At the January 20 Houston Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, the warm collaboration of the chamber members presented a sharp contrast to the frigid weather. Approximately 12 members braved the cold to conduct their annual meeting at JT’s Corner Bar and Grill.
President Rod Torgerson called the business meeting to order. After the 2024’s annual meeting minutes were approved, Torgerson called on Treasurer Patrick Forsyth for his report. For the year 2024, the Chamber had total expenses of $30,926.22 and a net income of $3,588.78. This net income was a significant change from 2023 when the net income was a negative $2,669.29. The Chamber has been much more active both in fundraising and using the money to promote Houston and its businesses.
A snapshot of 2024 was presented by Chamber Director and Secretary Margaret Knutson. She informed the group that the Chamber membership had increased by eight members for a total of 60 members.
A very successful 50/50 raffle was held over Hoedown Days and increased the Chamber’s income. Plans are to repeat the raffle this year again. Knutson noted that they needed to apply to the city for a permit soon to give them more time to sell the tickets.
The proceeds from the 50/50 raffle must be spent on certain things such as youth events and scholarships. The Holidazzle events at the school, a youth fishing contest or a teen dance would all be eligible.
The Chamber also received a MN Explore Grant which will be used this spring for advertising. In order to use the grant, the Chamber must first spend its own money and then it will receive a reimbursement for the expenses.
Other activities of the Chamber included the Halloween and pumpkin contest, Light Up the Streets (the Chamber paid for some new Christmas banners for Houston streets), Houston Holidazzle, Houston Light Up the Park, and a lighting contest for businesses and residential homes.
The Flock the Neighborhood fundraiser in which people pay for a flock of flamingos to “land” in someone’s yard was a success in 2024 and will be continued in 2025. Another fundraiser discussed was the possibility of side-by-side ride with a poker run.
Collaboration with other cities was proposed. Last year Houston County Chambers of Commerce did a classic car tour in which participants received card punches and were entered for a chance for prizes.
Elections were held; all officers were re-elected – President Rod Torgerson, Vice President John Evenson, Treasurer Patrick Forsyth and Secretary Margaret Knutson.
The members present gave business updates. Josh Norlien shared that he will be opening a new business, Money Creek Outfitters, on March 15. The business will sell fly fishing equipment and bait and offer some guide services. Norlien is looking for a drift boat to use with customers,
Steve Westby suggested Norlien get the information out to the people coming to attend the National Winston Gravel Bike Ride in September, noting that they are looking for other things to do in the area.
April Carrier shared that her agency carries auto, home, car and life insurance; she sells Farmers Insurance.
Superintendent Mary Morem shared that the school was partnering with the cinema in Spring Grove with Gina Morken teaching an entrepreneurship class. The intent is to do the same with businesses in other towns as well.
The school is also working to create an EMR class. By collaborating with Winona ambulance service, a hands-on and online class for students to become first responders has been created. A bill to fund an online course for the entire state is being advocated for at the state legislature.
Morem reminded the Chamber that the school has students who could help with creating marketing and advertising for them.
Steve Westby, representing the city of Houston, informed the group that Spruce Street would not be worked on until next year so Hoedown could go on as usual.
Derek Wallace told the Chamber that Owl City Cycles will be reopening for the season March 15; new hours are 9-6 on Mondays-Fridays and 10-4 on Saturdays. He is working to create a gravel bike race for the second weekend of June. Routes will include a 20-mile ride in Perkins Valley and 45-, 75- and 110-mile rides that will go south and travel into Iowa as well.
Rod Torgerson of Farmers Win Co-op informed the group that it had ranked third highest nationally by Purina Feeds. The co-op sells between $30 and $35 million a year.
Patrick Forsyth commented that Bluff Country Financial was busy getting ready for tax season.
Vicki Hongerholt of Mound Prairie Insurance shared that Mound Prairie was actually an insurance company and not just an agency. The company was incorporated in 1884.
The Chamber will be traveling to different Houston businesses for their meetings this coming year so they can also tour the businesses; the next meeting will be at the Legion. Following the informal business meeting, the Chamber members continued to network with each other as they chatted and discussed possibilities for Houston’s future before they ventured out into the cold, cold night!
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