Tresa Kelly speaks to Chamber about new mental health program

July 20, 2023

The July monthly meeting for the Mankato Chamber of Commerce took place Wednesday July, 12 at the Senior Center with nine members and one guest present.

President Jason Ortman called the meeting to order. The June meeting minutes were approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given.

Tresa Kelly was present to speak to the group about a new service Pawnee Mental Health is offering. The program is called Individual Placement and Support. It is a program designated to help individuals who have a mental health diagnosis explore employment options.

Brian Shulda reported the Community Garden is looking nice.

The Threshing Bee will take place July 15. The chamber will sponsor the entertainment with Savanna Chestnut and the Field Hands. They will play from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday. The chamber also discussed the watermelon popping contest. It will take place following the parade roughly around 2:30 to 3 p.m. Fifteen watermelons will be used and two $10 Chamber Bucks certificates will be for the winners. Volunteers are needed to help Jason Ortman setup and clean up the contest. Volunteers are needed to work the west gate. There will be four shifts. Members who volunteered for the shifts are 7 to 9:30 a.m. - Trevor Elkins, 9:30 to 12 p.m. - Jason Ortman 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Carol Thomason and 2:30 to 4 p.m. - Barb Railsback.

The chamber discussed the Community Birthday Calendars. The chamber is accepting orders until July 26. Individuals can list birthdays, anniversaries, events or meetings in the community and in memory of. Each listing is 25 cents and calendars can also be ordered for $5. Businesses that advertised last year will be contacted about advertising again for $10. Brian Shulda will take an aerial picture to be featured on the calendar. After the July 26, orders will be collected a calendar made to be proofread at the next meeting.

The chamber is going to donate money to the Food Pantry, Blood Mobile and Chamber Bucks to the Senior Center bingo event this month.

The next meeting will take place Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Buffalo Roam.