Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce - Grand Rapids Minnesota

04/21/2026

Join the Northland Small Business Development Center for a free virtual workshop on Paid Leave & the Seasonal Hospitality Employment Designation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM.

This session is designed for owners and operators of resorts, lodges, restaurants, food trucks, and concession stands across Minnesota who want to better understand how the seasonal designation works, who may qualify, reporting requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and what Paid Leave means for their business and employees.

Register online and take advantage of this helpful opportunity to get informed and ask questions: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KBnzScveQuqxtWDMLzj-Ow #/registration

04/20/2026

Today's Member to Member is from Paul Bunyan Communications! Internet for the way you live! No data caps. No speed throttling. Everything connected on one network!

Visit: https://paulbunyan.net/ to learn more!

04/18/2026

Technology should make life easier, not more complicated. Are you feeling stretched thin, buried in inefficiencies, or like technology is supposed to help but somehow just adds to the noise?

Join us on Tuesday, June 9 at Rapids Brewing Co. as we welcome Abby Oxborough, Founder of The Leadership Lodge (Sugar Lake Lodge), for Work Smarter, Not Harder - a practical session focused on making better use of the technology tools already available to help simplify work, improve efficiency, and even make everyday life a little easier.

If you have ever felt like you are paying for tools you are not fully using, wasting time on processes that should be simpler, or struggling to keep work from spilling into life, this session is for you.

Registration requested: jennifer@grandmn.com

04/17/2026

Join us on Wednesday, April 29th for a Lunch-N-Learn at Timberlake Lodge Hotel for "Making Sense of AI" where you will learn:
➡️A practical framework for thinking about AI
➡️Guidance on using AI operationally
➡️New ways to think about customer experience
➡️An introduction to AI visibility as a modern Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
➡️Confidence to move forward thoughtfully

RSVP required: jennifer@grandmn.com

Due to valuable partnerships, this opportunity is FREE for Chamber membership and low-cost for our business community.
👏Itasca Economic Development Corporation
👏Magnetic North
👏Timberlake Lodge Hotel
Free to Chamber members, $20 at the door for all others.

04/16/2026

To learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback, be sure to attend the community open house on Tuesday, April 28 from 4 - 6 pm at Yanmar Arena.

If you cannot make the event, be sure to provide input through the www.GREDALegionPark.com website.

Have you visited American Legion Memorial Park yet this spring? Join us for an open house at Yanmar Arena on April 28 from 4 to 6 pm to see the concepts and provide feedback. Learn more: www.GREDALegionPark.com

04/16/2026

2 weeks left for early bird discounts for vendors!

If you offer products or goods, create handcrafted gifts, sell vintage items, or if you would set up at a craft fair, artisan market, flea market or swap meet - be sure to register to be at the Northern Minnesota Swap Meet & Car Show!

Early bird discounts until May 1 - $50 outdoor/$60 indoor price for three days of sales with over 6,000 visitors! With expanded event enhancements for 2026 - you won't want to miss the 2026 Swap Meet!

Learn more or register NOW for early bird discounts:

Northern MN Swap Meet & Car Show 2026 Event Information ITASCA COUNTY FAIRGOUNDS SWAP MEET – all 3 days: Over 200 vendors with vintage treasures, handmade goods, car parts, and…

04/15/2026

Please help us congratulate Matt Sackett of The Pines Restaurant on being named the April Customer Service Award Winner by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

Matt was recognized for his dedication, extra effort, and the way he helps create a memorable and truly special dining experience for guests. Outstanding customer service makes a lasting impact, and Matt’s commitment is a wonderful reflection of both The Pines Restaurant, and our local business community.

Congratulations, Matt, and thank you for the care you bring to your work each day and leaving a lasting, positive impression on your guests.

If you have had an exceptional experience receiving customer service, we encourage you to recognize them by submitting your story to kerry@grandmn.com

Pictured: Chamber Ambassador, Laurie Clausen with Edward Jones, Kyle Lussier, Matt, Amanda Lussier

04/14/2026

We recently celebrated the opening of Roots & Wings Early Learning Center, LLC with a ribbon cutting!

Roots & Wings Early Learning Center is proud to serve families in our community with a nature-based program that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging.

Designed for infants through preschoolers - with summer options for school-aged children - our center blends high-quality early childhood education with the wonder of the outdoors, encouraging children to explore, discover, and grow through hands-on experiences in every season.

With dedicated educators, a play-rich curriculum, and an environment built on safety, connection, and joy, Roots & Wings offers a place where children feel grounded as they learn - and brave enough to spread their wings.

Visit us at www.rootsandwingselc.com for more information.

Pictured from Left to Right: Chamber Ambassadors LeAnn Hardy, City Limits Storage and Laurie Clausen, Edward Jones. Staff members: Ava Lievsay, Michelle Rolfes, Jessica Johnson, Alisha Johnson, Sara Maki, Claire Letendre, Elizabeth Whittaker, Melody Grover, Maria Simmons, Maleah Knigge, Anikka Mendonsa Family: Carly Hand, Sandy Crowe, Dane Kennedy, Carol Burke, Kelsi Sjostrand, Madi Sjostrand, Drew Sjostrand, Sherri Alto, Donna Derby, Meg Sjostrand, Henry Sjostrand, Rich Derby, Easton Sjostrand County Commissioners: Terry Snyder and John Johnson. Center, Rob and Krista Sjostrand (owners) and grandchildren Averi, Sadie, and Henry Sjostrand. Chamber Present April Arnason, Chamber Ambassador Jenna Fischer, The Emeralds at Grand Rapids.

04/14/2026

Today's Member to Member is from W.A. Fisher. As we prepare for summer events, festivals, markets, and parties - Make A Statement with yard signs, vinyl banners, window perfs, signage and more from W.A. Fisher!

Contact them at 218-741-9544 or wafishermn.com to design your visuals and make an impact!

04/13/2026

Today's Member to Member is from KOOTASCA Community Action!

🎪 Come One, Come All to the First Annual KOOTASCA Community Action Carnival! 🎪

🎡 A family-friendly event with games, activities for kids, a light meal, community resources, and lots of opportunities to connect! Let’s come together to make the KOOTASCA Carnival an amazing new tradition for our community.

🎠 If you would like more information on being a vendor, sponsor, or donor, please reach out to learn more:
📞 218-999-0814
📨 headstartadmin@kootasca.org

04/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Strengthening Our Region: Collaborative Solutions for Workforce and Education.

Everyone in the room was grateful to hear from an outstanding panel of higher education leaders, including:
• John Hoffman, President, Bemidji State University
• Mike Raich, President, Minnesota North College
• Marah Jacobson, Vice President, Bemidji State University
• Bart Johnson, Vice President, Minnesota North College
• Jessalyn Sabin, Dean of Career and Technical Programs, Minnesota North College
• Trent Janezich, Executive Director of Advancement & Customized Training Solutions, Minnesota North College

Their insight helped highlight how partnerships in education can support local employers, strengthen workforce pathways, and create opportunity across our region.

A special thank you to Minnesota North College for your sponsorship of the discussion, and Timberlake Lodge Hotel for your partnership in our luncheons - both allowing us to offer these opportunities for our members at low cost.