The Detroit Lakes area has a history of working together. From winter snow storms to summer events that welcome thousands to our community, the willingness to work cooperatively is ingrained in our ethics.
Businesses are often working with local vendors to get the job done. The value of shopping local is appreciated and residents are willing to volunteer time, talents and resources to better the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has really put a spotlight on the need to strengthen our efforts to work together.
A local business working with fellow local businesses is sometimes easy to spot. You may drive past a construction site and see the various local trades working side-by-side or a company may simply bring in lunch from a local restaurant. In 2020, we have seen extra efforts to support our neighboring businesses; creative ideas like giving local gift cards as employee bonuses or looking at our supplies to see if we can get them through a local vendor. Local businesses doing business with each other can keep people employed and doors open, especially in times of difficulty.
Keeping our dollars local by being intentional with our household spending is important, too. We have seen our retailers work hard to offer new services like curbside pick-up or private shopping times. Spending money at our favorite local stores is imperative, but we also need to look around to see if there is a business not on our daily radar that could use our support, too. Before you buy online, see if you can get that product locally.
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Take the upcoming months as an opportunity to be a “hometown tourist.” Make a list with family or coworkers to visit places right here at the lakes. The Detroit Lakes Chamber can help you find the products, services and tourist hot spots you may not know are available right here at the lakes! Our staff is ready to refer you to one of our 400 business members who are all eager to support the needs of our communities.
The Detroit Lakes area is known for its philanthropy and volunteerism. From building community-focused buildings to supporting nonprofits, our wallets and hearts are wide open for giving. COVID-19 has put these efforts to the test. Many of our nonprofits need support in order to keep doing the great work they have been doing. If we want entertainment, recreation and a healthy community, we need to find ways to support those things. The banquets, fundraisers and events may look different for a bit, but the need for funds to keep our nonprofits going is still there.
In 2021, the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce will be turning 100 years old! In 1921, the business community knew that much could be accomplished if we all work together, so they formed a Chamber of Commerce. We know that today’s business success comes from the efforts of businesses and leaders of our past. We have learned that it takes business to business cooperation, it takes keeping our dollars local and it takes a spirit of servant leadership.
So how do we keep our future looking bright? Working together.
