It’s a new year! We all have been a bit out of sorts over the past year as we, together, are going through this pandemic and all that goes with it, but; it is a new year and things are looking up. I told my staff last month that this train is leaving the station and moving forward. It is time. The last weekend in January we held our first event in almost a year called Fire & Ice in Lowell Park. We managed to do it safe and within the Governor’s orders, and it was a blast. It was so good to see the community come out to the park, hang by the bonfires, enjoy some ice cream and just be together. We sure take things for granted, and I believe this pandemic has had an affect on everyone; and people are revisiting priorities and what is really important in life. Community will always be important. 

The Chamber is now planning for the Community Award Celebration Gala which will be held at the JX Event Center on Thursday, May 20th.  We are thrilled to be planning an event to give back to our community which has been so strong and has persevered this past year. We are still taking nominations for all the award categories: Small Business, Large Business, Educator, Hero, Non-Profit, Volunteer, Young Visionary, and the Vibrancy Awards on our website www.greaterstillwaterchamber.com under signature events. We invite and encourage you to nominate someone, or an organization, and show your appreciation. 

We are also planning our outdoor events this year including: The Food Truck Extravaganza June 19th, the Chamber Open Golf Tournament July 26th, the Rivertown Fall Art Festival October 2-3rd and new this year, a European Market over the holidays. The Chamber’s mission is to be an inclusive organization that serves, advocates and promotes the interests of businesses while enriching the life of our community; and we intend to do just that.  Chambers are connectors, the voice of the businesses and the pillar of the community; one that we are proud to serve.  

I would be remiss if I did not mention our business community and how they came together, worked together, and promoted each other this past year. Competition was not an issue, survival was. Especially for the hospitality industry while Wisconsin was open the entire time. While I love cheese, this was tough for our businesses. So, remember them. I know you will. While I am writing this, I am at a state Chamber conference with Chamber executives from around the state; and let me tell you, I am so honored to represent this passionate and proud community in the greater Stillwater area. 

Warm Regards,

Robin Anthony, IOM 

Executive Director, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce