CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY
Chamber
International Falls Area
JAN/FEB
2015
301 Second Avenue
International Falls, MN 56649
218-283-9400
800-325-5766
Fax: 218-283-3572
chamber@intlfalls.org
www.ifallschamber.com
“Like” us on Facebook
35 Amazing Years!
Icebox Days & Gizzard Race Hit Milestone
“Only the Bold Run the Cold”
Mark Your Calendar January 15-18
The brainchild of a handful of people who 35 years ago invested themselves in the idea that our cold weather could
and should be fun as well as an economic benefit, has grown
into an internationally known foot-race and winter festival
on which our community depends.
On Saturday evening before the Runners Reception and
Beach Party at Border Bar, head for Smokey Bear Park where
our city will again host Icebox fireworks under the winter
sky.
Another colossal thank you is extended to the generous
It wasn’t a completely new idea: Forty years before that, our sponsors that make our winter festival a reality. Watch for
town was promoting winter with a celebration called
the listing in the official schedule to be inserted for
“Frost Frolic.” In 1941, an advertisement inyour convenience in The Journal Jan. 14.
tended to recruit enthusiasm for a two-day
The Gizzard Girls Committee, our Ro“Border City” winter carnival outlines a
tary Club friends and other dedivision that is curiously echoed in today’s
cated volunteers are essential in
celebration (see page 5).
FREEZE
maintaining this distinct, creative
35 AMAZING YEARS!
•
A Marvelous Holiday
Members Event
•
MNUSA Winter Rendezvous
HERE in Feb.!
•
“Frostbite Finds”
in Shannon Square
•
Welcome
Lucachick Architecture
•
Icebox Hoodies Still Hot!
•
Hometown Holiday
in Review
•
2014 Candidate Forum
A Success
•
Sign up for the FYGBR
(form in this edition)
•
Use MN Chamber’s
Business Resource Center!
•
CVB News
YER GIZZARD
BLIZZARD RUN
ICE
BOX
DAYS
XXXIV
International Falls,
MinneSNOWta
In This Issue:
The 35th Annual Icebox Days is set
for Jan. 15-18 with the Freeze Yer
Gizzard Blizzard Runs scheduled
Saturday, Jan. 17.
and quirky celebration of our
lifestyle.
Its vital boost to the winter
economy is essential and depends on faithful volunteers. If
you’d like to become involved,
we need you: Call the Chamber, 283-9400.
The reporters and networks will
again be calling. In these moments of fame, during the stillness of our northern winter, the
January
world reads with wonder about this
15-18, 2015
We encourage families to take
little corner in Minnesota. And while
part in the fun, and once again
ONLY
THE
some of the locals find our winter repuyoungsters are encouraged to comBOLD RUN
tation concerning ~ we must seize these
pete in the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard
THE
COLD!
opportunities to make it known that a little
Run. Kids age 12 and under will again be
town known as the Icebox of the Nation boasts
especially recognized at the ceremonies. We
three additional distinct and stunning seasons; and one
want them to continue to run the FYGBR for years to
of the world’s most majestic lakes.
come ~ no matter where they live.
Visitors, friends and families can count on Icebox Days
trademark-events such as turkey bowling, moonlight snowshoeing in Voyageurs National Park, the Backus Chili Cookoff and boot hockey amongst many others. Viking Bar’s
Redneck Icebox Days includes a collection of newer events
involving wing-eating, can-crushing, trivia, Bargo, toilet-seat
tossing and the traditional smooshing for adults and for kids.
Even octogenarians run
the cold, and little ones
like this one enjoy many
aspects of Icebox Days.
Register for the 5K or 10K at www.freezeyergizzardrun.com
or use the form in this edition; or drop by the Chamber;
or register on site Friday evening, Jan. 16 or early Saturday
morning, Jan. 17 ~ race day.
See you during the 35th amazing year of Icebox Days!
www.freezeyergizzardrun.com
JuJu Chang of ABC News visited International Falls during the 2014
Icebox Days. Her son, and ABC producer Michael Cappetta visited
with locals over a three-day period. As a result, Icebox Days 2014 was
featured on ABC Nightline. JuJu is shown here with Gizzard runners
Dusty McCormack of Mound, and John Briggs of the Falls.
