chamber connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Volume 7 Issue 5
September 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS
6th Annual Girl’s Night Out
Pajama Party
Thursday, October 1
Evening
Downtown Hibbing
Eggs & Issues
Tuesday, October 13
8:00 a.m.
Hibbing Park Hotel
15th Annual Funspiel
Friday, December 4
All Day
Hibbing Curling Club
111th Annual Dinner
Friday, February 5, 2016
Evening
The Crown Ballroom
Registration is now open for the
2016 Leadership Program.
Please contact 218-262-3895
or hibbcofc@hibbing.org
for more information.
Hibbing Jubilee:
“Sweetest” Parade, Art & More on the Avenue, Street Dance,
Business After Hours, & Jubilee Raffle
2015 Grand Marshal Mr. Craig Hattam is pictured
left to right: Senator David Tomassoni; Lory Fedo,
Hibbing Area Chamber President/CEO; and
Mayor Rick Cannata.
Specialty: 1st Place, HHS Football Team; 2nd Place, Fort Francis Highlanders; 3rd Place, American Bank
Float: 1st Place, Hibbing Area Scouts; 2nd Place, IBEW 294; 3rd Place, Cherish
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! We have received many compliments on this year’s parade;
mainly due to the parade entries having FANTASTIC floats and themes!
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Thank You to our Jubilee Sponsors and Volunteers!
Business After Hours Sponsors:
HillCrest
Assisted Living &
Memory Care
Major Sponsors:
Hibbing Taconite • Detroit Reman—DMR • Max Gray Construction •
RT Convenience • Ranger GM • Hibbing Daily Tribune • Republic Bank
Street Dance Sponsors:
Contributors:
24hr Bookkeeper, Access North, Algonquin Club, Architectural Resources, Baron’s Pharmacy,
Bender’s Shoe, Commissioner Steve Rauker, H-E Parts Mining Dom-Ex, Dougherty Funeral Home,
Dr. Scott Mescher, Excel Business Systems, Express Print, Fena Advertising, Fraboni’s, H & L Mesabi,
Hibbing Chrysler Center, Hibbing Curling Club, Hibbing Park Hotel, IBEW Local 294, Iron Mining
Association, Iron Range Plumbing and Heating, Jasper Engineering, Kiddy Karousel, Lind Industrial
Supply, Matetich Insurance Agency, Midwest Communications, Minnesota Power, Nelson-Williams
Linings, NewCon Company, Plan-It Travel, Prebich & Sullivan, P.C., PolyMet Mining, Range Cornice
Heating & Sheet Metal, Rudi’s Pizza, Sellman Law Office, Shubat Transportation, Sunrise Deli,
Super One Foods, Sportsman’s Restaurant, USS, and United Taconite
Volunteers:
SPECIAL THANK YOU to: Shari Erickson (Jubilee Chair), Jon Timpane & the Kiwanis Crew, & Jared Lubben
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Bike MS: Tram Ride
If you happened to be in the downtown area of
Hibbing or Bennett Park on Saturday, July 25, you will
have noticed many people walking around or on
bicycles. The reason was that the Bike MS: Tram Ride
was in town for the day. Close to 800 bicyclists and
family/friends camped at Bennett Park or stayed at local
hotels and spent time touring and shopping Hibbing.
There are many people to thank for their efforts in making this a memorable host city stay for the
riders. Thank you to the MS Tram Committee Members that includes people from the City of Hibbing,
Parks and Recreation, Iron Range Tourism Bureau, Mesabi Trail, Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists and
representatives from many local businesses. Thank you to our day-of volunteers who helped with the
information booth, loading and unloading luggage, and various other tasks and duties.
Photo Credit: Ruth B. White
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2015 Bowling Bonanza
LEFT:
Best Score
RIGHT:
Lowest Score
Thank you to the following for contributing to this successful event:
Anytime Fitness
Wear-Tek of Midwest
Max Gray Construction
US Bank
L & M Radiator
Liquor Cabinet
Wells Fargo Bank
Ohana Therapeutic Massage
Hibbing Chrysler Center
Midwest Communications
Palmer’s
Courtyard Café
Rudi’s Pizza
Hibbing Bowling Center
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Annual Golf Outing
The 2015 Chamber Golf Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank the following businesses.
Without their help, the Golf Outing would not have been successful!
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Highlights of the Annual Golf Outing
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A Message from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Looking to hire a veteran? Contact us.
Hiring Minnesota Heroes was launched last summer to work one-on-one with
Minnesota employers to develop and launch veterans hiring programs. One year later,
we’ve notched several successes. We are ready for the next steps.
