin at 5:30 p.m. Callbacks will be
Saturday, April 11. There’s also a need for stage,
construction and tech crew. Performances are
July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 6-8.
Auditions held at Calvery Lutheran Church
Send email for more information to info@
northernlightopera.org
Apr 15
Community Education - Microsoft Word
$15 Fee - Pre-registration required.
4:30PM - 6:00 PM at Century School
www.parkrapidscomed.com
Apr 16 - 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Dr. David Walsh presenting on “Alcohol,
Drugs and the Young Brain”
All parents want their children to be healthy and
safe. It is with this spirit of love and concern
that parents should take time to understand
the harmful effects of underage drinking. By
learning how the young brain develops and
how drinking affects teen health, parents will
be better able to protect their teens from its
adverse consequences.
Thursday, Apr 16 at 5:30PM Free Meal
(Free meal for the first 150 participants)
presentation starts at 6:30PM
Location: Park Rapids High School Auditorium
email [email protected]
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
Employment Law Seminar
Tuesday, April 21
11AM - 2PM
$25 Admission
Register Today (Walk-ins allowed)
Northwoods Bank Community Room
1200 1st St. E, Park Rapids
Enter Drawing to Win $25 ChamberBucks!
*Mar 2015 Winner - Jackie Senenfelder, C’Mon Inn
Business After Hours is the premier networking event for
business professionals, giving you the opportunity to discuss and
share ideas while learning about other local businesses. It is a
PRLA
relationship-building experience held in a setting that benefits you
and your company through added contacts and resources.
Vibrant
and
Visible
Morning Buzz - Meet the Editor
7:45 AM on Tuesday, April 28
$5 Admission ($2 Member Discount)
Bella Caffe - Guests Welcome
Enter Drawing to win $10 in Chamber Bucks!
*Mar 2015 Winner - Sue Tomte, Mary Kay
www.parkrapids.com | 1-800-247-0054 | PO Box 249 • 1204 Park Avenue S • Park Rapids, MN 56470 | (218) 732-4111