10K runners Hailey Silvers and Lori
Lyman celebrate at the finish line at the
2014 FYGBR.
The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization committed to providing
a voice for our business community while advocating for the retention and expansion of jobs.
Page 2 • International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A Beautiful, Enjoyable Evening of Camaraderie
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Chair: Leif Larsen........................... 283-2588
Vice Chair: Tony Palm................... 283-5114
Executive At-Large: Jay Bartkowski... 283-3221
Finance Chair: Todd Coulombe.... 283-4475
Secretary: Jennifer Coombe......... 283-9500
Boise PaPer • Bremer Bank • Lenard’s Bar, restaurant & Catering
midContinent CommuniCations
Border state Bank • Frontier CommuniCations
BOARD MEMBERS:
RaeAnne Conat......................218-540-0540
Larry Keep..................................... 283-4477
Lori Lyman..................................... 285-5312
Jennifer McBride........................... 283-3481
Kimberly Perkins.......................910-690-3561
Shane Talley.................................. 285-7153
Michael Ward................................ 283-6606
STAFF:
Faye Whitbeck, President.............283-9400
Jennifer McKelvey Executive Assistant
Cheryl Marble, Chamber Communications
Proud Member
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use YOUR Member Benefits:
Brochure & Business Card Display
Priority Referrals
Web Presence + Personal Links
Facebook Privileges
Post Events on Chamber Website
Chamber Luncheons
Business After Hours
Committee Service
Support at Local, State, and Federal Levels
Event Participation
Event Support
Chamber Dollars Participation
Email & Fax Blasts
Direct Link from Chamber Website
Membership Lists, Labels
Grand Openings Assistance
Ribbon Cuttings Assistance
Ground Breakings Assistance
Outdoor Electronic Sign Usage
Use of portable Sport Show booth
Cotton Candy Machine Rental
THANK YOU
CHAMBER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FOR ALL YOU GIVE:
~ All Because of You ~
THANK YOU FOR MAKING
HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
A WONDERFUL EVENT
Fiscal Year May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015
americas Best Value inn & suites • americlnn • Bear ridge guest House
Charter media • greentech manufacturing • rainy Lake Clinic
Waschke Family gm Center
Ambassadors:
Miner’s County Market Liquor
Austin Schaaf
Cathy Engelking
Jamie Conat
Jacob Piekarski
Joe Truman
Linda Torseth
Pam Oveson
RaeAnne Conat
Sue Natysin
Amp Salon, Lisa Jensen
Amp Salon, Amy Siltman
Amp Salon, Lindsey Wallander
Backus Community Center
Ballan Furniture
Ben Franklin Crafts
Border Bar & Pizza Parlor
Border Boxes
Borderland Jewelry
Border State Bank
The Chocolate Moose Restaurant
City Drug
Coca Cola Bottling Co., Inc.
Duty Free Americas
Edward Jones, Mike Katrin
Gearhart’s Floral & Gifts
Green Larsen Mortuary
It’s a Girl Thing
The Jug
KSDM/KGHS Radio Stations
Lakeside Gourmet
Miner’s County Market
Pelland Swenson & Associates
Rainy Lake Chiropractic Clinic
Rainy River Community College
Randy’s Tire & Auto Repair, LLC
Relax on Rainy, Kasi Joyce
Ronning’s
Sha~Sha Resort
SkyWest Airlines
Economic Development
Committee:
Jay Bartkowski
Suzie Best
Sheila DeMenge
Kevin Grover
Jenny Herman
Keith Horne
Leif Larsen
Shawn Mason
Sue Natysin
Paul Nevanen
Kimberly Perkins, Chair
JoAnn Smith
Shane Talley
Jenny Vohler
Public Policy Committee:
Jennifer Coombe
David Hebig
Christa Heibel
Lori Lyman
Kimberly Perkins, Chair
Snap Fitness
The Sports Shop
Sportsman’s Service
Stewart’s Super One Foods
Streiff’s Floral & Gifts
Retail Committee:
Suzie Best
Deb Emes
Jenny Herman
Milt Layman
Jennifer McBride
Wyatt Wimmer
Thunderbird Lodge
Up North Builders
Voyageurs National Park
Waschke Family GM Center
Ambassadors Committee:
Jamie Conat
Jacob Piekarski
RaeAnne
Austin Schaaf
Conat
Amy Siltman
Todd Coulombe
JoAnn Smith
Cathy Engelking
Linda Torseth
Sue Natysin
Joe Truman
Pam Oveson
Jenny Vohler
Assisting:
david Burchell
kasi Joyce
rrCC students,
elyce nielsen &
sam urban
Chamber
t
esota’s Best K
ept
Minn
Sec
ern
h
t
re
r
o
N
Enjoy one of Minnesota’s Top Public Courses!
