Examples of passion abound in this community

As 2022 came to a close and I reflected back on the year as the Chamber of Commerce President, I made it a point to look for examples of the passion displayed in a variety of ways throughout our community. Our community took to the 2022 theme of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce: “Catch the Passion.”

I want to thank the many businesses and organizations that continued their Chamber membership and displayed our theme in their workspace, and welcome the many new Chamber members that joined in 2022. It has been fun seeing the Chamber’s theme logo displayed throughout the community with my family. My kids especially think it is fun when they see the logo. They shout out, “Dad, you did that!”

The passion of the people who call the Alexandria Area their home or have chosen to have their business located here is impressive. The passion that volunteers continue to bring to the non-profit sector never ceases to amaze me. We have passionate people continuing to better our community from the parks all the way to childcare. As I mentioned at the beginning of my term as president, this passion continues to shine bright lights on our community.

Message www.viking.bank from the 2022 President ... Your Viking Bank family is proud of you and your commitment to the community! with the Commit to Kindness initiative that began as a conversation in one of the board meetings during the past year. It has been great seeing the banners and other various messages of kindness displayed throughout the community.

The Chamber of Commerce, with its passionate staff and board, continues to show the value it adds to our area and the businesses we are fortunate to help promote. Our community and Chamber members have also jumped on board

I am excited to see the continued growth – we ended the year with 640 members! Way to “Catch the Passion!”

Thank youMatt, for everything you do! 6 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2023

In 2022, $177,059 in Chamber Bucks were distributed locally!

The plea to “Do Business Local” was stronger than ever over the past few years, and the community has risen to the challenge.

The amount of Chamber Bucks sold rose from an impressive $96,514 in 2020 to an incredible $173,157 in 2021! It rose again this past year, with a record high $177,059 in Chamber Bucks sold in 2022.

Those are dollars that get reinvested back into this community where we live, work and play.

In 2018, the Pride of the Lakes do business local campaign was created to educate area residents about the importance of taking pride in their community and supporting it.

Knowing young people play a major role in the future success of a community, the campaign was placed in the hands of marketing students at Alexandria Area High School. supports local Grateful to be part of this Community!

The campaign places community pride at its foundation and builds upon that with education and awareness of the impact of keeping dollars local.

There is a place on the campaign’s website where businesses and individuals can take a pledge to do business local. Visit www.prideofthelakes.com to learn more and to take the pledge to do business local!

The Chamber Bucks program is designed to keep dollars local. Anybody can purchase them, and they can be spent at 266 participating Chamber member businesses.

Top 2022 Chamber Buck Purchasers

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