06/08/2026
Today’s Chamber luncheon was a meaningful mix of celebrating local students, supporting our members, and learning more about how information reaches us online.
We were honored to welcome two of our 2026 Chamber Scholarship recipients, Addison Meyer of Bigfork and Adam Jacobson of Grand Rapids, who shared excerpts from their scholarship applications with our members. While Allexa Alzen and Tessa Weddle were unable to join us today, we are equally proud to recognize all four students as they take their next steps.
A special thank you to our scholarship sponsor, Mesabi Metallics , whose generosity helped make it possible for the Chamber to award four $1,000 scholarships this year.
We also welcomed Gabby Jerulle from the Grand Rapids Herald-Review, who shared information on why we see what we see in our online feeds, how data shapes marketing, how businesses can use that information to better connect with customers, and how each of us can - at no cost - help strengthen and uplift the good in our community. Abby Oxborough from Sugar Lake Lodge shared ways they've utilized this knowledge implementing marketing and community engagement strategies.
One of the biggest takeaways? What we like, share, view, and engage with becomes part of our algorithm - and it can also impact what the people around us see. Gabby reminded us that while difficult or controversial topics often garner greater attention (shares/likes/comments), the positive stories, local news, community events, and moments worth celebrating can reach more people if they are given that same level of activity - and it will help ensure we see more of those positive things in our own feeds. As she shared, “If we all ever amplify the things we’re upset about, we can unintentionally miss the things worth celebrating.” That social media can be a powerful medium to unite us, rather than divide us - all based on how we use it.
Thank you to Gabby and the Herald-Review for sponsoring and presenting today, and thank you to our members for continuing to show up, learn, connect, and help strengthen our community.