Championship Golf Course
18 Holes
Practice Range
Bar & Grill
Pro Shop
Tom O’Connell
PGA Golf Professional
Play one of
Northern Minnesota's
top public courses!
Kabetogama
Littlefork
Littlefork
Jill Kiner
Lyra Heriot-Stafne
Jamie Wendt
Phone: 218-875-3063 Phone: 218-417-0837 Phone: 218-278-6700
Cell: 218-240-9117
Cell: 218-244-6197
As a golfing destination,
International Falls is a pleasant surprise.
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK.
Serving ALL of Borderland
with Multiple Listing Service!
218-283-4491 www.fallscc.com
Borderland’s Finest
Lodging &
Convention
Headquarters
1-800-634-3444
e-mail: internationalfallsmn@americinn.com
1500 Hwy. 71 • Int’l Falls, MN 56649 • (218) 283-8000
Your Powerful Partner
mnpower.com
MY OASIS
Boat/RV/Vehicle Cleaning/Detailing
Home/ Garage Cleaning
Yard Work
Watching Over Your Home/Cabin
While You are Away
• Winter Snow Removal and plowing/shoveling
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No job is too small.
YOU ASK - WE DO! 218-417-0488
Will assist with any job you may need help with.
Commercial
Residential
Cleaning
Services
Carpet Cleaning • Furniture Cleaning • Fire & Smoke
Cleanup • Water Damage Cleanup
ServiceMASTER
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of International Falls Inc.
283-4775
International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com • Page 3
Full House for Holiday Business After Hours
The Chamber’s annual holiday membership event featured orange and
deep red designs
on every table.
A Chamber member event, the 2014 Holiday Business After Hours
Dec. 11 at Lenard’s was enjoyed by about 200 Chamber members’
and guests who came for an evening of relaxation and drinks; complimentary hors d’ oeuvres; and raffle chances at winning fabulous
holiday gifts also donated by chamber members. The evening is entirely sponsored by Chamber members. Please see a heartfelt thank
you on page 3 in this edition.
Those in attendance mingled and networked; and sampled food from four separate buffets that featured hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres, seafood, and special desserts as well as a
complimentary champagne fountain.
The gift table
featured beautifully presented gift
donations
from
Chamber members
for Holiday Business After Hours
2014.
Assisting that evening were Chamber Ambassador Jake
Piekarski, RRCC student Elyce Nielson, RRCC student
Sam Urban and Chamber Ambassador Austin Schaaf.
An evening of
friendship was
shared Dec. 11
at Lenard’s by
approximately
200 Chamber
members and
friends.
Congratulations
International Voyageurs Snowmobile
Club on hosting the 2015 MNUSA Winter Rendezvous and Showcasing Our
Beautiful Trails and Community!
(218) 285-7462
2501 Keenan Drive
International Falls
International Falls Clinic
Registration, Agenda & More Info:
www.mnsnowmobiler.org
218.283.9431
Monday – Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Questions? Call Eric Johnson, 218.244.6506
International Falls Pharmacy
Confidential
Document Destruction
Call for Referrals
Essentia Health
218.285.6222
Monday – Friday:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
EssentiaHealth.org
Your community Credit Union invites you to take advantage
of our wide variety of financial services and become a
member. We also provide mobile banking, online
transactions and online bill paying.
601 Fourth Street • (218) 283-2000 • www.trustarfcu.com
Federally Insured by NCUA
Page 4 • International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com
Deserving Recognition...