Since the program’s start-up, we are working with 102 companies to help create a program or are actively
sending candidates their way. In total, 1,251 veterans were hired filling a variety of positions at all sizes
and types of companies across the state.
Hiring Minnesota Heroes addresses two pressing needs. No. 1, veterans have valued skills yet frequently
find it unusually difficult to get a related job. No. 2, many employers remain challenged to find qualified
workers. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce network with employers and local chambers of
commerce is in a perfect position to connect employers and veterans.
The first year provided many valuable takeaways for all employers that seek to tap the rich pool of
veterans to boost their workforce. Most important, those companies enjoying the greatest success have
support from their executive leadership.
There are other useful tips for companies looking to jump-start a program. Among them:
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Hire a veteran or military spouse to manage the recruitment. They understand military resumes and
can translate military skills into what’s applicable in the civilian workforce.
Create formal or informal veterans networks within the company.
Add language to job descriptions that would attract veterans.
Assist and advise veterans in pursuing licensing and certifications.
The first year identified challenges, too. Many employers are very interested and motivated to hire
veterans. But even the most enthusiastic don’t know where to find and connect with veterans. The lack of
interaction between uniformed military personnel and the Minnesota civilian community makes for a
challenging transition for many veterans. Some may even hide the fact of their military service.
Hiring Minnesota Heroes is ready to assist. Our focus this year is linking employers to resources—help
them identify pipelines, pathways and partnerships to actually employ veterans. Making the connection is
a win-win for employers and veterans alike.
Let us help you get started. Ted Daley oversees our program. He is a former state senator from Eagan
with more than 20 years of military management. You can contact him directly at
ted.daley@mnchamber.com.
Bill Blazar is Interim President of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – www.mnchamber.com.
St. Paul, Minn.—June 29, 2015—The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced that it has selected
Douglas B. Loon as its new president. Loon, currently a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,
will fill the vacancy left by David Olson who passed away last July.
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California Based Investment Group Acquires ZMC Hotels
Duluth, MN—August 20, 2015—In a blockbuster transaction, long-time Duluth-based hotelier ZMC Hotels
has been acquired by a private investment group led by real estate investor and developer, Mark Hall,
who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Walnut Creek, CA-based Hall Equities Group (HEG). The
acquisition involves 29 hotels located in 10 states, including seven local hotels: the new Hampton Inn in
Hibbing, MN; the Edgewater Hotel and Water Park; the Inn on Lake Superior; the Duluth Lakewalk Days
Inn; and the Downtown Duluth motel—all located in Duluth. Also included is the Americinn located in
Ashland, WI, and the Best Western Bridgeview, located in Superior, WI.
ZMC Hotels, locally owned by the Goldfine family, is a third-generation family-owned business with deep
roots in the Duluth area. ZMC Hotels got its start in 1969 and was originally an offshoot of the once
prolific Goldfine’s Department Store chain of Duluth. Ken Goldfine, Chief Executive Officer of ZMC Hotels
stated that “after nearly fifty years of building ZMC Hotels into a nationally recognized hotel company, it
has become time to turn it over to an organization with fresh energy and the financial resources that can
move the business to the next level.”
Hall plans on retaining the heart of the ZMC management team headquartered in the region and all of
the on-site staff at the area’s many hotels. However, accounting and construction management functions
will be consolidated into Hall Equities Group, which is Halls affiliated California-based operating company.
Mark Hall stated: “We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to acquire the organization and assets
of ZMC Hotels. It is a rare occasion when one can acquire a company with the reputation, portfolio quality,
and geographic coverage of ZMC Hotels. We look forward to carrying forward the successful legacy of
ZMC for many years to come.” Hall mentioned plans for several new hotel development projects to be
handled by ZMC, including two new hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, hotels in Northern California and
Washington State, as well as an additional hotel locally in Superior, WI.
U.S. Bank in Hibbing Names Tonya Carlson a Personal Banker
Hibbing, MN—July 22, 2015—U.S. Bank in Hibbing, Minnesota has
named Tonya Carlson a personal banker at its 211 E. Howard St.
branch office.
Carlson is responsible for developing new business and expanding existing customer relationships. She
has been working in the financial services industry for 17 years.
Carlson is active in the community as a volunteer for United Way and Mighty Mutts. She resides in
Hibbing with her family.
