Chamber members met at Ace Underdahl Hardware and were welcomed by Store Manager Missy Anderson, who has been in her role since 2017.
The Karlstad location has been part of the Ace Hardware brand for one year, bringing several enhancements to the store and customer experience, including:
Expanded product selection and improved ordering capabilities
Access to trusted brands like Stihl and improved paint options
Specialized training and support through Ace
A more open, customer-friendly store layout
Online shopping capabilities with in-store visibility and free ship-to-store options
Ace Underdahl Hardware offers far more than traditional hardware supplies. Additional services include:
UPS drop-off and shipping
Watch battery replacement
Chain and knife sharpening
Screen and glass cutting
Gift wrapping
The store supports a wide range of needs, including home improvement, construction, farming, gardening, plumbing, and animal care. They also offer local delivery serviceswhen needed.
Notably, the Karlstad location is the only Ace Underdahl store (of four locations) that sells appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and freezers, with local support for warranties and service.
Upcoming Events at Ace
Mother’s Day Event (May 9 & 10): Featuring local vendors, food trucks, greenhouse products, specials, and desserts for moms
Greenhouse Opening: May 1
Summer Grilling Events: Friday grill demos with samples, sauces, and seasonings available for purchase
We appreciate Missy and her team for hosting and for their continued investment in the Karlstad community.
Meeting Updates
Ribbon Cutting Program
Still working to finalize a date for Jade’s Salon ribbon cutting
Giant scissors secured; Krista will order branded ribbon
Outreach underway to schedule additional ribbon cuttings with:
Sand Ridge
LeeLous
Kindled Seed Mercantile
Aces on Main
Other newer area businesses
An anonymous donation has been made for a Chamber backdrop
Ashlee will design and order
Marketing & Communications
Motion approved to implement Mailchimp for Chamber email marketing
Weekly or bi-weekly emails will highlight:
Community events
Business promotions
Chamber updates
Chamber members will be able to submit content for inclusion
This email list will serve as a growing communication tool for the community
Social Media Support: Jamie has volunteered to assist with Chamber social media
Paid Social Ads:
Initial budget of $30–$50/month
Additional advertising opportunities may be offered to members if demand exceeds budget
Membership Materials
Membership certificates are in progress:
Krista gathering frames
Ashlee adding signatures to template
Shelby managing printing and updates for businesses
School Job Fair
Targeting October or November
Committee continues to meet with school leadership to finalize details
Future opportunities discussed:
Engagement with Tri-County career and senior strategy classes
Business presentations, classroom visits, and student connections
Community Events & Involvement
Last Day of School Event (May 22):
Krista assisting with glitter/face paint
Shelby assisting with slides
Chamber will help promote
Mother’s Day Event at Ace (May 9–10):
Chamber will support promotion and communication
Discussion around potential Chamber presence
Moose Fest: Second weekend in August
City Calendar & Communication
Ashlee now has access to the City of Karlstad Google Calendar
All Chamber meetings and community events will be added
A social media push will encourage community members to subscribe
Next Meeting
May 12 at 9:00 AM Business spotlight location to be determined