In the ribbon-cutting lineup at the grand opening of Frostbite
Finds, are left to right: Jenn McKelvey, Chamber executive assistant; Maureen Roscato, Kootasca director of education; Harlan Hardy, Kootasca executive director; Isaac Meyer, Kootasca
community engagement manager; Gayle Haugland, Frostbite
Finds manager; and Austin Schaaf, Chamber ambassador.
Left to right are Isaac
Meyer,
KOOTASCA
community engagement
manager; and Gayle
Haugland,
Frostbite
Finds store manager.
Chamber ambassadors were on hand Nov. 19 for the ribbon cutting and grand
opening of “Frostbite Finds” - a new thrift store opened at Shannon Square on
www.ifallschamber.com
Third Street in the Falls. The store is a project of KOOTASCA Community Action and was created to raise funds for a locally needed Boys and Girls Club of
America. Offered are a wide variety of donated housewares, clothes, tools are
more. Frostbite Finds manager is Gayle Haugland. Volunteers are still needed
students
have
to work
at opportunities
the store. for lifelong suc-
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Donated items of quality may be dropped off at KOOTASCA 11 a.m. to 5:30
The summit had its detractors – those who
p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays. Frostbite Finds is
."%&*/.*//&405"
charged that this was just another attempt by
11 a.m. to
p.m. Wednesdays,
Thursdays
and Fridays; andSupply
10 a.m. to 2
bigopen
corporations
to 5:30
run schools.
It’s disapManufacturers
p.m. Saturdays.
Thewere
store
can be
contacted at 285-2965.
pointing
that the rocks
thrown
before
Chain Database
the first speaker stepped to our podium. In
truth, the ideas advanced echoed exactly what
Grow Minnesota! of the Minnesota
we are hearing from citizens across the state.
A poll recently conducted by the Minnesota
Chamber showed strong support to: Provide
opportunities for students to earn college
credit while in high school; give parents easyto-understand data on how their students
MADE
INteacher
MINNESOTA
are doing;
evaluate
performance, and
Manufacturers
Supply
use the results as a key factor in
determining
Chain
Database
teacher tenure and pay; improve the performance of the college programs preparing
Grow Minnesota! of the Minnesota
teachers.
Chamber of Commerce is promoting the
DEED “Made in Minnesota” initiative
Engineering
which has a goal making it easy
for MinArchitecture
nesota companies to find – and
be
found
Surveying
Environmental
by – home-state suppliers. Please
spread
the word and encourage participation:
http://bit.ly/11l2HfZ
to sign up. Hun315 5th Street NW | Bemidji, MN 56619
dreds
of businesses
are responding!
| WidsethSmithNolting.com
218.444.1859
Lucky Winners!
Jim Reid of Littlefork was the very happy
winner of the giant Coca-Cola Christmas
Bear once-again donated by Coca-Cola Bottling
of International Falls for shopper registrations during the Hometown Holiday Weekend Nov. 28 & 29. Reid registered at McDonald’s.
Congratulations to Carol Eldien of International Falls, grand prize winner of $300
in Chamber Dollars which are honored at
dozens of Chamber-member businesses.
Eldien registered during the Hometown
Holiday Weekend at Sjoblom’s Landscape &
Nursery.
Hometown Holiday Weekend is sponsored
by the Chamber of Commerce and the city of
International Falls.
To learn more about
our community, call
(218) 283-8313.
Chamber of Commerce is promot-
The collective message from speakers at the
ing the DEED “Made in Minnesota”
summit was clear: Put politics aside and do
initiative
has aThegoal
what’s
best forwhich
the children.
2014making
Legislait
easy
for
Minnesota
companies
to
ture is about to begin, and we’re ready to move
find
–
and
be
found
by
–
home-state
forward again with common-sense ideas like
suppliers.
Please
the“rising
wordstar”
and
staffing
flexibility
thatspread
will keep
teachers
in the classroom
and expanded
dual
encourage
participation:
http://bit.
credit
options toto
lower
costs.
ly/11l2HfZ
signcollege
up. Hundreds
of
businesses
responding!
Improving
theare
strength
and effectiveness of
our education system so that all Minnesotans
are prepared for success will strengthen our
workforce and strengthen Minnesota’s econ2 1at8our
- 8 7summit,
5 - 2 0 2it’s
3
omy. As we heard clearly
voyageurmarine.com
time to stop talking about
the problem, and
put a full-court press on embracing solutions
that
are good for all our children.
