Why Public Speaking Is One of the Most Powerful Growth Tools for Small Business Owners
Most small business owners pour energy into product development, digital marketing, and customer service — but one of the most effective growth levers gets overlooked: the ability to stand up and speak with confidence. Whether you're presenting to a room of ten or a conference of five hundred, public speaking can open doors that no email campaign or social post ever will. The hesitation is understandable. As of 2025, around 75% of people worldwide fear public speaking, yet approximately 70% of jobs
Hoses VS Heroes Chairty Hockey Game sponsored by Kiser Construction
Kiser Construction hosts 3rd Annual charity Hockey Game with a spin Kiser Construction, a local Elk River Disaster Restoration/Construction Company, is hosting a charitable hockey game between the Elk River Fire Department, the Zimmerman Fire Department, and Twin Cities Sled Hockey. The event will take place Sunday April 26th, 2026 at Kiser Arena 2 at the Furniture and Things Community Event Center at 1 p.m. They will square off for approximately an hour. We have enlisted John Osterman, “the Voice” of
Local students make a buzz at Civics Bee
Monticello middle schoolers claim four of top five spots at regional competitionBy Lauren Flaum, Monticello Times Middle school students compete in the regional National Civics Bee on Saturday, March 21, at Monticello Middle School, answering questions on government, history, and civic engagement. First-place winner, Mariah J. of Salk Middle School in Elk River, poses with her award alongside Monticello Mayor Lloyd Hilgart following the National Civics Bee regional competition on March 21 in Monticello.
Elk River-area Rep. Paul Novotny reflects on 7 years of service
With his wife Nicole Novotny by his side, Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, was officially sworn in to his first term as a state representative on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2020, after taking the oath of office administered by House Speaker Melissa Hortman. By Josh Moniz Community Editor, Elk River Star News “I made a 10-item bucket list when I retired from the (Sherburne County) Sheriff’s Office six years ago. I finally did the first one in January. I need to start getting after that,” Elk River-area Rep.
Recruitment Marketing Strategies That Attract and Retain Skilled Talent
Recruitment marketing helps businesses consistently attract qualified candidates by applying marketing principles to hiring. Instead of waiting for applicants to appear, companies proactively build awareness, interest, and trust with potential hires long before a position opens. When done well, it creates a steady pipeline of engaged professionals who already understand your brand, culture, and opportunities.Key Takeaways Recruitment marketing builds long-term relationships with candidates rather than
A Practical Guide to Managing Tax Season for Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Members
Small business owners in the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce wear many hats. One of the most important — and often most stressful — is managing the tax filing process. With the right systems in place, tax season becomes less about scrambling and more about steady, confident preparation. In brief: Strong recordkeeping reduces last-minute stress and errors. Separating business and personal finances simplifies reporting. A simple calendar of deadlines prevents costly penalties. Organized digital


