August 12, 2026
Hosted by Karlstad Golf Club
Members in attendance included:
The Chamber was welcomed to the Karlstad Golf Club for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Karlstad’s greatest community assets. Chamber members learned about the volunteer-led operation of the course, recent improvements, community impact, and future plans.
A separate Business Spotlight story will be shared on the Chamber website highlighting the Golf Club, its volunteer board, and the incredible work that has transformed the course into one of Northern Minnesota’s premier nine-hole golf destinations.
The Chamber continues to experience steady membership growth.
Thanks in part to the Moosefest Button Hunt, membership has grown to approximately 25 business members.
Ribbon cutting supplies have now been secured, including the ceremonial scissors and branded ribbon. Member certificates are also ready to begin distributing once frames are finalized. The Chamber plans to begin scheduling ribbon cuttings for current members, including businesses that may have opened within the past few years but have not yet had an official celebration.
Potential ribbon cutting locations discussed included:
The group also discussed coordinating ribbon cuttings with City Council meetings whenever possible to encourage additional community participation.
The Chamber’s first-ever Moosefest Button Hunt was considered a successful inaugural event.
Highlights included:
The group discussed several ideas for improving the event in future years, including:
The Chamber also discussed feedback received from participants and businesses and agreed that the event has strong potential to become an annual Moosefest tradition.
The unclaimed $500 grand prize will remain with the Chamber to support future marketing and business promotion efforts, as originally planned.
The Chamber will move forward with its first Moosefest Parade Contest on social media.
Community members will vote by liking their favorite parade entry photo, with the winning entry receiving the Chamber’s traveling parade trophy.
TheThe Chamber continues to see tremendous growth across its digital marketing efforts, demonstrating the value of consistent communication and business promotion.
The Chamber’s Facebook page reached new milestones over the past month:
Business spotlights, Moosefest promotions, community events, and Chamber member content continue reaching thousands of local residents and visitors, helping showcase Karlstad businesses and drive engagement throughout the community.
The Chamber remains committed to providing affordable, measurable marketing opportunities that help members expand their reach while strengthening Karlstad’s business community.
The Chamber’s email marketing platform also continues to gain momentum.
Last 30 Days:
The newsletter continues to grow as a valuable communication tool for Chamber members, providing another avenue to promote local events, business news, sales, and community happenings.
Businesses are encouraged to submit upcoming events and announcements for inclusion in future newsletters while inviting customers and community members to subscribe.
Ashlee announced the creation of a dedicated Karlstad Chamber Meta advertising account.
The new account will:
Planning continues for the Chamber’s proposed Fall Job Fair.
The committee will schedule a planning meeting to:
The Chamber continues exploring educational opportunities for businesses and community members.
Ideas discussed included:
The Chamber hopes to collaborate with local organizations to bring additional educational programming to Karlstad.
Members discussed observations from Moosefest weekend.
Topics included:
The Chamber emphasized its desire to work alongside other organizations while continuing to support local businesses and improve the overall Moosefest experience.
Action items include:
📍 Tentative Business Spotlight: Mattracks | September 8
The Chamber hopes to visit Mattracks for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Karlstad’s internationally recognized manufacturers and longtime Chamber member. Additional details and confirmation will be shared with members as they become available.
As always, everyone is welcome to attend! Whether you’re a business owner, employee, or community member interested in supporting Karlstad businesses, we’d love to have you join us.
