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"During this time, it may feel lonely. Being a helper, in any way I can, makes me feel connected to our community."
As a thank you to the essential professionals for their dedication to caring for our community, is sending LuLaRoe Leggings to them! So far, Amy Gavit has
sent about 30 pairs to various workers and is hoping to donate 150 pairs to E cumen in 3 waves.Its $5 to sponsor a pair OR if you purchase an item through her you get 2 sponsored pairs included.
What’s InsideMonthly Scoop Page 2
New Members Page 3
Member News Page 4
Chamber Focus Page 5
Chamber CalendarCity Wide Sales CANCELED May 2
Community Events Team May 5
Ambassador Meeting May 8
Virtual Luncheon May 12
Board of Directors Mtg May 19
Action Coach Training: Goals May 22
Memorial Day - CLOSED May 25
Member Bene�ts May 26
www.NorthBranchChamber.com
May 2020
Virtual Chamber Team Meetings willbe conducted on Zoom.com
How Do You Return to Work Safely? As the State of Minnesota begins to allow businesses to re-open during the COVID-19Pandemic, you might be looking for ways to do so safely. See page 4 for more details...
Thank you to all of those who are taking this time to be #ChamberStrong for our community!
The North Branch Area Chamber recognizes these are hard times and that businesses are busy adjusting to the new realities we are all facing. We want to highlight some of our members that are reallygoing the extra mile to help support our community. Their e�orts are as wonderfully unique as they are!
THANKY U#ChamberStrong TO THE
HELPERS.A River of Kindness Campaign
20TH ANNUALNORTH BRANCH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GOLF CLASSIC
save the dateTHURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
FALCON RIDGE GOLF COURSE
Nor
th B
ranc
h Ar
ea Chamber of Commerce
ANNUALGOLF
CLASSIC
Q& ARiver of Kindness continued on page 5...
COVID-19 Preparedness Plans Necessary to Get Back To BusinessExecutive Order 20-40, issued by Gov. Tim Walz on April 23, 2020, requires each business in operation during the peacetime emergency establish a “COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.”
A business’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan shall establish and explain the necessary policies, practices and conditions to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for COVID-19 and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards related to worker exposure to COVID-19. The plan should have the strong commitment of management and be developed and implemented with the participation of workers. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, in consultation with MDH, has the authority to determine whether a plan is adequate.
Your COVID-19 Preparedness Plan must include and describe how your business will implement at a minimum the following:
1) infection prevention measures 2) prompt identification and isolation of sick persons 3) engineering and administrative controls for social distancing 4) housekeeping, including cleaning, disinfecting, and decontamination 5) communications and training for managers and workers necessary to implement the plan 6) provision of management and supervision necessary to ensure effective ongoing implementation of the plan.
The North Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center provides us with a draft template of the COVID-19 recovery business plan (that meets the criteria above), instructions, OSHA’s Guide on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, and many other great resources to create an Operational Plan for your business. No business is required to use this draft, and if you do choose to utilize this, please note you will need to adapt it to fit the specific needs of your business.
To access this draft template and for more information pertaining to the “COVID-19 Preparedeness Plan”, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industries website: www.dli.mn.gov
Sincerely,
Julia GervaisExecutive DirectorNorth Branch Area Chamber of Commerce
page 2
Monthly Scoop
GOALSEducation Virtual Training
Friday, May 228:30 - 10:30am
Hosted by :ActionCoach MN
RSVP on the Chamber website Calendar
The mission of the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the relationship between business and community for a vibrant future.
Monthly Events
Virtual May LuncheonTuesday, May 12
12-1pm
Legislative Update with Senator Mark Koran &
House Representative Anne Neu Goal setting is a skill, like selling, managing, or anything else you need to become a highly productive and effective person. It has been called the master skill of success. Goals soft wire your brain to align your thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve success. When you learn this skill, you take control because it takes the guesswork out of what to do next, which minimizes risk and reduces fear.
JOIN US as we give clear direction on goals vs purpose, big picture and short-term goals, where do I start, and how do I make them happen. You will be excited about what lies ahead! RSVP on the Chamber
website calendar
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
651-277-2265StearnsBank.com | Follow us |
Member FDIC
Joe and CathySelling Houses!
Call or text anytime651-285-9558651-248-6897
CathyCarchedi.com
Always moving forward ... We would like all area businesses to join us!
If you know of a business that could bene�t from Chamber Membership, invite them to join; share your chamber story and
experiences with them.
“Helping your business, helping your community... when one does well, we all do well.”
page 3
Featured Business
Welcome New MembersKinetic by WindstreamJeremy Lehn(763) 238-1346 [email protected] by Windstream provides Voice, Internet, Uni�ed Communications, Cloud & Security Solutions.
PARTNERSHIPS That work for your business
Member Advocacy Referrals Marketing Opportunities Business Resources Information
O�ce Hours: 8am-4pm M-F (hours may vary)
651.674.4077
We’re Available!
