News
An Owner's Guide to Adobe Firefly for Small Business
What Is Adobe Firefly? It is a web-based generative artificial intelligence application created by Adobe that allows users to create and modify visual content using simple text descriptions. The platform works by interpreting everyday language prompts to generate images, text effects, and video assets according to user preferences. Key outputs include high-resolution digital files suitable for both online marketing and print materials, and all features out of beta are fully cleared for commercial
Congratulations Class of 2026
As local graduates close this chapter and begin new adventures, Park Region extends our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this important milestone, and we are proud of all you have accomplished. Whether your next step is higher education, entering the workforce, or pursuing new opportunities, we wish you continued success and confidence in all that lies ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2026!
What Is The Federal Lifeline Program?
The Federal Lifeline Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages. You qualify if: Your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines OR You participate in any ONE of these federal assistance programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
News Release: 6/2/2026
The Foundation for Rural Service awards grants annually through the Community Grant Program to nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, municipalities, and other organizations doing good work in their communities. These grants provide the opportunity for NTCA members like Park Region to amplify the ways they support their communities and are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high-quality life in rural America. Applications for these grants are
What Would You Buy With An Extra $10
Movie tickets, clothes, or fishing jigs? Whatever you’re into, treat yourself by switching to autopay and e-billing with Park Region. As our way to thank you for switching to both options, we will provide you with a $10 bill credit on your next bill. If you only sign up for one option, you will receive a $5 bill credit on your next bill. Simply stop by one of our offices to sign up or scan the QR code to access the Automatic Payment Form. Return the form to one of our offices, or mail to: PO Box 277
Nelson Aluto June Newsletter
Thank You for Joining Us at the Chamber Café! As General Manager, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Chamber Café we hosted on May 14th. It was an absolute pleasure to open our doors specifically to other businesses and community members so you could check out our space. It was wonderful learning about so many of our local non-profits and the amazing activities happening with local businesses in the area. We had a blast hosting, and if you were one of the participants who
Pebble Lake Golf Club Launches New Official Facebook Page
Hello Fergus Falls Area Chamber community! Pebble Lake Golf Club has launched a new official Facebook page, and we'd love to invite our fellow Chamber members, local businesses, community leaders, and area residents to follow along. https://www.facebook.com/pebblelakefergusfalls Whether you're a golfer, event organizer, business owner, sponsor, visitor, or simply someone who enjoys seeing great things happening in our community, our new page will be your source for: Course Updates Tournaments &
Nelson Auto Sponsors Red White and Wings Air Show in Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, Minn. — Nelson Auto is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Red White and Wings Air Show, a free community event for families in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. The event will take place on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the Fergus Falls Municipal Airport. Thanks to local sponsorship support, the air show will be free and open to the public. Nelson Auto is sponsoring this event because of its commitment to families and community growth. The company believes
Registration Now Open for Nelson Auto Center’s 2nd Annual Kids Fishing Tournament at Elks Point
FERGUS FALLS, MN — Nelson Auto Center has officially opened public registration for its Second Annual Customer Appreciation Kids Fishing Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, at Elks Point in Fergus Falls. The annual event is part of Nelson Auto Center's ongoing dedication to community appreciation and youth engagement. The primary mission of the tournament is simple but impactful: encourage local youth to step away from computers and screens, embrace the outdoors, and enjoy the rich natural
Ace Taxi Service is Back on the Road
To our current and returning customers, Life occasionally presents unexpected hurdles, and Ace Taxi Service recently faced a period of change. We have successfully navigated those challenges and are excited to be moving forward with a fresh management team at the helm. **Service Update:** We are currently operating on a modified schedule as we work toward returning to our signature 24/7 availability. Our priority is hiring professional, reliable drivers to ensure you receive the quality service you
Century 21 Atwood Receives 2100 Cup Award
MADISON, N.J., April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Compass International Holdings (NYSE: COMP), announced at its One21® Experience Global Conference in Las Vegas this week that CENTURY 21 Atwood has been named the recipient of the 2026 CENTURY 21® Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award ("2100 Cup"), the most prestigious company-level recognition presented annually within the CENTURY 21 System. Minnesota‑based brokerage, CENTURY 21 Atwood, honored with the 2026 CENTURY 21® Art
Turn Public Speaking Into a Business Growth Engine in Fergus Falls
Public speaking is one of the highest-leverage skills a small business owner can develop — and one of the most underinvested. In Fergus Falls, where the regional economy runs on relationships spanning agriculture, healthcare, retail, and tourism, the ability to communicate clearly and compellingly isn't a soft skill. It's a competitive tool with direct payoff. SCORE cites public speaking as one of the most direct ways to build brand, reputation, and confidence — and those three outcomes compound over
A Media Kit Is the Cheapest PR Move Your Business Isn't Making
A media kit — also called a press kit — is a package of ready-to-share information about your business, designed so journalists, bloggers, and event organizers can write about you without chasing down the basics. Muck Rack's State of Journalism report found that journalists prefer advance preparation — 65% want a media kit delivered to them rather than having to hunt for it on deadline. If your Fergus Falls business doesn't have one, you're making the reporter's job harder — and reporters move on
How to Implement Organizational Change in a Small Business with Confidence
Organizational change can rattle even the most resilient small businesses. Whether you're introducing new technology, restructuring roles, or shifting strategy, small business owners face a unique tension: limited resources and close-knit teams mean every change is personal. The key is not speed alone, but clarity, alignment, and steady follow-through.At A Glance: What Makes Change Work Clear communication reduces resistance and prevents rumor cycles. Involving employees early increases buy-in and
Starting Smart: Key Investments for New Fergus Falls Business Owners
Launching a business in Fergus Falls is more than setting up shop—it’s planting the seeds for community connection and long-term resilience. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or building a local services brand, early investments made today will determine your momentum tomorrow.TL;DR Invest early in accounting, branding, and local networking. Secure digital systems for contracts, marketing, and online sales. Plan for visibility—offline and online—to build trust and traffic. Lean into
Essential Legal Steps for Entrepreneurs to Launch a Business (and Avoid Early Pitfalls)
Starting your first business is an exciting transition, but it comes with legal responsibilities that can shape your future success. From choosing the right entity to protecting yourself with contracts, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Step 1: Register Your Business Entity The first major step is deciding how your company will be structured. Common options include: Sole proprietorship – simplest form, but offers no liability protection. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – shields
Stop the Scroll On the Sidewalk
A storefront isn’t just a physical barrier between inside and out—it’s a psychological gateway. When someone walks by your business, they’re scanning for reasons to stop, peek in, and maybe cross the threshold. And in a world flooded with distractions, you have about five seconds to make that happen. The right storefront display doesn’t just decorate—it persuades. It speaks to curiosity, rhythm, season, even nostalgia. This isn’t about expensive fixtures or flashy tech. It’s about intention, attention,
Going Global: Smart Moves for SMBs Expanding Internationally
Expanding your small or medium-sized business into global markets isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about reshaping how you operate, communicate, and deliver value. You’re no longer serving just one type of customer or cultural context. Each move introduces new risks and opportunities, from regulations and logistics to customer expectations and brand messaging. The good news? With the right structure, global expansion is entirely within reach. Here's how to approach it with clarity and control. Research