|
|
Friday, April 24, 2026
Celebrating 150 years of Arbor Day in Minnesota
On April 24, Minnesotans celebrate Arbor Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the state’s first observance. In 1876 Minnesota became only the fourth state to adopt the event that would become one of our most cherished conservation traditions. While Arbor Day is a single day of recognition, Minnesota extends the celebration throughout May as Arbor Month, a practice established in 1978. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites all Minnesotans to celebrate Arbor Day and Arbor Month by planting
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Essentia Health-Park Rapids Clinic to offer sports physical and well-child/teen visit events
To help student-athletes prepare for the 2026-27 sports season, Essentia Health will offer sports physical and well-child/teen visit events in April and May. Events will be held at the Essentia Health-Park Rapids Clinic, located at 705 Pleasant Ave. S., from 8-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and Saturday, May 16. Sports physicals are required for children to compete in school sports and can help identify any health issues that might interfere with sports performance or increase the chances of injury.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Kinship of the Park Rapids Area to Hold Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on May 8
April 21, 2026 - PARK RAPIDS, MN — Kinship of the Park Rapids Area will host its annual Fish Fry Fundraiser at the Park Rapids American Legion on Friday, May 8, from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. The event offers the community a chance to support local youth development while enjoying a fried fish dinner for a suggested donation of $15. The fundraiser arrives at a critical time for the organization. While Kinship currently supports 14 active mentor-mentee matches, the need for local volunteers is growing. “We
Friday, April 17, 2026
Seven Cybersecurity Mistakes That Put Becker County Small Businesses at Risk
Cyberattacks don't skip small businesses — they target them deliberately. The SBA reports nearly half of small businesses were victims of a cyberattack in 2023, with a median recovery cost of $8,300 per incident. For the shops, resorts, restaurants, and service businesses that keep the Park Rapids area running through busy summers and quiet winters alike, a breach isn't just an IT headache — it can wipe out an entire season. The good news: most attacks exploit preventable mistakes. Here are the seven
Friday, April 17, 2026
20th Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival Returns July 30–August 1
(Bemidji, MN) (April 17, 2026) – The Bemidji Rotary and Bemidji Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival presented by Paul Bunyan Communications will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a weekend full of racing, community spirit, and lakeside fun July 30 through August 1, 2026. This milestone year promises all the excitement and tradition participants and spectators have come to expect over the past two decades. Teams from across the region will once again
Friday, April 17, 2026
TWELVE Communities Come together to make a difference!
During the month of March, Northview Bank hosted a Food Drive in all twelve of their branch locations. The Food Drive was started to team up with the community to help give back to those in need. Donation boxes were provided in each of the branches and collected a total of 4220 pounds of food to donate to local non-profits. Some of the non-profits include Family Pathways of Sandstone, Moose Lake Area Food Shelf, Tri-Community Food Shelf, Floodwood Area Food Shelf, Deer River Area Food Shelf, Bruno Area Food
Friday, April 17, 2026
Get a head start on next school year by scheduling a sports physical with Essentia Health
Essentia Health is now offering sports physicals for student-athletes, from middle school to college, across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin that will be valid for next school year and beyond. Rather than wait until summer and the fall sports season, Essentia encourages parents to prioritize these appointments this spring to save time and beat the rush. In North Dakota, sports physicals conducted on or after April 15 are good for the following school year. In Minnesota, sports physicals are good for
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Tax Planning Strategies That Keep Small Businesses Ahead
Small business owners juggle revenue, payroll, operations, and growth—yet taxes often become the most stressful line item. Smart tax preparation isn’t just about filing on time; it’s about building a system that protects cash flow, reduces risk, and keeps your business financially agile all year long.Key Takeaways Plan for taxes year-round, not just during filing season. Separate business and personal finances to simplify reporting. Track deductible expenses consistently and digitally. Estimate and
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Managing Organizational Change: Strategies Small Business Owners Can Actually Use
Organizational change doesn’t have to be chaos. For small business owners, transitions like adopting new technology, shifting team structures, or redefining product lines often feel personal and high-stakes. The good news? Managing change effectively is less about rigid plans and more about thoughtful communication, trust-building, and structure.Key Takeaways to Remember Clarify the purpose and outcome of the change early and repeat it often. Involve employees in shaping the process, not just reacting
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Smart Investments Every New Business Should Make for Lasting Success
Starting a business in the Park Rapids Lakes Area? Congratulations — that’s no small feat.But beyond the ribbon cutting and fresh excitement, there’s a crucial question every new business owner must face: Where should you invest first to ensure success? Let’s walk through the high-impact investments that give your business stability, visibility, and staying power — especially in small but competitive markets like ours. TL;DR If you’re short on time: Invest in digital infrastructure (website,
Thursday, August 07, 2025
More Than a Holiday Sale: Smarter Seasonal Moves for Small Shops
Seasonal promotions aren’t just about throwing up a holiday sale banner and hoping for a spike in sales. For small businesses, these moments are rare windows to tap into customer emotion, urgency, and buying intent — all while standing out in an increasingly noisy landscape. But to do it well, you’ve got to think like a local, act with national-level precision, and strike a tone that feels immediate without being desperate. This isn’t about one-size-fits-all playbooks. It’s about reading the temperature
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
Digital Tactics That Turn Trade Show Buzz Into Business
Traditional trade show marketing needs a serious upgrade. No matter how elaborate the booth or how engaging the pitch, the real win lies in how brands extend their presence beyond the convention center floor. That’s where digital tools come in—not just as accessories but as engines driving long-term returns. Trade shows are still a magnet for industry attention, but the brands that rise above the noise are the ones using tech to convert fleeting conversations into lasting connections. Pre-Event Targeting
Receive Our E-Newsletter
CONTACT | PRIVACY POLICY | EVENT VENUES | MAPS | NEWS | DISCOVERY GUIDE | MEMBER PORTAL
©2026 PARK RAPIDS LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1204 PARK AVENUE SOUTH • PO BOX 249 • PARK RAPIDS, MN 56470