Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce - Grand Rapids Minnesota

06/24/2026

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and future business owners - this one is for you!

Join us Tuesday, August 18 at Timberlake Lodge for Business Funding: From Start-Up to Succession, a three-part event designed to meet businesses where they are.

Attend one, two, or all three sessions:

7:30–9:00 AM
New Business / Entrepreneurial Funding
For those exploring a new business idea, launching a business, or looking for early-stage funding resources.

9:30–11:00 AM
Expand, Remodel & Grow
For existing businesses considering expansion, remodeling, equipment, growth, or other next-step investments.

11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Business Succession Planning by Northspan
Learn why succession planning is a long-term business strategy and how to prepare for future ownership or leadership transition.

Morning sessions include refreshments, and the Lunch-N-Learn includes lunch. Chamber members may attend the morning sessions at no cost, with discounted pricing available for attending more than one session.

This event brings together several business resource partners to provide practical, approachable information and help connect attendees with next steps.

A special thank you to our funding partners:
- Northland Small Business Development Center
- Midwest Business Finance Corporation
- Itasca Economic Development Corporation
- Timberlake Lodge Hotel
- Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Their support helps keep this opportunity low to no cost for participants.

Register online: https://www.grandmn.com/event/business-funding-from-start-up-to-succession/
Questions? Call 218-326-6619.

06/24/2026

Today's Member to Member is from Free Range Food Co-op where they're inviting you to Raise the Roost!

This free community event will be on Saturday, July 18 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at Klockow Brewing!

Enjoy live performances by:
🎶 P.K. Mayo
🎶 Emily LaPlant
🎶 Tattletale

This event is open to everyone, so bring your friends, family, and neighbors for an afternoon of music, community, and fun.

📍 Klockow Brewing
📅 July 18, 2026
⏰ 3:00 - 8:00 PM

All are welcome!

06/23/2026

The Occupational Development Center, Inc. (ODC) recently celebrated a ribbon cutting!

ODC is a nonprofit social enterprise that specializes in providing employment training and support for individuals with diverse abilities who want to work.

We constantly strive to develop stronger relationships with all government agencies, providers, local employers, and family members so that we can continue to learn together to provide better opportunities for inclusivity and sustainable employment.

ODC provides with a multitude of services in life skills, vocational & employment training needs. We work with businesses in their communities to provide individuals with an option to experience work in a highly integrated setting.

For more than 50 years, ODC has proudly served Northern Minnesota, helping individuals achieve greater independence and success through meaningful employment opportunities.

💻 Visit our website www.odcmn.org
📩 Contact Gene at [email protected]
☎ Call 218-326-8574

Pictured from left to right: Chamber Ambassador, Laurie Clausen-Edward Jones, Cortney Christie-Day Services Supervisor, Gene Waters, Michael Gray, Donna Nelson, ODC President/CEO Lane Young, and Chamber Ambassador, Lori Flint-Midland Title

06/23/2026

Today's Member to Member is from UMN North Central Research & Outreach Center!

Join the North Central Research & Outreach Center as they celebrate 130 years on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM!

Bring the whole family for a free day of fun and learning on the farm, including:
🚜 Tours of the NCROC Bog & Research areas
🐄 Walk-throughs of the barns
🌱 U of M Extension booths, Master Gardeners, 8th District Garden Club, Itasca Waters, Minnesota Forest Association & more
👧 Kids activities with the Bell Museum ExploraDome
🔍 Lichen exploration, magnifiers, science and nature kits for youth while supplies last

This event is free and open to the public.

📍 North Central Research & Outreach Center
1861 E US Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

A great opportunity to celebrate local history, agriculture, research, and family-friendly learning right here in our community!

06/22/2026

Denise Carlson, owner of Blossom Up Garden & Landscaping, recently celebrated the opening of her new business venture with a ribbon cutting!

Denise specializes in creating beautiful, welcoming outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial properties. Her passion is helping clients bring their landscaping visions to life while creating environments that are both joyful and functional.

Services include:
- Custom seasonal container designs
- On-site planting
- Garden fertilization and w**d control
- Mulching, pruning, and watering
- Spring and fall clean-up services

Whether you're looking to refresh an existing landscape or create something entirely new, Denise is ready to help make your garden and landscaping dreams a reality!