Professional Development Educational Seminars Leadership Training Networking *virtually held events at this time
Community Involvement Old Highway 61 Initiative Chamber Scholarship Fund
Bene�t from the Chamber.
JOIN TODAY!
North Branch American Legion’s Midsummer Days has been canceled for 2020.
Counselors at Lakes Center for Youth and Families have openings for therapy through telehealth. Insurance typically covers this service; we also have programs available to assist with fees. To schedule an appointment or for more information, give us a call at 612-405-0299 or visit www.lc4yf.org.
Contact Empire Insurance Group, Inc. for a free insurance quote! If they can’t beat your current rates, they will give you a $20 gift card. Contact Empire for details,651-674-0990.
page 4
Member News
North Branch Area Public Schools: North Branch Area Public Schools is delivering over 6,000 meals a week to families during the COVID-19 response. Meal and material pick up schedules can be found at the school district’s Distance Learning/COVID-19 webpage. NBAPS is very grateful for all the donations of cloth face coverings from the public. Those interested in donating cloth face coverings for school staff can leave masks in a sealed plastic bag outside door #8 of the North Branch Area Education Center - 38705 Grand Ave.
City of North Branch: For years, conversations have taken place in North Branch regarding the need for Affordable Senior Housing (Senior Housing, per the State of Minnesota and Federal Housing is considered for those 55 years and older; affordable – MN Housing requirements). Up until last year, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency did not fund senior housing. Effective with the 2020 application season, MHFA will now consider applications for financial support for senior housing. The city is pleased to announce that Central Minnesota Housing Partnership will be applying for financial assistance from MHFA to build a 32 unit affordable housing, senior complex, which if funded, is planned for the southeast corner of the intersection of 400th and Cherokee Ave. CMHP’s application will score higher if it is accompanied by letters of support from residents and businesses in North Branch. If you are willing to write a letter, please contact Carla Vita at city hall (674-8113).
Additionally, construction is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks for the new roundabout connecting Hemingway to the south and TH95, for a new intersection at 392nd and Flink, and a new road south of Cherokee Place (399th Street).
Lastly, the city municipal liquor stores are open for business and the city’s store located on Old Main Street offers curbside delivery and home delivery to accommodate customers who prefer not to enter the stores. For more information, please check out the liquor store web page at http://www.north-branchliquors.com/
East Central MN Pride in the Park , scheduled for June 6, has been canceled. Mark your calen-dars for June 5, 2021!
Express Employment Professionals in Forest Lake is OPEN FOR BUSINESS, supporting “essential” North Branch area businesses. We are actively interviewing 30+ candidates each week. We are looking for safe, growing companies with positive culture, who are looking for temporary, long-term, and direct hire caliber candidates. Call 651-464-9995 today to speak with an Express representative.
Wild Mountain Taylors Falls Recreation has extended their Spring Season Pass Sale for 2020-21 skiing/snowboarding season to June 1. www.wildmountain.com
The annual Tables Around Town fundraiser event that supports the Chisago County Senior Center that was set for May 2nd has been canceled. Many area businesses and individuals have already financially contributed to the event, therefore a committee member will be reaching out to them this week. In 2019 the TAT event was able to raise $25k for the Senior Center. These financial resources are greatly needed to ensure the sustainability of the center for years to come. The committee will not be hosting an alternative event later this year but will continue the annual event in May 2021. In the meantime if you would like to support the Senior Center or have ques-tions about the annual event, you may reach out to board member and committee member Carol Gilquist at 612-616-5653
Returning to Work Safely
COVID-19 PREVENTION BEST PRACTICESThe Minnesota Chamber of Commerce provides guidance on “Best Practices” to return to work safely. Topics include: Personal Protection and Facilities Cleaning, Sanitizing; Social Distancing; Vendor Engagment; Customer Engagment; Travel Policies; Monitoring Employee Health; Employee and Customer Communications/Instruction/Signage; Communications/Education/Responsibilites.
“Throughout the challenges presented by the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Minnesota Chamber’s goal has been to strike a balance between safeguarding health and protecting Minnesota’s economy. Minnesota businesses are eager to get back to work” states the Minnesota Chamber, “ business operations can and should return to a sustainable level without jeopardizing employees’ or customer safety.”
To learn more about COVID-19 Best Practices, visit the Minnesota Chamber website at www.mnchamber.com
We know getting your job done looks a little different these days.
As we face this evolving time together, let’s remain inspired by the hope of tomorrow and navigate challenges one day at a time.
We’re available to you with:
• Extended hours: 7 am – 6 pm M-F and 8 am – 12 pm Sat
• Personal support, including answering calls on the first ring
• 24/7 account access with StearnsConnect digital banking
Whatever your new normal is, we’re here with you. Together, we’ll emerge stronger and more connected than ever.
Times have changed.