• Alumacraft Boats ~ Palm Beach Pontoons
• YamahaOlson
& Evinrudeis
Sales president
& Service
David
of the
• Shoreland’r & Karavan Trailers
Minnesota
Chamber
of
Commerce
–
• Interstate Batteries
www.mnchamber.com.
• Complete I/O & Outboard Service
• Factory-Certified Mechanics
• Marine Electronics ~ Indoor Boat Storage
"MMGBJUITPSCFMJFGTBSFXFMDPNF
“Good news
justTogot
better”
learn more about
our community, call
(218) 283-8313.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
The Borderland’s Shipping & Recieving Headquarters Since 2003
•USPS, UPS, Fed-Ex, Spee-Dee, &
LTL Shipping
•Private Mail Box Rentals,
US & Canada
•Signs of all kinds, Banners &
Decals
•Faxing, Copies, Laminating &
Shredding
•Packaging Supplies
•Receiving of all carriers
•Keys cut, 250 blanks on-hand
•Registration Decals, Boat, ATV,
Sled, DOT
•Custom Business & Promo Items
•Retail Products, Greeting Cards,
Balloons
www.borderboxes.com
218-283-8666 | 304 3rd Street
International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com • Page 5
Icebox T-Shirts & Hoodies
GET YOURS TODAY!
Chamber Icebox Shirts are the only
shirts that feature the large
“-55” on the back!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECENTLY RENEWED CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Oct. 20 - Dec. 31, 2014
Farmers Insurance
Group- Ronna
MacKay Agency
T-SHIRTS: S–XL - $18
XXL–XXXL - $19
Did you know that winter is a great time to visit
Voyageurs National Park? As the snow and cold
settle upon the region, come out to the Rainy Lake
Visitor Center and enjoy a number of activities.
1.
Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will begin in February and run
through March, depending on snow conditions. Interpretive
hikes will leave from the visitor center every Saturday from
1-3pm. These hikes are recommended for ages 5 and up.
2.
The visitor center will begin loaning snowshoes and cross-country skis as conditions become favorable. Please check the website www.nps.gov/voya for updated trail reports and conditions.
3.
Stay warm and shop at Jefferson National Parks Association
bookstore. Come out and see the large selection of books, clothing, and gift items.
4.
Visitors are invited to come to the visitor center to view exhibits,
watch the park film, hike the Oberholtzer Trail, drive the ice road
(conditions dependent), and have a cup of cocoa.
Boasting Icebox Record Low
from Jan. 1909: -55
s!
ie
Hood
Great
Gifts!
T-Sh
i
rts!
International Falls Area
Chamber of Commerce
35 AMAZING YEARS!
FREEZE
YER GIZZARD
BLIZZARD RUN
ICE
BOX
DAYS
XXXIV
January
15-18, 2015
ONLY THE
BOLD RUN
THE COLD!
International Falls,
MinneSNOWta
301 2nd Ave. | ifallschamber.com | freezeyergizzardrun.com | 283-9400
Dr. Kimberly
Perkins
A Message From Voyageurs National Park
High-end 100% cotton, printed front & back.
HOODIES: S-XL $46
2XL $48 3XL $50
Northernaire
Houseboats of
Rainy Lake, Inc.
THANK YOU GIZZARD GIRLS
FOR YOUR KEY CONTRIBUTION TO THE
FREEZE YER GIZZARD BLIZZARD RUN:
Amy Amundsen, Kalsie Briggs, Kyra Briggs,
Crystal Cronin, Cathy Engelking, Tawna Hilfer, Kasi
Joyce, Toni Korpi, Val Lennox, Desiree Arnold, Linda
Torseth, Mary Wardas, Jenica Whitbeck
and Jenny Chivers-Wilson
Thank you also Christina Henlein for your
many years of GG service.
Welcome New Member!
Lucachick Architecture, Inc. projects have included facilities, additions,
and remodeling of: hospitals, libraries, nursing facilities, banks, offices,
community centers, historic preservation, manufacturing facilities, country clubs, waste and water treatment plants, schools, major retail, restaurants, corporate plan modification for retail chains, energy audits, site
planning, site observation for financial institutions, federal government
and military work with security clearance, B1B bomber training facility,
hundreds of log homes, hundreds of single family custom homes from
1,900 to 25,000 square feet and many other project types.
