Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce - Grand Rapids Minnesota

11/02/2026

CHAMBER CHEERS!

Congratulations to Tom Werner, with the Duluth Airport Authority on earning this year's Business Champion of the Year from the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce!

Duluth International Airport

Congratulations to Tom Werner, this year's business champion of the year!

Tom Werner has been with the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) for 27 years and its executive director since 2012. In his time as the executive director, Werner has overseen $237,000,000 in infrastructure improvements at the Duluth International and Sky Harbor Airports. Improvements include the final construction phase of the 80-million-dollar passenger terminal in 2013, two runway rebuilds, the new air traffic control tower project, and various other airport enhancements. His pursuit of additional air service has landed airlines such as American and Sun Country in the last 7 years. Werner successfully led the Duluth International Airport’s Vision 2040 master plan project, which sets the framework for over $163,000,000 in infrastructure enhancements and property development for years to come.

He is a retired 20-year member of the Army Reserve as well as a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tom is active on state-wide aviation, regional, and community boards. He is accredited with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Tom and his wife Tiffany enjoy visiting their kids, in North Carolina and North Dakota.

Join us on November 5th for our Annual Meeting and Dinner Celebration to celebrate our award winners: Emerging Leader of the year, Volunteer of the Year, and Business Champion of the year.

Register at duluthchamber.com/events

Duluth International Airport

10/30/2026

Give the gift of choice this holiday season with Grand Rapids Area Chamber Bucks!

Chamber Bucks function just like a gift card and make an easy, flexible gift for employees, clients, teachers, family, friends, and just about anyone on your list. They can be redeemed at 400+ Chamber member locations throughout our area for dining, shopping, services, entertainment, and more.

A special thank you to Capsugel by Lonza for sponsoring our Chamber Bucks!

Planning a larger employee or customer gift order? Please call ahead so we can have them prepared and ready for pickup. 218-326-6619

Shop local. Gift local. Keep holiday dollars working in our community!

10/29/2026

📸 Deadline is tomorrow, Friday October 30!

Have a great photo that captures the beauty of the Itasca County area? Submit it for a chance to be featured on the cover of the 2027 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Directory!

The winning photographer will also receive $250 in Chamber Bucks.

We’re looking for images that showcase what makes our area special, so dig through your camera roll, choose your favorite, and get it submitted before the deadline!

Learn more and submit at https://www.grandmn.com/event/photo-submission-contest-2027-area-directory/

10/28/2026

Come celebrate with us at Central Ave Design Co. in Nashwauk as we welcome them to the Chamber and they mark their 1-year anniversary with a special sale, open house, and Chamber ribbon cutting.

📅 Friday, November 6
✂️ Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 PM
🛍️ Anniversary Sale: November 6 & 7, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 318 Central Ave., Nashwauk

Stop in to congratulate the Central Ave Design Co. team, check out new styles, shop the restocked sale room, and help us celebrate!

We hope to see you there!

10/27/2026

Go Behind the Magic at The Reif! The community is welcome...registration is required.

Our November Chamber luncheon is going on-site for a special behind-the-scenes experience at The Reif!

Join us for lunch and networking, enjoy highlights from Reif Theater Arts’ production of Disney’s Aladdin JR., and get a closer look at the props, costumes, and creative work that bring a live production to life.

📅 Monday, November 9
📍 The Reif, 720 NW Conifer Drive
⏰ 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
💲 $15 Members | $20 Non-members
📌 RSVP by November 6 at https://www.grandmn.com/event/monthly-luncheon-8/

A special thank you to Pinnacle Marketing Group for sponsoring this luncheon.

Come for lunch, stay for the magic!

10/26/2026

Today's Member to Member is brought to you by Paul Bunyan Communications!

Focus on your business - Paul Bunyan Communications will handle the technology!

Paul Bunyan Communications’ Business Solutions team provides professional IT services backed by local experts who live and work right here in our communities.

From proactive monitoring and network management to cybersecurity, cloud solutions, hardware and software support, and help desk services, their team helps businesses stay connected, protected, and running smoothly.

📍 Local support in Grand Rapids and Bemidji
📞 Grand Rapids: 218-999-1234
🌐 https://paulbunyan.net/business/our-services/it-services/

Connecting and supporting local businesses.