Thank You for Your Service, JV
A longtime Chamber Ambassador Volunteer recently retired from our ranks. JV Wiener
was a cherished volunteer—she was always there for the Chamber staff when they
needed a helping hand. JV won many Chamber awards for her service, which began as an
employee for US Bank, (then First Bank). and has served with the Ambassadors since
April 1984. Although we will miss her, we are happy that she is enjoying life. We know
that she will be busy wherever she goes!
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Karine Woodman Appointed to Intuit Accountant & Advisor Customer Council
Hibbing, MN—June 16, 2015—Karine Woodman has been named to
Intuit Inc.’s, (Nasdaq: INTU), Accountant and Advisor Customer
Council. Intuit creates business and financial management solutions
that simplify the business of life for small businesses, consumers and
accounting professionals.
The CEO of 24hr Bookkeeper, Woodman is one of 16 council members who will share their insights, experience and expertise to help Intuit develop new products and
services for accounting professionals and small businesses. She has more than 10 years experience in
bookkeeping, payroll and Quickbooks services.
“We’re excited that Karine Woodman is joining our advisory council,” said Jim McGinnis, vice president of
Intuit’s Accountant and Advisor Group. “Members of our council embrace and use online technologies to
gain efficiencies within their practice to meet the unique needs of their clients. Karine brings a
combination of imagination, experience and practical counsel that will help us develop and deliver
cloud-based products that accounting professionals need and want to better serve small businesses.”
Woodman said she was excited by the selection. “I’m excited to participate in the process of simplifying
systems and creating efficiencies for accountants and their clients throughout the world.”
The council meets periodically at Intuit’s Silicon Valley headquarters to get an inside look at the
company’s strategy and product development. Members participate for up to two years, sharing their
thoughts and insights on critical accountant and small business tools.
Office Suite For Rent
900 sf Office Suite—This office was recently occupied by a dental practice. The suite is located at 704
East Howard Street and has its own direct outside entrance for customers. The suite also is available with
designated off-street parking in the rear of the building. The office is set up for up to three dental chairs.
Other spaces include:
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Waiting Room
Reception Desk
X-Ray Machine Room
Small Lab
Office with Private Toilet Room
Storage Closet
Mechanical Room for Equipment
Public toilets are located directly adjacent to the suite and
are maintained by the Building Manager
Building Manager will also remodel space to suit other businesses.
Call 218-966-1612 or 218-966-1693 for additional details.
If your business or organization has a recent news brief that you would like featured in our newsletter,
free or charge, please send the brief to Melissa at hibbcofc@hibbing.org.
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T-Shirt Factory has a New Location
Are you looking for Engravings or Screen Printed & Embroidered Apparel? T-Shirt Factory can help you
with trophies, plaques, sports awards, corporate awards, perpetual plaques, and custom engraved brass
plates. Contact T-Shirt Factory for more details! They are now located at 2400 4th Avenue West in
Hibbing and can be reached at 218-262-4224 or sales@T-ShirtFactoryMN.com. Visit their website at
www.T-ShirtFactoryMN.com.
The Minnesota Traveler Visits the Iron Range
The Iron Range, and Hibbing, was recently highlighted on the television series, The Minnesota Traveler,
which was sponsored by the Iron Range Tourism Bureau. Beth Pierce, Director of the Iron Range Tourism
Bureau, is shown in an interview at Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant during the Hibbing Jubilee talking about
what makes the Iron Range so unique. To watch the full episode, visit
www.theminnesotatraveler.com/episodes/.
Local Business Celebrates 30 Years of Success
Congratulations to Hibbing Fabricators as it
celebrates 30 years of success in Hibbing!
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Hanging of the Downtown Flowers in May
Business After Hours at JPJ Engineering & Palmers Tavern
Grand Opening & Business After Hours at Hampton Inn
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Upcoming Events
On Tuesday, October 13,
Senator David Tomassoni and
Representative Carly Melin will
be taking part in Legislative Eggs
& Issues. Social and a breakfast
buffet will begin at 8:00 a.m. at
Hibbing Park Hotel—Arrowhead II,
with the discussion to follow at
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Register
by contacting the Hibbing Area
Chamber at 218-262-3895 or
hibbcofc@hibbing.org.
Do you have a question or issue
that you would like discussed at
this event? Email it to
hibbcofc@hibbing.org by
Thursday, October 8.
Do you have trouble sleeping? Does your
partner keep you up with their snoring? It
could be sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that
effects millions of people in the U.S. alone.
Darryl Rajkovich will be discussing what sleep
apnea is, the symptoms, and treatments. Join
us and learn from a local expert!
