News
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Workforce resources for Otter Tail County employers and job seekers
There are more than 700 job openings available throughout Otter Tail County. These opportunities represent many industries, job types, and skill sets. The Otter Tail County Job Portal at ottertaillakescountry.com/jobs connects job seekers with these opportunities in one convenient place. The website is free and lists current job openings with employers in Otter Tail County, making it easier to explore careers without searching multiple websites. The Job Portal is helpful for anyone looking for work,
Offices Closed for Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day our offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. Our 24/7 help desk will be available by calling 800.247.2706.
Back To School
It’s that time again! Park Region welcomes students, teachers, and parents back to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year. We value education and remain committed to supporting our community’s young learners in their pursuit of growth and knowledge. As part of our dedication to community support, we are thrilled to announce our contributions to the Lakes & Prairie United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. This initiative helps ensure that every student has the supplies they need to succeed in their
Unclaimed Capital Credits
Park Region Telephone has members who have not cashed their capital credit checks. If you have any information about the people listed below, please email accounting@parkregion.com or call 218.826.8314. Thank you! • BEWLEY, THOMAS • GUZZI, ARCOLE • HERBRANSON, ROBERT • HOLTE, EMIL • OTTMAR, PERCY • REESE, DAVID • STEFFENS, ELLIE • TRITES, DARYL
Federal Lifeline Week September 2026
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),
Celebrate Aging Expo Recap
At the end of July, Park Region’s Network Helpdesk Tech Dan Murdock held a Cybersecurity & Phishing Breakout Session at the Celebrating Aging Expo that took place at the Bigwood Event Center. Topics included an overview on scams, phishing emails, how to spot red flags, and more. Thank you, Dan for your commitment to helping our community protect themselves from cyber threats. For information on future events, stay connected with us on Facebook or Instagram!
Loan resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Access to capital can make the difference between a business idea staying on paper and becoming a successful business. For new and existing business owners, financing may be needed to purchase equipment, acquire or improve property, build inventory, provide working capital, refinance eligible debt, or support expansion. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs that can make it easier for small businesses to access financing through participating banks and other lenders.
Community development grants drive growth across Otter Tail County
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) has awarded more than $804,000 to 11 communities for projects that strengthen local economies, expand housing opportunities, expand the tax base, and improve quality of life. The Community Growth Partnership Grant Program was created in 2019 by the Otter Tail County CDA and has awarded 42 grants to eligible cities and townships to help turn local ideas into projects that create lasting community impact. The Community Growth Partnership Grant
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Financial resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Starting up or expanding a business takes more than a good idea. It also takes funding, planning, and support from organizations that understand the financial needs of local businesses. Loans, tax incentives, and other financial resources can help business owners take their next step—renovating or expanding buildings, buying equipment, improving energy efficiency, creating jobs, or planning for long-term growth. There are a variety of financial resources available to Otter Tail County businesses. These
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Succession planning resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Succession and transition planning are important for business owners at every stage, not just for those who are ready to retire. A succession plan helps a business get ready for what comes next. This could mean selling the business, handing over ownership, training the next group of leaders, hiring new managers, or making a plan for unexpected events. Starting early can make things easier for the owner, employees, family, customers, and the community. Many business owners wait until they are close to
Business resources available in Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County knows that supporting local businesses helps build strong communities. Whether someone is starting a new business, managing a current business, planning for growth, looking for funding, needing workforce support, or preparing for the future, there are resources available to help. The Business & Development Resources page on the Otter Tail County website brings many of these tools together in one easy place, so business owners and community members can find support that fits their unique
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AI resources for Otter Tail County businesses
Business owners have a lot to manage each day. From helping customers and managing employees to handling finances, marketing, operations, and future planning, running a business can bring up questions at every stage. There are business resources, so Otter Tail County businesses do not have to figure everything out on their own. The West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one consulting for small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to business consulting, the
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
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 &
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,