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As we head into 2026, we're taking a moment to look back and celebrate what made 2025 such a strong year for Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat.In this episode, we count down the Top 10 most popular Chamber Chat episodes of 2025, based on views and listener love. PLUS we give a preview of all of the upcoming Chamber events in 2026!Whether you're catching up or reliving your favorites, this episode is a celebration of community, connection, and growth — and a big thank you to everyone who tuned in, shared, and supported the show.
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about Heidi's Hug-A-Mug winning the 2025 Window Decorating Contest, the Chamber Office being closed tomorrow and Thursday, the 2026-2027 Visitor Guide is on its way, and vote for Chamber of Commerce Business Awards this month!
Sarah and Zack close out 2025 with a look back at the impact the Chamber at its' events had during the year, and a reminder to get nominations in for 2026's Annual Breakfast & Awards! Details at smrchamber.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah and Zack close out 2025 with a look back at the impact the Chamber at its' events had during the year, and a reminder to get nominations in for 2026's Annual Breakfast & Awards! Details at smrchamber.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah and Zack close out 2025 with a look back at the impact the Chamber at its' events had during the year, and a reminder to get nominations in for 2026's Annual Breakfast & Awards! Details at smrchamber.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about their holiday hours this week and next, "Wake Up with Heather" moving to videos, Tour de Pepin registration will be opening in January, and a save-the-date for the Annual Meeting on March 20th, 2026.
Sarah and Zack close out 2025 with a look back at the impact the Chamber at its' events had during the year, and a reminder to get nominations in for 2026's Annual Breakfast & Awards! Details at smrchamber.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michelle Larson, Executive Director Of The Red Wing Area Chamber Of Commerce*Chamber Buck$*Red Wing Chamber Awards Voting now going on*Holiday Train Visit Summary
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about the window decorating contest, Heidi's has Santa coming this Saturday, plus the Chamber's holiday hours next week.
Sarah talks to Zack about Tuesday's NextGen event at Peat's Cider Social, plus ribbon cuttings, "Brew" Year's Eve in Baroda, and nominations for the Chamber Breakfast & Annual Meeting. Get details at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah talks to Zack about Tuesday's NextGen event at Peat's Cider Social, plus ribbon cuttings, "Brew" Year's Eve in Baroda, and nominations for the Chamber Breakfast & Annual Meeting. Get details at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about the holiday events happening in Lake City this weekend with the Lake City Boat Club and Rentals, the Holiday Home Tour with Lake City Area Arts, and a save-the-date for their Annual Meeting coming up March 20th.
Jack Colwell chats with Red Wing Area Chamber Executive Director Michelle Larson about:*The Holiday Train stop here in Red Wing December 12*Voting for Chamber awards starts this week*Chamber Buck$
Focusing on a growing business and new location.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce with a thank-you to everyone who participated in Christmas by the Lake and Light Up Lake City this past Saturday, Wake Up with Heather tomorrow morning, and the Christmas events happening in Lake City this weekend.
Laura Aadalen joins Jack Colwell on Chamber Chat!*Shop Local Chamber Bucks Promotion*Chamber Bucks Specials throughout the month of December*AMExpresso December 5th*Holiday Stroll recap
Get ready to step into the holiday spirit! In this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with Erin from the Saunders County Historical Society to explore the heart and history behind Christmas on the Prairie, happening December 5th & 6th.Erin shares how this beloved community tradition came to life, what guests can look forward to this year, and why Christmas on the Prairie continues to be such a meaningful celebration for Wahoo and the surrounding communities. From festive activities to historical touches, this episode is packed with cozy holiday charm and local pride.In this episode, we talk about:• The story and origins of Christmas on the Prairie• Highlights and must-see moments for 2025• How the Historical Society brings history to life during the event• What makes this celebration so special to the communityTune in, get festive, and join us as we kick off the season—Wahoo style!
Sarah joins Zack with details on the next set of NextGen and Business After Hours events, plus Bridgman Holiday Village. Get details on this and more at smrchamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah joins Zack with details on the next set of NextGen and Business After Hours events, plus Bridgman Holiday Village. Get details on this and more at smrchamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about their Thanksgiving hours, the Christmas by the Lake and Light Up Lake City events this Saturday, and Wake Up with Heather next Wednesday, December 3rd.
Red Wing Chamber Chat with Chamber Executive Director Michelle Larson.*Office closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving*Holiday Stroll Friday and Small Business Saturday*Holiday Light s downtown businesses*AM Expresso December 5th*Voting starting soon for 2025 Businesses of the Year
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about Business After Hours this Thursday with Rebel Fire at the Chamber office, Thanksgiving office hours, Christmas by the Lake and Light Up Lake City on November 29th, Wake Up with Heather on December 3rd, and 2026 Chamber Bucks going digital.
Topics With Laura Aadalen of the Red Wing Area Chamber Of Commerce:*Small Business Expo November 18th*Medallion Hunt starts November 19th*Holiday Stroll November 28th*Small Business Saturday November 29th*AM Expresso December 5th
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director for the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about tickets are on sale now for the Holiday Home Tour on December 13th, Business After Hours November 20th with Rebel Fire at the Chamber Office, and Light Up Lake City + Christmas By The Lake on November 29th.
