Mike Blanchard
2026 Chair, Chamber Board of Directors
Putting Our Network to Work for You
Board of Directors
Mike Blanchard, 2026 Chair Christian Heritage Academy Alana Kniefel, 2026 Vice Chair YMCA Early Childhood Center Matthew Schaap, Past Chair Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills, & Bauer P. A. Mike Utz, Treasurer Michael Utz, LLC Nicole Larson, Secretary Allina Health Steve Allen Brackett’ s Crossing Country Club Mike Forbord Schmitty & Sons Jack Pahl Pahl’ s Market Mark Reese B52 Burgers + Brew, The Better Half Melissa Scoles QA1 Brands Brandon Smieja Lakeview Bank
My father and grandfather were small business owners in Minnesota for decades. They instilled in me a deep commitment to buying locally. As a child, I noticed my father’ s unwavering loyalty to specific plumbers, HVAC technicians, and local vendors. When I asked him why, he kept it simple:“ It keeps the money in the community.”
We all develop loyalties in life— to our favorite shops, parks, restaurants, mechanics, coffee spots, and even gas stations. As you cultivate your own, I hope you will use this guide as a starting point.
My wife and I have spent much of our lives here. Our children attended grade school at Christian Heritage Academy in Lakeville, and we have been active volunteers in this community for over 20 years. Through our work and our personal lives, we make it a priority to support the local restaurants and businesses that are members of the Lakeville Chamber.
Lakeville is a wonderful place, and it is where our children learned the value of community, loyalty, and a strong work ethic.
This guide makes it possible— and very easy— to build meaningful connections in the community you call home. The people, businesses, and organizations listed herein care deeply about making Lakeville a great place to live, work and play! Whether you are featured in this guide or are a resident or visitor using it as a resource, we hope that when you have a choice, you will choose to partner with your friends and neighbors through our Lakeville Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
Mike Blanchard Christian Heritage Academy and Canopy IT 2026 Chair of the Board
Advisory Board
Mike Budde, Chair Culver’ s Lakeville Jamie Dahlen, Treasurer Compass Hospitality Joe Masiarchin, Vice Chair City of Lakeville
Alana Kniefel, Chamber Liaison YMCA Early Childhood Center Bob Gillen Community Member Mike Gunderson Holiday Inn & Suites Michael Hernandez Gray Line Minnesota Angela Holt Rudy’ s Redeye Grill Marc Olson Legends Golf Club
Chip Solner Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Kim Kervina Mall of America Kristina Kwan Phoenix Hall Event Center Jason Saji Amelia’ s
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