Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

09/11/2026

Stop out at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport this weekend, September 11-13, to see the Field of Honor®.

Thank you to the Exchange Club of Owatonna, Moonlighters Exchange Club of Owatonna MN, Exchange Club of Steele County, and Exchange Club of Medford!

September 11-13, the Field of Honor® at Owatonna Degner Regional Airport will offer a powerful and moving tribute to the heroes who have served and sacrificed throughout our nation’s 250-year history.

Hundreds of American flags will stand proudly across the airport grounds, creating a breathtaking sea of red, white and blue. Each flag represents a life of service and a story worth remembering.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we invite you to visit the Field of Honor, walk among the flags, reflect on the lives forever changed and remember the courage and sacrifice shown that day and in the years that followed.
https://owatonna.org/events/one-nationmany-stores-flag-display/

Explore Minnesota

09/11/2026

Chamber Ambassadors visited with the Steele County DFL, PO Box 272 in Owatonna, to welcome them as a new member. Melinda Estey is the chair, and Mandy Young is the treasurer.

The Steele County DFL believes that all people are entitled to fair and equitable opportunities for a safe, healthy, educated, and prosperous life.

09/10/2026

Chamber Ambassadors visited with Black Bear Dispensary, 209 W Bridge Street, to welcome them as a new member. Carrie and Jesse Worsk are the owners, Nate Kanya is the regional manager and Josh Farris is the store manager.

Black Bear Dispensary is a premier adult-use retailer, offering high-quality product backed by an experienced team committed to education, transparency and exceptional service.

09/09/2026

Owatonna Community Leadership Academy | 2026–2027 Opening Day

The Owatonna Community Leadership Academy (OCLA) kicked off the 2026–2027 program year at Federated Insurance with an inspiring day focused on understanding ourselves as leaders, discovering our strengths, and recognizing that leadership happens at every level.

Participants were welcomed by Annie Priebe, Vice President, Director of Public Affairs & Advertising at Federated Insurance, before diving into Strengths-Based Leadership with LaRae Nordlie Samuels. The session gave participants an opportunity to better understand their individual strengths and how those strengths can contribute to stronger teams and communities.

Keynote speaker Erik Therwanger delivered a dynamic and thought-provoking presentation, “Leadership at Every Level,” challenging participants to recognize the impact they can make—regardless of their title or position.

A special thank you to Cheryl Deason and Angie Noble with Federated’s Community Relations team, and to Paul Smith, our Day Leader and tour guide of the Federated ATA Building, for helping make the day such a meaningful start to the OCLA year.

And, of course, thank you to Federated Insurance and the Bon Appétit Café for welcoming our participants and providing so much for Opening Day!

09/09/2026

Join the Young Professionals of Owatonna and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota for an afternoon of mentorship and bowling! Make a difference in a Little's life while also enjoying bowling, conversation and fun! It’s a great opportunity to make a difference while networking with other young professionals.

Monday, September 14
5:30-7:00pm

09/07/2026

Thinking of starting a small business? Join the upcoming Small Business Academy through Owatonna Area Business Development Center.

Starting a business comes with a lot of questions, and you don’t have to figure them all out on your own.

Throughout the Small Business Academy, we bring in guest speakers to share their expertise and answer questions about the realities of starting and running a business. Participants hear from professionals such as attorneys and tax accountants, as well as local small business owners who can share what they’ve learned from their own experiences.

With guest speakers joining us for nearly every class, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and make valuable connections as you work through your own business idea.

Ready to get started? Join our next Small Business Academy. Click here to learn more: https://sbaowatonna.eventbrite.com

09/07/2026

The Chamber office is closed today in honor of Labor Day.

09/04/2026

Another fun evening to close out Downtown Thursdays this year!

09/04/2026

Main Street Director Lisa Cochran and Events Director Julia Seykora joined Membership Director Brad Fischer along with KOWZ’s Community Connection host Corey Harguth on Tuesday's Community Connection show earlier this week.

09/03/2026

See you at Downtown Thursday on September 3!

Don't leave anything to chance! 🎰🍀🤞

Plan now to attend the FINAL Downtown Thursday of the 2026 season!

Thursday, September 3
5:00-9:00pm

Enjoy food & beverages, live music, family activities, and a whole lot of fun in Downtown Owatonna!