Sarah talks to Zack about the upcoming State of the Economy Breakfast in Niles, the HYPE Pitch Competition in Stevensville, Business After Hours at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, and a Ribbon Cutting for the Downtown Buchanan Reopening Celebration. Find these are more events at SMRChamber.com, GreaterNilesChamber.com, and BridgmanCGA.org!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah talks to Zack about the upcoming State of the Economy Breakfast in Niles, the HYPE Pitch Competition in Stevensville, Business After Hours at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, and a Ribbon Cutting for the Downtown Buchanan Reopening Celebration. Find these are more events at SMRChamber.com, GreaterNilesChamber.com, and BridgmanCGA.org!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Veteran's Day, a new business opening, a business expo, and a big week coming up!
Highlighting a new business in Coldwater on this month's Chamber Chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Dave Moravec, president of the Coleraine Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Dave's journey into the chamber world, his experiences as a leader, and the innovative strategies he has implemented to foster growth and engagement within the chamber. A significant focus is placed on the concept of the 'chamber flywheel,' which emphasizes attracting, engaging, and delighting members to create a sustainable and thriving community. Additionally, Dave shares insights from his upcoming book, 'Echoes Across the Tracks,' and offers valuable tips for chamber professionals looking to enhance their organizations. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode354. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc
"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue talks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about "Wake Up with Heather" tomorrow morning for a Chamber 1-0-1, the Wizard of Oz play this weekend, Doe Day on Saturday, and Business After Hours this month is hosted by Rebel Fire Que'N Company November 20th.
Red Wing Chamber Chat with Laura AadalenTopics:Manufacturing Tours, Holiday Shop-N-Sip and the upcoming Business Expo.
Zack and Sarah have another round of weekly events and programs for your business from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce. Go to smrchamber.com or greaternileschamber.com for details!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/25 @ 7:45 AM – "Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce with Fall Fest thank-you's and the last week to enjoy the Fun Zone in Patton Park, Halloween wishes, Wake Up with Heather next Wednesday the 5th for Chamber 1-0-1, and the High School Musical next week, November 6th - 9th.
In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Jessica Walden, the president and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Jessica's background, the chamber's initiatives, and innovative strategies for fostering strong engagement among members. Jessica shares insights on the importance of storytelling, community involvement, and adapting programming to meet the needs of diverse demographics. The conversation highlights the chamber's focus on recruiting people and creating a vibrant community in Macon, Georgia. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode352. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc
In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Eric Hortness, Executive Director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Eric's journey into the chamber world, the innovative 'Cool Dad' promotional videos that have become a hallmark of the Madison Chamber's marketing strategy, and the impact these videos have had on community engagement and event attendance. Eric shares insights on the importance of creativity in chamber promotions, the evolution of their video series, and offers valuable advice for other chambers looking to enhance their outreach and effectiveness. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode351. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc
Sarah talks to Zack about a few events across the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Greater Niles Chamber, and the Greater Bridgman CGA! Find details on these events are more at smrchamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Tonia Stephenson, President and CEO of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. Tonia shares her journey in community leadership and economic development, emphasizing the importance of member retention and innovative engagement strategies. The conversation highlights the unique approaches Tonia employs to ensure every member feels valued and supported, including personalized outreach, community events, and creative marketing initiatives. Tonia also discusses the future of Chambers of Commerce and the need for relevance in a changing business landscape, encouraging collaboration and mentorship among chamber professionals. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode350. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc
Sarah and Zack feature this week's events including a Bridgman Business After Hours, a St. Joe Business After Hours, and a ribbon cutting in Niles Township. Find these events and more at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Joe Van Heisen, Vice President of Membership and Resource Development for Envision Greater Fond du Lac. They discuss the importance of membership value and ROI for chambers, the significance of storytelling and advocacy in building trust with members, and the future of chambers in an increasingly automated world. Joe shares insights on how to effectively communicate value to members and the necessity of advocacy in enhancing the chamber's role in the community. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode348.
Sarah and Zack talk about Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting events, a Tax Code update virtual meeting for businesses, and the groundbreaking of Project T in Benton Harbor. Get details and register to attend at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah and Zack talk about Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting events, a Tax Code update virtual meeting for businesses, and the groundbreaking of Project T in Benton Harbor. Get details and register to attend at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Bartho welcomes Jodi Wagner and Erin Clark from Rice County Habitat for Humanity to discuss more on the Chamber’s ambassador program, the organization’s current projects, and upcoming events with the Chamber.
This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're diving into one of the hottest topics in Wahoo right now—the proposed amphitheater at Lake Wanahoo. Our guest, Jerry Johnson, joins us to share the vision, details, and answers to some of the big questions surrounding this exciting project.If you weren't able to attend one of the informational meetings held this week, this episode is your chance to get all the information straight from the source. Here's what we cover:
Aaron from M&W Auto Service & Tire joins Sarah and Zack to talk about this Friday, September 5 event celebrating their 50th Anniversary with some special guests! Get details at mwtire.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah joins Zack to chat about this week's busy week of events, including ribbon cuttings, open houses, and a Business After Hours, plus lots more in the next few weeks at smrchamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Engagement Rachel Trnka and Chamber Ambassador Randy Yoder discuss the Chamber’s Ambassador Program, which aims to help promote connections between new and potential Chamber members.
In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we welcome Ann Brock, Vice President of the newly formed Wahoo Arts Council. Ann shares the council's mission, upcoming projects, and how you can get involved—whether you're an artist, performer, or simply someone who loves supporting the arts.Tune in to find out how the Wahoo Arts Council plans to inspire creativity, build connections, and bring even more culture to our community.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to cover the latest round of Grand Openings, Ribbon Cuttings, and Business After Hours. Join us at SMRChamber.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Bartho talks summer in Northfield and upcoming events happening all over town.