Newsletter

3rd Quarter 2010                               Chamber@meltel.net                                    320-256-7174

"Things happen because people who care make them happen."

We need you! Volunteers Needed!

We are in great  need of volunteers to work in the food booth and Bingo booth on August 21 at the Riverfest Celebration. Please consider working a shift. It not only benefits the chamber, it can also be a great networking opportunity. Not only will you be in front of  lots of potential customers (don't forget to wear your business logo shirt) but you will also be working side by side with other business owners in the community. What is a better way to talk about what your business can do for someone else, than over frying hamburgers, serving corn on the cob, or calling Bingo. Shifts that need the most help in the food stand  include 3-6 and 6-9.  In the Bingo stand we need assistance with the 1-4 shift. We can't do this without everyone's help so please call the chamber office to schedule a shift.

Buy your Wristbands Today!

Pre-sale wristbands for the inflatable games are currently on sale for $10 for unlimited use from 2-5 on Saturday August 21. Games include J Wristbands can be purchased at US Bank, Freeport State Bank, Central MN Federal Credit Union, Ernie's Family Foods and Snyder V&S Variety. Cost for wristbands on that day will be $15.

Melrose Riverfest Advertisements

Due to the separation of the Miss Melrose Pageant and the Riverfest Celebration, it is no longer feasible that the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce puts out the 12 page promotional piece for Riverfest as we have in the past. The Melrose Beacon has agreed to work with us to provide the space for our information on Riverfest within the newspaper, while they sell the ads for the piece. Please support them in their efforts. Please contact Shawn at the Melrose Beacon (256-3240 or sthull@acnpapers.com) to place an advertisement for Riverfest.

Fall Marketing Opportunities

The following marketing opportunities are available to chamber members in the next several months. 

1- Erv Bueckers Camping Group Bags- 45 camping units will be in Melrose on August 27-28. They enjoy eating and shopping in Melrose. Any business who would like to place anything in the Welcome Bags for this group, please have 45 items to the chamber office by Tuesday August 24.

 2- Teacher's Welcome Bags- We will be assembling 225 bags to hand out to the teachers at Melrose K-12 School, as well as St. Mary's, Sacred Heart School in Freeport and St.John's/ St. Andrew's Schools in Greenwald and Meire Grove. They will be given to administration, teachers and staff.  Please have any items for these bags to the chamber office by Monday August 30.

 3- Halloween Bags- The chamber will once again be assembling 300 bags to give out to children at the Halloween Parade and Party. Please have items for the Halloween Bags to the Chamber Office by Monday October 25. Great items for these bags would be color pages or a coloring contest, crayons, pencils, candy and more.

2010 Rose Days   

In October, $15 can get you a dozen roses to surprise you spouse, thank friends or coworkers or give a gift "just because." On October 8 and 9th we will once again be hosting our annual Rose Days Sale. For $15 you can pick up 1 dozen pre-wrapped red Roses or have them delivered within the Melrose City Limits for only $2 per dozen. Mark you calendar and watch for more information about this Rose Days Sale.

2011 Board of Directors

We are seeking candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors. We are in need of a Vice President for a 3 year term (vice president, president, past president) and a 2 year term as secretary. Both positions require two meetings per month over the lunch period. Please talk to a current board member or call the chamber office 256-7174 for more information. Please act now, as we will vote for the new board of directors at the November Annual Meeting.

2010 Holiday Kick-Off and Holiday Cash Raffle

As we crank up the air conditioner, it is hard to think about the upcoming holiday season. Even though, we are asking chamber members to begin thinking about the Holiday Kick-Off on Friday November 26, what events or sale you would like the chamber to advertise for you on the posters and begin thinking about your unit in the Mini Dazzle Parade.

We will also be doing the Holiday Cash Raffle in conjunction with the Holiday Kick-Off. We will be running the raffle as we did last year, selling $20 tickets distributed to chamber members to sell. $500 tickets will be sold.  Prizes for this year will be Grand Prize: $2,500 2nd Prize: $1,000 3rd Prize: $500 10-$100 prizes. Additional prizes include an electric grill donated by Stearns Electric Association, 2- $50 in Chamber Bucks donated by Freeport State Bank, Enrollment and 3 month single membership at Snap Fitness donated by Snap Fitness, 4 wristbands for Nickelodeon Universe and discount hotel coupon donated by KASM Radio, $50 Visa Gift Card donated by Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union. Tickets will be on sale during the Riverfest Celebration and will be distributed to Chamber Members in October.

2010 Miss Melrose Royalty

Congratulations to Miss Melrose Amber Roering and Melrose Princess Paige Austing! They were crowned on June 24, 2010! Our Melrose Royalty is available to assist at local events and promotions at Melrose Businesses. Contact the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Ink Cartridges Recycled Here

Remember that the chamber is a source to recycle your used (name brand)  laser and ink jet cartridges. We recycle them through "Funding Factory" and use the rewards to buy office products. Drop them off at the chamber office anytime, or call and we will come pick them up. Thank you for participating!

Upcoming Meetings & Events

August 19 General Membership Meeting 12 noon El Portal Restaurant

August 21 Melrose Riverfest Celebration

September  16 General Membership meeting 12 noon Melrose Bowl

October 8 Rose Days Sale

October 31 Halloween Parade and Party

November 26 Holiday Kick-Off and Holiday Cash Drawing

February 12 Murder Mystery Dinner