Official Guide to Delano 2019 | Page 38

Delano Area CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ‘Equipping members to thrive in our business community’ The Delano Area Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization, formed to support the Delano business community. It is governed by a board of directors made up of nine volunteer businesspeople and staffed by a part-time executive director. Chamber members range from small, one-person, home-based businesses, to the largest businesses and employers in Delano. The chamber continues to advocate for the West Metro Business Park as the community continues to experience growth. The DACC works with the City of Delano/economic development to foster a positive environment for business growth. In addition to the new businesses that have made Delano home, the community is very fortunate that it has many, many long- standing businesses in the community that are the cornerstone of Delano. As the DACC looks to an exciting future, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past. The DACC has been a long-standing organization providing support to the business community. New businesses have been welcomed to the area by the DACC Ambassadors. The community expo, Taste of Delano, and Good Morning/Evening Delano events, along with the newly-created After Hours Business Socials, have created continued marketing and networking opportunities. The candidate town hall meetings and “State Of” addresses have helped us get to know our elected officials and understand the economics of the city, county, and region. The Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off the Christmas season in Delano, and a new business trick or treat event also took place in 2018. Manufacturers Week and the SciTech event put a spotlight on the manufacturing sector. The annual banquet and business of the year event were memorable events in 2018, as was hosting two performances of the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus at Kramer Park. As we move through 2019, the DACC will focus on marketing the West Metro Business Park, attracting additional retail business, researching and developing new community event concepts, and increasing membership by focusing on retention and recruitment. Approximately one-third of the chamber’s members participate by regularly attending general meetings. The DACC is fortunate to have many active members. The chamber has six committees – business development, economic development, membership, government affairs, ambassadors, and a marketing task force. Within these committees, there are sub-committees that assist in executing the chamber’s annual initiatives. The DACC is also an active participant in the Spirit of Community Committee, which is an advisory commission to the Delano City Council. It is charged with the responsibility to study, investigate, and make recommendations 5/ $ 6 Buck Lunch available $ Hours 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. everyday 403 West River Rd., Delano, MN (763) 972-2660 | 38 | regarding health, safety, community involvement and the fair and equal treatment of all persons who are members of the Delano community. Highlights of 2019 for the DACC include the celebration of the 2019 Delano Business of the Year, Stahlke Bus Service, the DACC’s 30th annual Community Expo, the Taste of Delano, the Halloween Business Trick or Treat, as well as the Christmas Tree lighting in Downtown Delano. Chamber benefits include a red highlighted entry in this directory, listing on the chamber’s website directory, referrals from the chamber office, networking events, sponsorship opportunities at any chamber-coordinated community event, and more. The chamber doesn’t want just membership fees – it wants its members’ input as to what the chamber can do to help its businesses thrive, and provide resources. It encourages members to make this organization what they want it to be. The Delano Area Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Minnesota Better Business Bureau and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, both which provide members with more benefits and training opportunities for chamber staff and volunteers. The DACC also developed the concept of a Wright County chamber executives gathering and partnered with the Wright County Economic Development Partnership to execute the first such meeting. As a result, additional meetings are planned in 2019. Regular general membership meetings are the third Thursday of each month at noon. For the location of the next meeting, call 763- 972-6756, or email [email protected]. Other events and meetings are posted on the website and communicated to members through email and social media. Check out the DACC website at www.delanochamber.com and also find the chamber’s Facebook page. The 2019 board of directors is: President Michelle Harwood (Harwood’s Body Shop); Vice President Jeanne Matter (Jeanne M. Matter CPA); Treasurer Daryl MacLean (MacLean Law Office); Secretary Jammie Hernandez (Estates at Delano); Past President Brad Felknor (Felknor & Associates); Sabrina Stevens (Bagy Jo); Mike Nielsen (Sherman Insurance); Steve Clark (Unhinged! Pizza); and Nicholas Wilcox (Minnesota Lakes Bank). The Executive Director is Ryan Gueningsman. Please let the DACC know how it can help you “thrive in our business community” as we are open to your needs and suggestions to be stronger in 2019. Industrial Industrial | | Retail Retail | | Office Office | | Healthcare Healthcare Senior Care & Multi-Unit Senior Care & Multi-Unit Clean Clean Room Room & & Lab Lab | | Education Education & & Worship Worship ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� Official Guide to DELANO 2019