Contact Denise at Blossom Up Garden & Landscaping to get started! 🌷🌿
☎ (218) 244-4187
📩 [email protected]

Pictured from left to right: Chamber Ambassadors, Jennifer Raushel-Members Cooperative Credit Union, LeAnn Hardy-City Limits Storage, and Kari Weerts-Thrivent Financial; Debbie Carlson, Denise Carlson- Blossom Up Owner, Nancy Carlson, Breanna Church; Chamber Ambassadors, Lori Flint-Midland Title, Laurie Clausen-Edward Jones, and Chamber President April Arnason.

06/22/2026

Today's Member to Member is from Paul Bunyan Communications where you can Stream, Work, and Game all at once without service issues!
No data caps - No speed throttling - Everything connected on one network.
Learn more: https://paulbunyan.net/gigazone/

06/19/2026

Calling all vendors! Registration is open for the Northern Minnesota Swap Meet & Car Show, part of Weekend of Wheels: Roll In & Rock Out!

Join us July 24 - 26, 2026, at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, MN for a full weekend of swap meet treasures, food booths, car shows, live music, Bike Night, Kids’ Day, and more.

With more than 200 vendors expected and a full weekend of activities drawing guests to the area, this is a great opportunity to get your products, parts, collectibles, handmade goods, or food in front of thousands of attendees.

Returning vendors: you have until July 1 to reserve your previous spots. After July 1, any unclaimed spaces will be filled from our vendor waiting list, so don’t wait to secure your spot!

Vendor registration and event information are available at:
💻https://www.grandmn.com/northern-mn-swap-meet-and-car-show/
☎ 218-326-6619

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of northern Minnesota’s favorite summer weekends!

https://www.grandmn.com/northern-mn-swap-meet-and-car-show/

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

06/18/2026

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight: Lori Flint!

Today we’re proud to recognize Chamber Ambassador Co-Chair, Lori Flint!

Lori has served as a Chamber Ambassador since 2017, bringing years of dedication, relationship-building, and support to our local business community.

Lori is an Executive Closer with Midland Title, and we are grateful for the time, leadership, and positive energy she continues to share with the Chamber.

Please join us in thanking Lori for serving as a Chamber Ambassador!

06/18/2026

We recently celebrated Borealis Health, PLLC with a ribbon cutting to and their expansion of accessible, patient centered mental health services in Grand Rapids, MN.

Owner Dr. Jennie J. Bata, APRN, DNP, FNP C, PMHNP C, provides an integrative model of care that recognizes the essential connection between physical and mental wellbeing. With dual board certification (family practice/psychiatry) and extensive clinical experience, Jennie offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, ADHD testing, medication genetic testing, hormonal assessments and whole person support tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Jennie brings more than twenty years of diverse healthcare experience, including primary care, psychiatric care, long term care, and specialized work with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. After relocating to Northern Minnesota, she founded Borealis Health to meet the region’s growing need for compassionate, integrative mental health services delivered in a respectful and confidential environment. The clinic looks forward to serving individuals and families across the Grand Rapids area and contributing to a healthier, more resilient community.

Pictured from left to right: Chamber President, April Arnason, Chamber Ambassadors, Jennifer Raushel - Members Cooperative Credit Union, Lori Flint - Midland Title, Borealis Health owner, Dr. Jennie Bata, Chamber Ambassadors, LeAnn Hardy - City Limits Storage Center, Inc., Becky Gilbert - The Title Team, and Kari Weerts -Benjamin Weerts - Thrivent Financial.

06/17/2026

Please join us in congratulating our June Customer Service Award Earner, Frank Gangi of Woodland Bank!

Frank was recognized for his warm personality, positive attitude, and exceptional service. He has a remarkable ability to brighten customers’ days and make every interaction a positive one.

Thank you, Frank, for representing outstanding customer service in our community, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Do you know someone in our community who deserves to be acknowledged for excellent customer service? Reach out to Kerry at the Chamber at [email protected].

Pictured from left to right: Chamber Ambassador LeAnn Hardy of City Limits Storage Center, Inc., Jeanne Nicklason, Jamie Randolph, Frank Gangi, Sophia Pocrnich, Tina Carlson, and Brian Nicklason.