Local Investment up 70% & '20 Isn't Over Yet

Fueled by massive projects like the Costco Depot, Minimizer, Daikin, and Rise Modular, the City of Owatonna is reporting huge industrial growth. Investment has already surpassed all of 2019 and is on track for one of the biggest years in recent memory. Read Full Story

View 2020 Statistics Here

Cash Wise Opens New Fueling Station

Courtesy: Roy Koening, KRFO 1390

It's now a one-stop shop. That's what Cash Wise Store Director Keith Ramm said after cutting the ribbon on the new fuel station in the same parking lot as Cash Wise Foods and Liquor in Owatonna. The Ambassadors of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism welcomed the newly expanded business on Thursday.
Read More: Cash Wise Foods Opens Fuel Station

Ag Manufacturer Sows Employee Bonds

84 years of manufacturing product for the agriculture industry and Gandy is still family owned. Watch the Short Video.

Celebrating Manufacturing Week 2020

City Candidates Spar Over Transparency

During a candidate forum that was mainly complimentary to the city operations and staff, one topic ruffled some feathers and it was over transparency. Full Story

Want to Showcase Your Business to Future Employees? OHS Career day a Simple Option

If you would like your business to be involved, please make 1 powerpoint slide with information you’d like shared with the students. Feel free to include a link to a video, your website, a virtual tour, or anyway you’d like to market your business. Tell them about your company, some cool facts, share a picture, a testimonial, anything that will grab their attention. Owatonna High School is hosting a virtual college and career fair on Friday, Nov. 6th.

Email your slide to Dawn Tuchtenhagen at dtuchtenhagen@isd761.org by this Friday, Oct. 16^th. Send any question you may have to her as well.

CHEERS! Updated Guidelines Allow Larger Groups at Restaurants and Bars

New guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health allow for larger groups at restaurants and bars, along with new protocols for dancing at events. These changes are meant to give restaurants more flexibility to optimize space as they serve customers.

The updated guidelines for safe dining include the following new requirements:

Limit party size in dining rooms to 10 people
Consider increasing the spacing between parties to more than 6 feet if tables accommodate
Do not allow patrons to dance

All other provisions—including 50% indoor occupant capacity, a limit of four guests per party in bar areas and that all guests must be seated—remain in effect.

The Minnesota Department of Health has also updated their Guidance for Safe Celebrations and Events to include new protocols for dancing at events. Because of the high risk associated with dancing, "dancing at social gatherings is not recommended."

Ballot Has 2 Questions from Owatonna Schools

On November 3rd, District 761 will have a Levy ask to Owatonna residents. Some important things to note:
- This is different than the high school bond. Levy is for people and programs.
- There are 2 questions on the ballot, the first extends the current levy amount you are now paying. The second phases in additional funding.
- Read all the details HERE.
If you are planning on voting in-person on November 3rd, click here to find your polling place. Also its important to flip your ballot over to vote for District 761 Levy questions and Judicial Seats!

Hospitality Businesses, Explore MN Wants Your Opinions

As Minnesota's hospitality and tourism industry continues to grapple with the profound effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and historic civil unrest, Explore Minnesota is conducting statewide virtual listening sessions to help inform our road to recovery efforts on Tuesday, Oct. 20

These 90-minute listening sessions will be an opportunity to share your perspective on the issues and challenges that affect your business and organizations. With your help, we can ensure Explore Minnesota's resources and programs are both relevant to our industry as well as inspiring to consumers.

All sessions are open to statewide participants. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

Business Community Recognized at LIVE UNITED Event

The Small Business LIVE UNITED award from the United Way of Steele County was presented to the Chamber last week at Oak VIew Event Center. The recognition was presented for the chamber's work on behalf of the businesses, including communication of important information and the Jumpstart Owatonna grant initiative.

50 Words for $50
Feature a special offer, an upcoming event or company information--but it must be 50 words. The cost to participate is $50 per week.

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