Chamber Corner: October 24, 2011

Salute to Business & Industry and Halloween Winds Down

By Scott Formo

            For several years now, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association, and the Minnesota Manufacturers Coalition have sponsored “Minnesota Manufacturers Week.” This year, Minnesota Manufacturers Week is set for this week, October 23-29.

            Locally, the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenwood Development Corporation, City of Glenwood, and Pope County has honored a local area business or industry. We recognize the economic importance of the business and manufacturing sector as it relates to our local economy.

            Traditionally, our local “Salute to Business & Industry” has been held prior to or the week of Minnesota Manufacturers Week. This year, however, our local recipient of the honor is extremely busy this time of year and we would also like to take some added time to incorporate a “Tour of Past Recipients” into the day of honors with local area tours of a few of the past honorees. Therefore, we have decided to hold our local honors later next month, in mid to late November.

More information on the “Salute to Business & Industry” will be coming soon, including the name of this year’s recipient. Past recipients who would like to be part of our first “Tour of Past Recipients” are encouraged to contact the Glenwood Chamber as we plan to hold only a few tours each year.

In the meantime, we “SALUTE” all of our area businesses and industries and thank you for your continued dedication, support, and investments in our local economy. Without you, we cease to survive.

The Taste of Oktoberfest, sponsored by the

United Way

of Douglas and Pope Counties, was held this past week and there was quite the showing of local people. The event featured German food, wine & beer sampling, music, and dancing at the Minnewaska House. The

United Way

of Douglas and Pope Counties would like to thank everyone who showed their support for the local charity event this past week.

In other events, the Fright Nights at the Pope County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Glenwood & Beyond and the Minnewaska Jaycees, continues this coming Friday and Saturday night from 7-11 pm. It was great to see the support and attendance this past weekend as the event kicked off. The staff received quite a bit of frightening feedback and look forward to the event this weekend again.

Don’t forget about the Halloween events and activities for the younger generation (kids, that’s you!). On Saturday, Fright Nights at the Pope County Fairgrounds will host Family Day where families can tour the haunted house with a “Lights On, Not so Scary” event where children can talk to the actors without all of the smoke, loud noises, and creepy music. Also, thanks to the Glenwood Police Department and Minnewaska ECFE, staff will be on hand for Safe Trick or Treating Tips, Treats, and “Kid Concoctions” where kids can enjoy some hands on Halloween fun.

Next week, on Halloween Night,

Central Square

will again host the Community Halloween Party, from 5-7 pm for children ages 12 and under. Central Square wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the event and will still accept volunteers to help with set-up, tear down, and games during the event. Contact

Central Square

(634-0400) if you can help out.

Finally, you may see some of the local area businesses getting into the Halloween Spirit. Whether it’s window decorations, treats for the kids, or Halloween photographs of your little tricksters, we thank our local area businesses for their contributions and support. Between now and then, there are a number of Halloween parties, dances, contests, and get togethers going on around the area – for everyone from infant to senior citizens. Be sure to watch the ads in the Pope County Tribune and flyers on bulletin boards around town for more specific information on what’s happening!

Until next week… Have a great week!