Follow us | StearnsBank.com | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
38877 10th Ave | North Branch, MN 55056 | (651) 277-2265
Stop by, call us or visit StearnsBank.com today!
page 5
Chamber Focus
page 5
2020 Board of DirectorsJay Reed - President
Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (651) 277-2653
Jenna Jones - Vice PresidentLakes Center for Youth & Families
(651) 464-3685
Brad Larson - TreasurerMembers Cooperative Credit Union
(651) 674-0898
Jim Antolik - Director RE/MAX Results(651) 317-2186
Jenelle Boyce - Director95 Printing
(651) 674-4065
Brett Carlson - Director North Branch Area Public Schools
Community Education(651) 674-1512
Melissa Collins -DirectorMJCollins Photography
(651) 238-0652
Lori Helms - DirectorResults Title
(651) 317-2230
Charlie Hult - DirectorLampert Lumber(651) 674-4415
Christina Huesman - DirectorAnytime Fitness(651) 674-0580
Nathan Keech - DirectorKeech Media
(612) 643-0909
Je�rey Richardson - DirectorEcumen North Branch
(651) 237-3000
Chamber O�ce:Julia Gervais - Executive DirectorKris Greene - Member Relations
(651) [email protected]
www.NorthBranchChamber.comWe’re Stronger, Together.
“For me, one of the keys to happiness is helping others and contributing to something that makes the world better.”
Melissa Collins, owner of MJCollins Photography
MJCollins Photography teamed up with Post Haste Business Solutions to honor the North Branch Area High School Seniors this Spring by putting together a “Senior Walk” in town. The walk features the photograph of your senior on an 18x24 inch yard sign at a designated display area in town for only $20.00; afterwards the signs are for them to keep! Melissa is donating her time to also take photos, at a distance, for Seniors if they need a picture to use for free! To order a sign for your Senior, or to sponsor a Senior sign, visit her website atwww.mjcollinsphotography.bigcartel.com.
“Edina Reality understands the importance of supporting our neighbors in this time of need and we know that there are so many children at home that need this food.”
Lisa Nephew, Realtor with Edina Realty
Edina Realty hosted a food drive for the food shelves to help our local familiies. Through asocial media campaign, #EdinaRealtyFoodDrive2020, they were able to reach out to ask ourcommunities to help by placing their donations in a bag marked “EDINA REALTY” outside theirhomes - and then they will come pick up & deliver their food to the local food shelf.
A local restaurant brings more meaning to comfort food. Merchants Cafe has been making meals and delivering them to essential professionals; including North
“We are doing this every month because this is hard!!! I know how to feed people so at least I can help in that way.”
Emily Sampson, owner of Merchants Cafe
Branch Police Department, M Health Fairview Clinic & Pharmacy in North Branch, Nucara Pharmacy & assisted-living facilities. They have been doing this for the last month, on top of donating paper products to people in need. Not only have they been supportive to the people they serve, they have been o�ering nightly specials to make feeding your family easier!
River of Kindness Cnt’d...
“As a small business, we want to support and help any other small business that we possibly can. We want these businesses who are struggling right now, and some
who have had to close their doors, to come out of this and reopen.”
Jennifer Neumann, owner of Prism Design & Embroidery
Prism Design & Embroidery is giving back to the businesses in our community by selling “Small Town Strong” T-Shirts and giving $10 of every shirt sold to local businesses of YOUR choice! So far, they have raised and donated over $2,000! Visit thier facebook page for detail on how to order your very own shirt today! Sale ends May 10, 2020.
651-277-2265StearnsBank.com | Follow us |
Member FDIC
Providing Energy For A Better Tomorrow
www.minnesotaenergyresources.com
651-674-4082www.northbranchliquors.com
5846 Old Main St.Mon-Wed. 9 am-9 pmThurs. 9 am-10 pm
Fri & Sat 8 am-10 pmSun 11 am-6 pm
Store profits are proudly returned to the NorthBranch Community!
5466 St. Croix Trl.Mon-Sat 8 am-10 pm
Sun 11 am-6 pm
Celebrating over in Business!70 Years
651-277-RENTjimmysjohnnys.com
Work Site Restroom Solutions
Special Events - Standard and Luxury Restroom Trailers
Parks and Recreation - Service Options
Portable Onsite Storage Containers
Helping our customers save energy and money in their homes and businesses.
Call 674-7100 or visitSaveEnergyInNorthBranch.com
Family Owned & Operated Serving East Central Minnesota for over 20 years!
preferpavinginc.net
Call for Free Estimates on all your Black Top and Ready-Mix needs!
Commercial & Residential651-464-6883 or 320-358-3539
Presort StandardU.S. Postage Paid
Mailed fromZip code 55056
Permit No. 7
North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce6063 Main Street, Suite BNorth Branch, MN 55056
Return Service Requested
O�ce Hours: 8am - 4pm Mon-Friwww.NorthBranchChamber.com
Newsletter printing courtesy of
Is Your Business
Ready to Re-Open? see inside for more details...
