News
Summer 2026 Events
Join Park Region at the following events this summer! • Erhard Parade - Sat. July 4th at 11am • West Otter Tail County Fair - Wed. July 15th - Sat. July 18th • Ashby Parade - Sat. July 18th at 6pm • Battle Lake Parade - Sat. July 25th at 7pm • Celebrate Aging Expo - Thurs. July 30th at 8am-12pm • I-94 Speedway Sponsor Night - Fri. August 7th Gates Open at 5pm • Vining Parade - Sat. August 15th at 7pm • Underwood Parade - Sat. September 5th at 2pm • Dalton Parade - Sat. September 12th at 11am
Ready To Dig?
Safety is in your hands. Every Dig. Every Time. What is 811? 811 “Call Before You Dig” is the national call-before-you-dig phone number and was created to provide you with a nationwide, easily accessible resource when you are digging. Every dig requires a call. If you plan to do any digging, you must call 811 or visit your state 811 center’s website (in Minnesota, www.gopherstateonecall.org) to request location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags. Doing so will protect you from
Community Grant Program 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
Office Closure Notice - Independence Day
Our offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day – a time to reflect on and celebrate our nation’s freedom. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026. For immediate assistance, our 24/7 Help Desk is available at 800.247.2706. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
Museum Hosts Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MUSEUM HOSTS NATIONWIDE READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE The Otter Tail County Historical Society invites the public to take part in a free nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 5pm at the Otter Tail County Museum in Fergus Falls. People across dozens of time zones will gather together at the same time to read from this historic document. Anyone wishing to read from the words written by Thomas Jefferson is
LB Homes Announces Reopening of Alcott Manor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LB Homes Announces Reopening of Alcott Manor as 55+ Independent Living Community Fergus Falls, MN June 25, 2026— LB Homes is pleased to announce the reopening of Alcott Manor as a 55+ independent living community, offering a comfortable, affordable housing option for older adults who value independence and flexibility in their daily lives. Alcott Manor is an apartment community designed for individuals aged 55 and older who want a welcoming environment where they can set their own
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,