The Superior Express -

Thirteen members of the Mankato Chamber of Commerce met for the October meeting on Oct. 11, at the Mankato Senior Center. 

Haley Nelson gave the treasurer’s report.

Representatives from Pawnee Mental Health were present to talk about the fundraising auction they are currently doing as well as training they have for mental health services. The auction items are listed at Pawnee.org/driving-the-dream.cfm and feature several Jewell County businesses. Pawnee Mental Health has received a grant to offer two programs for free. One program is an 8-hour Mental Health First Aid class and the other class is a  two hour QPR class that supports suicide prevention. Individuals can learn more by visiting pawnee.org . 

The chamber discussed the Community Birthday Calendars. Haley Nelson has set the calendars and collected advertisements and sent them to be printed. Brian Shulda is working on taking an aerial picture of Mankato to be used for the main photo. 

The Garage Sale Mall took place during the Highway 36 Treasure Hunt at the City Building on Sept. 14 through 16. Seven of the 12 booths were rented this year. The chamber had $170 in income and $225 in expenses since the armory was used. 

The chamber discussed Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Trick-or-Treat which will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 . The Pumpkin decorating contest will also take place that day. Pumpkins can be dropped off on the bench in front of the museum from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Judging will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Haley will announce the winners promptly at 5 p.m. when the Trick-or-Treat ends. Participants are encouraged to come back at 5 p.m. sharp so there aren’t any delays.

There will be two age groups this year, ages 10 and under and 10 and above. There will be a first and second place prize for each age group. Phyllis Christie will get two movie tickets to be used for prizes and the chamber will give two Chamber Bucks certificates for prizes. Also this year, each participant will get a certificate for free ice cream from Sweden Creme. Businesses or organizations not located downtown are encouraged to come downtown to participate in Trunk-or-Treat.

Christmas in Mankato will take place Nov. 24 starting at 3 p.m. Businesses who would like to participate will be open from 3 to 5:30 and can offer specials, snacks and prizes like they have in the previous years. The chamber is sponsoring the advertising for the event so there are no costs for businesses who want to participate. Haley Nelson will send out an email to members the advertising work can begin for the event. During the event there will be a storefront decorating contest. Businesses who want to participate in the contest need to have their business decorated by the time of the event. Judges will pick one lucky business and present them with a traveling plaque that the business can proudly display for one year. More details of the other activities that will take place during the event will be discussed at next month’s meeting. 

Red Ribbon Week will take place Oct. 23 through 31. The Jewell County 365 Health Coalition will be contacting business owners about painting windows for that week to raise awareness and cleaning the windows after.

Teresa from the Individual Placement and Support group reported there have been 39 participants in the program and 15 of those individuals have been placed in a job.  

The next meeting will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Buffalo Roam.