Speaker: Darryl Rajkovich
RT, RPSGT, Sleep Technologist
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Wednesday, September 16
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
Binster’s—2601 1st Avenue, Hibbing
$12 Members / $15 Non-Members
RSVP by Monday, September 14 to 218-2623895 or info@hibbing.org.
If you have any special dietary requirements,
please let us know.
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Marshview Meadows
New Business
12015 32nd Street West, Hibbing
Kortani Martin, 2015 Hibbing Winter Frolic Queen; Kala Linder, Ambassador, Express Employment
Professionals; Elizabeth Marschalk, Ambassador, Always There Staffing; Troy Loeb, Ambassador,
Edward Jones; Lory Fedo, President/C.E.O., Hibbing Area Chamber; Scott Allison, Marshview Meadows;
Lynne Johnson, Ambassador, Edward Jones; Tom Bartovich, Business Banker, American Bank;
Chris Bergum, Triumph Twist Drill; Marvin Vuicich, President, American Bank;
Nathan Dahl, Credit Analyst, American Bank; Rob Marwick, C.O.O., American Bank
MTI—Northern Foundry
New Management
555 W 25th Street, Hibbing
Joe Wagner, Plant Manager, MTI-Northern Foundry; Kala Linder, Ambassador, Express Employment
Professionals; Troy Loeb, Ambassador, Edward Jones; Carrie Krick, Quality Assurance Manager,
MTI-Northern Foundry; Lynn Erkelenz, Ambassador, Midwest Communications; Lynne Johnson,
Ambassador, Edward Jones; Elizabeth Marschalk, Ambassador, Always There Staffing; Bobby Burgess,
Accounting Manager, MTI-Northern Foundry; Melissa Cappo, Accounting Assistant, MTI-Northern Foundry;
Jamie Gavitt, Quality Assistant, MTI-Northern Foundry; Marion Minerich, HR Manager, MTI-Northern
Foundry; Rhonda Viktora, Payroll Assistant, MTI-Northern Foundry; Scott Brazier, Customer Service
Representative, MTI-Northern Foundry; Jeremy Larson, Quality Facilitator, MTI-Northern Foundry; Thad
Conley, Engineer Manager, MTI-Northern Foundry; Dan Linder, Ambassador, Hibbing Chrysler Center
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Upcoming
Events & Meetings
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce
211 East Howard Street
P.O. Box 727
Hibbing, Minnesota 55746
Phone: 218-262-3895
Fax: 218-262-3897
Email: hibbcofc@hibbing.org
info@hibbing.org
Do you know someone who is
not receiving their issue of
Chamber Connection,
the Hibbing Area Chamber
Newsletter? If so, please contact us at
hibbcofc@hibbing.org to get them
added to our distribution list!
Range Young Professionals
Committee Meeting
September
8
12:00 p.m.
Bach Yen
Board of Directors Meeting
September
14
12:00 p.m.
Hibbing Park Hotel
BR & E Committee Meeting
September
15
8:00 a.m.
Hibbing Area Chamber
Funspiel Committee Meeting
September
4:00 p.m.
Healthy Lunch Club
“All About Sleep Apnea”
September
16
12:00 p.m.
Binsters
Ambassadors Meeting
September
12:00 p.m.
Worksite Wellness Committee
September
12:00 p.m.
2015 Board of Directors
Chair of the Board
Rachel Sullivan
Prebich & Sullivan, P.C.
First Vice Chair
Wayne Kangas
Thrivent Financial
Second Vice Chair
Troy Loeb
Edward Jones
Treasurer
Bill Lowry
Max Gray Construction
Past Chair of the Board
Camille Nasi
Liquor Cabinet
Pam Angen
L & M Radiator
Pat Ives
Kiddy Karousel
Chris Bergum
Triumph Twist Drill
Jared Lubben
Hibbing Taconite
Aaron Bonelli
Range Credit Bureau
D’Arcie Malsam
US Bank
Rian Burkes
Nelson Roofing/KBC
Jeannie Nobens
Minnesota Twist Drill
Celia Cameron
Republic Bank
Jeremy Rodorigo
Wells Fargo Bank
Brad Castagneri
Dom-Ex, LLC
Bill Thurman
Mesaba Heating
Aaron Clusiau
Security State Bank
Tina Uhrbom
Fairview Range
Joan Cotton
1st Realty Rangewide
Bobbie van Schoonhoven
Delta Air Lines
Gary Flesland
MDI
Marvin Vuicich
American Bank
Krystle Glad
Range Center
Professional Staff
President, CEO
Lory Fedo
Marketing & Event Coordinator
Melissa Koschak
Sales & Event Coordinator
Ella Champion