As we close out 2025 and prepare to welcome a new year—and a new Board of Directors—I find myself reflecting with deep appreciation on everything we accomplished together. December is often a month for gratitude, and while that remains true, this year also feels like the perfect moment for a full annual wrap-up. We’ve grown, we’ve learned, and we’ve continued to strengthen the heartbeat of Lake City.
In January, we will transition our Board, and with that transition comes heartfelt thanks to four remarkable leaders who have completed their terms: Joe White (Acrotech, Inc.), Marsha Danielson (Minnesota State College Southeast), Heidi Walker (Heidi’s Huggamug), and Vicki Krage (Lakeshore Real Estate). Each of them brought energy, insight, and commitment to the Chamber, and their fingerprints are on so much of what made this year successful.
And what a year it was.
Our Annual Dinner drew record attendance with a fantastic meal and an unforgettable comedian. Tour de Pepin also saw record participation and a picture-perfect weather day. With that excitement came some challenges—and we’re already evaluating registration improvements for 2026 to make the experience even smoother.
One of the brightest highlights of the year was the incredible rise in new volunteers. The enthusiasm and willingness of community members to pitch in is the fuel that powers everything we do, and we are so grateful.
Water Ski Days was nothing short of a smash hit—phenomenal ski shows, great music, a lively parade, outstanding entertainment… truly everything came together. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re already exploring entertainment options and planning for even bigger and better ski shows. To continue offering this programming at no cost to attendees, we are actively seeking local and regional sponsors who want to help keep this tradition strong.
We’re also looking ahead to some strategic event shifts. Our Chamber Golf Tournament will move to September in 2026, and we are thrilled to be hosting it at The Jewel Golf Club. Fall Fest continued its momentum, and both the Haunted Trail and Dead Run will return in 2026. We plan to keep utilizing Underwood Park for the Kids’ Event and Trunk-or-Treat. For Johnny Appleseed Days, we’re exploring ways to give the event a fresh lift—perhaps an evening street dance or more daytime activities. Stay tuned as those ideas take shape.
Operationally, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes as well—revamping our event registration systems and preparing to launch digital Chamber Bucks. We are also transitioning Wake Up with Heather from an in-person event to a more flexible digital format. Beginning in 2026, these updates will be shared in our newsletter and on social media, allowing us to reach more members with timely updates in a way that fits your busy schedules.
We also piloted several Lunch & Learn sessions this year, and while attendance wasn’t quite what we hoped, the conversations were valuable. In 2026, we plan to send a survey to our members. We want to hear from you: What tools, programming, or support would help your business thrive? Your feedback will help shape our path forward.
As we wrap up 2025, I am grateful—for our members, our volunteers, our staff, our partners, and this community that believes in collaboration and possibility. Together, we’ve built momentum. Together, we will carry it into the new year.
Here’s to a bright, bold, and connected 2026.
— Heather