It’s important for communities to attract new residents to fill job openings, pay taxes, populate schools, spend money in the local economy, bring in fresh ideas and new energy, and more.

That’s why the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is regularly working on programming, services, and collaborations with other community entities to attract new residents – specifically, new workforce.

However, the workforce shortage has impacted communities across the country so the competition in this arena is fierce. Therefore, we’ve shifted some of our efforts to retention.

Businesses have long understood the financial impact of employee turnover. It can cost from one-half to two times a worker’s annual wages to replace them once you factor in expenses like hiring costs (advertising, sign-on bonuses, relocation packages), lost productivity during the time the position is open, expenses related to hiring temporary workers or paying overtime to existing workers, and the training and onboarding costs for a new employee.

Communities are now understanding the impact of people moving in and out of a community as well. It isn’t just a business problem.

The pandemic played a significant role in what we are facing today. Remote workplace opportunities allow people to easily move anywhere. Sometimes this allows them to move to a community where they have friends or family members. But in other situations, remote work may cause barriers to social interaction and making connections. Social isolation, which was previously most often associated with the elderly, is now an issue experienced by an increasing number of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Because of all this, communities are making greater efforts to focus on being more welcoming and inclusive, and finding ways to combat isolation and get people involved and connected. Community connections create an important sense of belonging.

We are fortunate to have no shortage of events and activities in our community. We also have a lot of incredible service and volunteer organizations for people to get involved in where connections can be made.

There are also specific programs that were established simply to create opportunities for connections. Following are just a few the Chamber is involved with:

Wake Up Alexandria is the Chamber’s most popular “connection” event. It is held the first and third Friday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at a different host business location. Everyone is welcome to attend. A $1 donation is requested at the door, which is given to a local nonprofit being recognized that day. The event includes a light breakfast and is a great way to learn about what is happening locally while meeting and connecting with a variety of people. For information, visit AlexandriaMN.org/WakeUpAlexandria or call (320) 763-3161.

The Alexandria Area Young Professionals (AAYP) organization is a great way for individuals younger than age 40 to connect with others in their age demographic through networking, informative meetings, and social events. Membership is only $35 per year, plus the cost of the monthly lunch. Additional efforts were recently added to promote connection with students at Alexandria College; they can get a complimentary membership to the organization with their lunch fee covered by local business sponsorships. For more information, visit ypalex.org or call (320) 763-3161.

Hello Neighbor is a new initiative created with the purpose of helping people working in the Alexandria/Douglas County area integrate into the community. This program was created to help people make connections and find opportunities through a variety of monthly social events. Events are held the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, visit HelloNeighborMN.org or call (320) 763-3161.

If you know someone who is new to the community, or even someone who isn’t new but seems isolated, there’s something you can do: Help them connect! Invite them to the above programs and events, invite them to join you at a meeting of your service organization or at a local volunteer opportunity, or ask them what their interests are and help them connect to opportunities that align with those interests.

If you aren’t sure how to do that, have them call the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 320-763-3161, or call us on their behalf. We are here to help make those connections! Our Visitor and Resource Center at 206 Broadway St. in Alexandria has a variety of information that can also help them connect and engage.

There is a place for everyone in this community! We’ll help you find it.

CJ Nagel is the general manager for Diamond Waves and Wags in Alexandria. The business features many car wash packages or pay by the wash along with self serve vacuums. Also on site are two self-serve dog wash centers complete with shampoo, anti-flea/tick shampoo, conditioner, dryer, disinfectant, and more. New to the business is a 24-hour self serve ice machine that sells 10 and 20 pound bags, along with 20 pound direct-to-cooler, and one, three, and five gallon purified water. Learn more at DiamondWavesAndWags.com.