Living in small town rural America is truly a treat. It doesn't take long to meet your neighbors, because everyone is curious, and kind. At least that's the way I have found it to be. Admittedly, I am a curious person, so I enjoy meeting anyone who happens across my path, and my job is writing about and promoting the people and business in the towns I write for. Today I went to visit Beth Smith at Wanamingo Mutual Insurance. Beth is an integral part of the Commercial Club here in Wanamingo, and was brimming with information about the Club.
Basically, the Club was formed to promote local businesses, conjure up fun events for the locals to enjoy, and promote things like city wide garage sales, parades, and such. The 4 events they put on each year are Christmas in Wanamingo, Syttende Mai, Halloween, and 4th of July. The CC gets together once a month for a lunch meeting at JB's Tavern to determine what is needed for putting on each event. The public is always welcome to attend, and to come up with new ideas to make these events fun for everyone. They welcome your input, and you don't even have to join the club to have your ideas heard. The more ideas, the better it will be! If you do decide to join in the fun, yearly dues are $75.00, and goes to help promote and pay for what goes into each event. Many members pay their dues and leave it at that, while others are on the board of directors, and are the worker bees to bring the fun to you! Either way is a win, because if you have a business you would like to promote, this is the place to do so.
The board members who put all these events together for your enjoyment are Beth Smith, Tina Leininger, Todd Greseth and Michael Boulton. The Security State Bank sends a delegate to the lunch meeting, and Dan Romo has recently joined as well. Other local businesses donate money and pay the annual fees to help sponsor the events and participate during the events as well. As I said earlier, the meeting is open to anyone who cares to come. You can ask questions, learn about the upcoming events, add your ideas, or volunteer to help with all that goes into making the magic happen! If you are a business in Wanamingo or the surrounding towns, you can promote yourself by having a float in the 4th of July parade! There is no cost to be in the parade, and it is a great form of advertising.
The Commercial Club works with the Fire Department and the Lions Club for certain events. The Commercial club pays for things like meeting Santa Claus, food vendors, bouncy houses, games and donates money towards the fireworks. They pay for the bands that play for certain events, and the free hot dogs and chips at the Halloween event. Every year, a different business is the Host for the free food and mans the tables to keep those hot dogs coming! This year it was Security State Bank, last year Reckitt, and the year before, 24 Hour Fitness. So, are you beginning to see the golden opportunities that come with getting involved with your community events?
This year's Christmas in Wanamingo will be held on Thursday, December 7th. Local businesses will be handing out treats at the Industrial Park from 4 to 5 pm, and at their businesses from 5 to 7 pm. There will be drawings for local gift certificates that you can spend at any participating business. First prize is $100.00, 2nd prize is $50.00, and 3rd prize is $25.00. You will pick up a card to have stamped by each business you visit and give a donation of cash or a non-perishable food item to get the initial card. When you have collected 10 stamps (or more), you will go to the bank and deposit your entry in the drawing box before 7 pm. The drawing for the lucky winners will be on Friday the 8th. And don't forget to visit with Santa at the Midwest Machinery (AKA - SEMA) building at 11555 Highway 60 Boulevard!
If you would like more information about the Commercial Club and what they do, want to join up as a member, decide to attend a lunch meeting, or just feel like volunteering for the many jobs that need to be done, please reach out to Beth at 507-824-2912, or chat with one of the other members. This is a great way to meet other business owners, promote your business, or just have some fun socializing with your community members. Happy Holidays to all from the Messenger staff!!!