10/23/2026

CHAMBER CHEERS!
Congratulations and well done to three Chamber members, Klockow Brewing Company, Rapids Brewing Co., and Fairview Grand Itasca for being nominated by the Grand Rapids Arts and Culture Commission for the 2026 Mayor’s Art Award!

Be sure to vote for your favorite to be recognized for their work in supporting the arts.

Voting will be open through Sunday, November 1st, 2026.
Vote here: https://forms.gle/J97LYu9enn3gPLJo9

The Grand Rapids Arts and Culture Commission has 3 nominations for the 2026 Mayor’s Art Award, but they need your help choosing a winner! Vote to help your favorite be recognized for their work in supporting the arts.
Voting will be open through Sunday, November 1st, 2026.
Vote here: https://forms.gle/J97LYu9enn3gPLJo9
The Mayor’s Arts Award is to be presented to an individual, business or organization that has made a significant impact on the arts in the Grand Rapids area through support of local arts, organizations, programs, or individual artists. Examples of significant impact includes advocacy, community outreach, workplace-based gallery exhibitions, volunteerism and other activities that promote the value of arts and culture in the community.
Nominees include:
• Klockow Brewing Company
• Fairview Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital
• Rapids Brewing Company

10/23/2026

West Cohasset Chapel celebrates their new location with a ribbon cutting - and invites you to an OPEN HOUSE!

West Cohasset Chapel is an established church presently gathering at CoHaus to praise, pray, and hear the good news preached every Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Expect meaningful worship, expository teaching from God’s Word, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Having gathered, they go out to serve our city, love others, and make Christ known. On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM, there is a free community meal and Bible study.

JOIN THEM FOR AN OPEN HOUSE AT CoHAUS!

Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 PM

The evening will be an opportunity to meet others, see the gathering place, and learn more about who they are. Appetizers, refreshments, and sweets will be available for you to enjoy!

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to them: 218.999.9030 or email [email protected].

Whoever you are and wherever you are from, you are welcome there.

Pictured from left to right: Chamber President, April Arnason, Chamber Ambassadors, Lori Flint- Midland Title, and Kari Weerts - Benjamin Weerts - Thrivent Financial, Kayla Smith (Church Ministry Coordinator), Nicole Franzone, Ben Bostaph (Church Elder), Joe Franzone (Pastor), Dr. Tom Howard (Member and Supported Missionary), Chamber Ambassadors, LeAnn Hardy- City Limits Storage Center, Inc., Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Laurie Clausen, and Leah Geisler- Itasca County Family YMCA.

10/22/2026

Fairview Grand Itasca celebrated their new name and brand with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking an exciting milestone for their organization and the communities they serve!

Members of the Fairview Grand Itasca executive leadership team, leaders from Fairview’s marketing team and representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce, came together to recognize the next chapter in their commitment to providing high-quality care close to home.

They are also celebrating the opening of their Urgent Care with the sunset of Rapid Clinic. Patients may enter the Emergency Department doors to access either Urgent Care or Emergency care. Their Urgent Care is open Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, and Sat/Sun from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Pictured from left to right: Chamber President, April Arnason, Chamber Ambassador, Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Danielle Witherill, Representatives from Fairview Grand Itasca, Chamber Ambassadors, Jennifer Raushel - Members Cooperative Credit Union, and Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Laurie Clausen.

10/22/2026

Our October Business Spotlight is on Lake Country Furniture!

Lake Country Furniture has been serving the Grand Rapids area for more than 30 years, beginning in 1993 when David and Kathleen Chesness purchased Ralph’s Furniture. The family expanded to its main showroom on Pokegama Avenue in 2003, and their son, Steven, joined the business in 2015. Today, Lake Country Furniture remains family-owned and operated, with a dedicated staff that treats customers like family. In addition to furniture, the showroom features Red Canoe Gifts, offering cabin-inspired décor and accessories.

Throughout the years, Lake Country Furniture has remained committed to providing quality furniture at a variety of price points while adapting to changing economic conditions and customer needs. The business emphasizes personal service, allowing customers to see and try furniture in person, with many items available to take home the same day. Grateful for the community’s support, the Chesness family continues to value the relationships they have built and the role their business plays in supporting local jobs and the Grand Rapids community.