Lucachick Architecture, Inc. takes great pride in the quality of its work
and its performance in meeting project budgets and schedules for both
private and public sector clients. Folks at Lucachick Architecture enjoy
living and working in northern Minnesota and look forward to doing
projects in their local communities. Please contact the firm at any time.
Jim Lucachick
Phone:
(218) 759-2305
Fax:
(218) 759-0407
Mailing Address:
418 Mag Seven Court
SW Suite #9
Bemidji, MN 56601
E-mail:
jim@lukearch.com
Website:
www.lukearch.com
Page 6 • International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com
The Chamber of Commerce
Extends a Warm
THANK YOU
to All Who Made the
“Twas the Lights Before
Christmas” Parade &
Hometown Holiday Weekend
an Outstanding Success.
It takes a
community
to make
a magical
weekend.
Thank you
all!
Celebrating Our
Hometown
One of the most memorable parts
of the parade was the marriage proposal by David Burchell to Jennifer
McKelvey (Chamber executive assistant) who, while riding in the parade with Santa, got the surprise of
a lifetime! This sign unfolded while
special music beckoned Jennifer off
the float to see David down on one
knee...
Thank You Parade Sponsors:
Boise Paper • City Drug Store
Minnesota Power
Rainy River Veterinary Hospital
TruStar Federal Credit Union
Waschke Family GM Center
This tiny dancer was one of
two winners at
the 2014 Cutest Holiday Pet
Contest. She is
“Pippy,” a miniature Pinscher
who was shown
by Grace and
Aubrie Nyugen.
Thank you Miner’s County Market and Stewart’s Super One
for the Community Hot Chocolate; and Coca-Cola Bottling
for our Parade Banners & Christmas Bear Giveaway!
Many thanks to the sponsors of FREE Movies
with Santa: Cine 5 and the Falls Rotary Club.
Thank you, Wade Whitbeck, for the stoves, fire-building
& tending the fires; Bobby Paul for firewood.
SPECIAL THANKS TO Jodi & Gary Mann, Austin Schaaf,
Preston Hoy, Ara Anderson, Tyson Whitbeck, Emily Whitbeck,
Hailee Schaaf, Kyle Toratti, Judy Kielczewski (Frost Queen),
Jenny Herman, KGHS/KSDM Radio, 93.1 The Border,
The Journal & KCC-TV.
Can a face get a whole lot cuter
than this?
Floats and
c r o w d s
were
impressive at
this year’s
‘Twas the
Lights Before
Christmas
Parade.
A HUGe THAnk yoU to ALL parade participants, pet
owners, Int’l Falls Law Enforcement & Fire Department,
Border Patrol, Dennis Jonson & City Crews, City of Int’l Falls,
VFW Color Guard, Santa Claus, John Streiff, Stacy Bannert and
THE RETAILERS WHO STAYED OPEN LATE AND AWARDED
$25 GIFT CERTIFICATES!
Congratulations to the Parade Winners:
$400 First Place: Gizzard Girls
“Holiday Helicopter”
$250 Second Place: Duty Free America
“Whimsical Wonderland”
$125 Third Place: St. Thomas Church & School
“The Night Circus”
Honorable Mention: Rainy River Veterinary Hospital
Most Memorable: Marriage Proposal (David Burchell/Jenn McKelvey)
This little Santa clone seemed
more interested in other things
than visiting with Santa.
Grand Prize $300 Chamber Dollars: Carol Eldien
Giant Coca-Cola Bear: Jim Reid
Cutest Holiday Pet Contest Winners:
“Pac Man” by Sophie Fredrickson
“Pippy” by Grace & Aubrie Nguyen
Thank you to the owners who lovingly showed their pets!!
More and more dogs gathered for
the 2014 Cutest Holiday Pet Contest
promenade on main street before
judging began in Shannon Square.
This whimsical float by Duty Free
Americas charmed hearts at the 2014
lights parade.
