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Ever since Nicole Zempel took the reins of the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce, the attendance at the annual Chamber banquet has been on an upward trend.
“When I arrived four years ago I was informed that the Chamber of Commerce had been losing money on this event for quite some time, but expectations were that the celebration should be serving as a fundraiser,” she said.
By breaking even in her first year as the event’s host, Zempel wasted little time meeting and exceeding expectations as she wrapped up each of the subsequent two events progressively deeper into the black.
Attendance totaled 98, 125 and then exceeded 200 last year –– illustrating how the financial success came as a direct result of Zempel’s ability to appeal to, amass and energize community members.
“This will be the fourth annual Chamber event that I have been involved with, and I feel it's just a great time to celebrate community and all those that work to enrich the lives of others,” she said. “Each year the Chamber Board has tweaked the event based off of feedback from the year prior. This year is no different and we are probably the most excited we have ever been about our annual event.”
Zempel says that this year, event-goers can expect to see a less formal and more creative presentation of Chamber accomplishments, a larger silent auction, and a big-time musical act that should offer a welcome respite from the speaker presentations typical in years past.
The option was made available thanks to Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Greg Holmstrom “in” with a Twin Cities-based music agent who helped turn the Chair “on” to award winning a cappella group, Home Free.
“I’m told that these guys are one of the most sought after acts,” said Holmstrom. “They get booked all over the country ... I saw them perform at an event in St. Cloud and they’re excellent.”
Though the group has a musical focus, Home Free also brings a theatrical performance to their show, creating “a distinctive combination of comedy and music.”
Though Zempel says she embraces the opportunity to alter the event to cater toward collective yearnings, she’s happy to stick with what’s working.
The Chamber Director said the sweepstakes drawing was one of the items that fell under this category.
Last year for the suggested donation of $5 for one ticket or $20 for five, individuals were able to enter tickets into a drawing that resulted in one lucky winner taking home a brand new kayak.
All of these sweepstake components will remain the same, save a pair of delicious new prizes, including a half-a-hog from Pasture’s a Plenty and a quarter-beef from Moonstone Farm.
Between entertainment and premium pastured prizes, there’s much that promises to color the evening.
This year’s Chamber banquet will be held at Bootlegger’s Supper Club on Saturday, January 28 where it will begin with a social hour and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. amongst the backdrop of Jerry Ostensoe ‘s blues. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and Home Free takes the stage one hour later.
Prize drawings, accolades and other happenings will take place in the in-between.
Banquet tickets, which provide for dinner, musical entertainment, and a performance from Home Free are $25.00 apiece. Thus far they’ve been snatched up like hotcakes, and early signs suggest that this could be far and away the most successful banquet that Zempel has organized, yet.
“I am confident that we will once again exceed the previous year, we may exceed all previous years combined, she said. “We are really excited, we hope to see a great crowd, and most importantly wish to provide a fun evening that offers a new experience.
Tickets are available at the Chamber’s new location in the K.K. Berge building on Prentice Street. Zempel can be reached on her office phone at: 320-564-4039.
Ever since Nicole Zempel took the reins of the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce, the attendance at the annual Chamber banquet has been on an upward trend.
“When I arrived four years ago I was informed that the Chamber of Commerce had been losing money on this event for quite some time, but expectations were that the celebration should be serving as a fundraiser,” she said.
By breaking even in her first year as the event’s host, Zempel wasted little time meeting and exceeding expectations as she wrapped up each of the subsequent two events progressively deeper into the black.
Attendance totaled 98, 125 and then exceeded 200 last year –– illustrating how the financial success came as a direct result of Zempel’s ability to appeal to, amass and energize community members.
“This will be the fourth annual Chamber event that I have been involved with, and I feel it's just a great time to celebrate community and all those that work to enrich the lives of others,” she said. “Each year the Chamber Board has tweaked the event based off of feedback from the year prior. This year is no different and we are probably the most excited we have ever been about our annual event.”
Zempel says that this year, event-goers can expect to see a less formal and more creative presentation of Chamber accomplishments, a larger silent auction, and a big-time musical act that should offer a welcome respite from the speaker presentations typical in years past.
The option was made available thanks to Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Greg Holmstrom “in” with a Twin Cities-based music agent who helped turn the Chair “on” to award winning a cappella group, Home Free.
“I’m told that these guys are one of the most sought after acts,” said Holmstrom. “They get booked all over the country ... I saw them perform at an event in St. Cloud and they’re excellent.”
Though the group has a musical focus, Home Free also brings a theatrical performance to their show, creating “a distinctive combination of comedy and music.”
Though Zempel says she embraces the opportunity to alter the event to cater toward collective yearnings, she’s happy to stick with what’s working.
The Chamber Director said the sweepstakes drawing was one of the items that fell under this category.
Last year for the suggested donation of $5 for one ticket or $20 for five, individuals were able to enter tickets into a drawing that resulted in one lucky winner taking home a brand new kayak.
All of these sweepstake components will remain the same, save a pair of delicious new prizes, including a half-a-hog from Pasture’s a Plenty and a quarter-beef from Moonstone Farm.
Between entertainment and premium pastured prizes, there’s much that promises to color the evening.
This year’s Chamber banquet will be held at Bootlegger’s Supper Club on Saturday, January 28 where it will begin with a social hour and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. amongst the backdrop of Jerry Ostensoe ‘s blues. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and Home Free takes the stage one hour later.
Prize drawings, accolades and other happenings will take place in the in-between.
Banquet tickets, which provide for dinner, musical entertainment, and a performance from Home Free are $25.00 apiece. Thus far they’ve been snatched up like hotcakes, and early signs suggest that this could be far and away the most successful banquet that Zempel has organized, yet.
“I am confident that we will once again exceed the previous year, we may exceed all previous years combined, she said. “We are really excited, we hope to see a great crowd, and most importantly wish to provide a fun evening that offers a new experience.
Tickets are available at the Chamber’s new location in the K.K. Berge building on Prentice Street. Zempel can be reached on her office phone at: 320-564-4039.