2014 Candidate Forum Staged at Backus
Perryn Hedlund and incumbent
Sheriff Brian Jespersen at the
table during the Chamber’s 2014
Candidate Forum.
Incumbent Rep. David Dill and Eric
Johnson, candidates for Minnesota
House, Dist. 3A
Sixteen of 19 local candidates competing in races participated in
an Oct.28. Candidate Forum on the Backus stage. The public event
was coordinated, sponsored and executed by the Chamber of
Commerce. Races featured were Koochiching County Sheriff; and
open seats on the Koochiching County Board; Falls City Council
and Ranier City Council. Students from Rainy River Community College provided significant assistance to the Chamber at the
event, as did Backus staff that prepared the stage and sound system. Following the forum, it aired non-stop on KCC-TV which
recorded the event for the convenience of the viewing public. The
forum was also featured on K104 FM in a live broadcast by KGHS/
KSDM.
International Falls Area Chamber • www.ifallschamber.com • Page 7
Chamber Calendar
January 2015 Happy New Year
6
9
13
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber– 7 a.m.
Backus Concert: Billy McLaughlin String Quartet – 7 p.m.
Chamber Executive Board Meeting, Chamber – 7:30
a.m.
15
Chamber Economic Development Meeting,
Chamber – 7 a.m.
15-18 Icebox Days Begins! Watch for your Official IBD
Schedule in The Journal Jan. 14
17
Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run 5K - 9:30 a.m. and
10K - 10:30 a.m.
21
CVB Board Meeting, Chamber Office – 8 a.m.
24
Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, Backus,
Refreshments: 6:30 p.m. Movie: 7:30 p.m.
25
Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon Pasta Feed, Backus
5-7 p.m.
29
On the Edge Film Festival, Backus – 6:30 p.m.
31
Leadership Lock-in, Backus
35 AMAZING YEARS!
2015 “FREEZE YER GIZZARD BLIZZARD RUN”™
35th Annual Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run Entry Form
Get ready to run Jan. 17, 2015 at Rainy River Community College
(or register online at www.freezeyergizzardrun.com)
Make checks payable to: The Chamber of Commerce (U.S. Funds Only)
Mail to: 301 Second Avenue, International Falls, MN 56649
Preregister by: Nov. 30 or Dec. 31, 2014 *See Below
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE) We will update you through emails.
Name______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City_______________________________________________________
State:_____________________ ZIP/Postal Code___________________
February 2015
E-mail: ____________________________________________________
3
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber – 7 a.m.
Phone:_________________________ Cell:________________________
5
Backus Concert: Tonic Sol fa Acapella Quartet – 7 p.m.,
Top the Tater, Backus 5 p.m.
Sex: ☐ M ☐ F Age (on race day)_______________________________
10
Chamber Board Meeting, Chamber – 7 a.m.
__________________________________________________________
11
All School Music Festival – 9:30 a.m. Backus;
Concert – 1:30 p.m.
12
Citizens For Backus Annual Meeting 5 p.m.
12
Chamber Economic Development Committee
Meeting, Chamber – 7:30 a.m.
12-15 MnUSA 2015 Winter Rendezvous, International Falls
International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club will host
300-400 snowmobilers!
Icebox Days Buttons and Icebox Hoodies will be on hand!
Groups must register by mail or in person at the Chamber.
☐ Check here if you are entering both runs.
After Dec. 31, 2014: ☐ 10k Run - $45 ☐ 5k Fun Run - $45
13
Borealis Bards Dinner Theater “Room to Act,”
Backus Dinner 5:30 p.m., Performance 7 p.m.
Pay one fee plus $10 to enter both races. One shirt per
runner. You MUST register in both races.
18
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board Meeting,
Chamber Office – 8 a.m.
23
Border Concert - Todd Oliver and Friends, Backus –
7 p.m., Top the Tater, 5 p.m.
Shirt Size: ☐ S ☐ M ☐ L ☐ XL
Shirt size is guaranteed if preregistered by Dec. 31, 2014.
Backus Community Café
Tuesdays & Thursday-5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Basketball Practice
Backus Community Center, Monday-Friday 4 p.m.
The Dungeon ~ Teen Dances
Friday 9 p.m.
Call Backus Community Center, 285-7225
for open gym dates.
Credit Card #________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
(Chamber Use)
Exp. Date___________________________ Bib Number______________
☐ VISA
☐ MasterCard
☐ Discover
I am entering this event at my own risk and assume all risk and responsibility for injuries
I may incur as a direct or indirect result of my participating in this event. I, for myself,
heirs and executors, also agree not to hold any and all participating sponsors and supporters and the directors, employees and agents of such parties responsible for any
claims. I verify that I have full knowledge of the risks involved in this event. I am aware
that extreme and/or severe weather conditions will exist at the time of this event and that
I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate in it. Race course personnel will
be present on race course until Noon.
Signature__________________________________ Date____________
Parent or guardian’s signature
if under 18 years of age_______________________________________
BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
A live person will research a business need, locate potential
resources and respond quickly – saving businesses valuable time.
www.mnbizconnect.com
How
did you hear about our race?
☐ Runner’s World ☐ Website ☐ Friend ☐ Midwest Events ☐ Former Participant
☐ TV Commercial ☐ WinterFun101 Guide ☐ Other__________________
Minnesota’s Vacation Paradise™
International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake
Convention & Visitors Bureau
301 Second Avenue, International Falls, MN 56649
(218) 283-9400 • FAX (218) 283-3572 • 1-800-FALLS-MN • (800-325-5766)
www.rainylake.org • cvb@rainylake.org
Convention & Visitors
Board Members:
President
Kallie Briggs
Vice President
Bill Dougherty
Secretary
Mary Jane Haanen
Treasurer
Chuck Coombs
Jeff McHarg
Mike Ward
Faye Whitbeck
Joe Mershon
Sandy Netland
Bob Anderson
Mary Ann Kasich
Jay Patel
Winter Wonderland
Our area has the honor of hosting the 2015 Winter
Rendezvous of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers
Association. The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club estimates there will be 300 people registered.
Among the activities will be organized rides to get out
and see the spectacular beauty of Voyageurs National
Park and to cruise through the pine ridges and vistas of
our snowmobile trail network.
This is an excellent opportunity to show others we have
some of the best winter recreation conditions around.
Along with snowmobiling, many MnUSA members
will be interested in ice fishing, cross country skiing
and snowshoeing. Meet and greet the group if you
wish, they will be headquartered at the AmericInn and
Lenards on Highway 11/71 west in International Falls.
There are other events that draw people to our area in
the winter. The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run brings
nearly 300 runners from outside the area every year.
The event is well recognized as one anybody would
have bragging rights for competing, let alone completing.
People outside our area are interested in our winter
conditions. This past winter, a Danish TV crew producing a documentary about severe weather made it
a point to come here. North America was under the
grip of the “Polar Vortex” and the producers thought
there’s no better place to experience that than in the
“Icebox of the Nation.” The crew spent three days in the
area and taped ice fishing, sledding and more to show
that life does go on. You can access their documentary
on the internet. www.dr.dk/tv/programmer/alle/i will
bring you to their site. Mette Bluhme Rieck, the presenter/producer, told us they really enjoyed visiting the
area and found everyone to be friendly and helpful.
Meanwhile, the “Rails to Trails” quarterly magazine
features our area in the winter issue. A few paragraphs
and photo explain that Icebox Days offers lots of fun
experiences. Also, the way to get here is to snowmobile
the Blue Ox Trail from the southwest. Rails to Trails
is, after all, an organization that promotes use of rail
lines converted to recreation trails. The Blue Ox trail is
featured on their website as an all season trail open to
multiple uses.
Interest in our area does go up as the temperatures
go down, this year attracting the attention of Livability.com. The website provides some solid details on
why anyone might consider living in the featured cities. Mitch Kline explained their interest was sparked
when catching a TV Weather mention of the cold.
Kline said they discussed that people living here
must have some pretty good reasons to do so considering that you have to tolerate the cold and snow.
Kline gathered some information and photos for a
feature article. At the time this newsletter was prepared they had not yet published the article. After it
has been published, you will find it on their website at
www.livability.com
Director
Pete Schultz
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer McKelvey
The mission of the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors
Bureau is to generate positive economic activity through travel and tourism in the areas
contributing to our lodging tax program.