Featuring Our Own:
(Chamber A -Z) POISED TO LEAD THE EV CHARGE
Monday, August 16, 2021 article written by Patrick Lapinski, Golden Shovel writer 
In 2020, Long Prairie applied for and was accepted in a new incentive program from Minnesota Power to install a 2-port electric vehicle (EV) charging station. “In order to increase the number of publicly available charging stations in northeastern Minnesota, Minnesota Power is purchasing 20 electric vehicle chargers that will be donated to qualifying customer host sites. In addition, Minnesota Power will rebate customers for installation expenses up to 80% of the cost with a maximum payment of $1,500,” reads the press release announcing the program. Minnesota Power will select the recipients of the chargers based on location and the suitability of each site for this program. In February, the station was installed by ARC Electrical Service of Long Prairie, and is up and fully functional.
The recent installation of an electric car charging station is a first for Long Prairie. The day may be marked in the history books along with the first telephone, the coming of the railroad, electricity, and the first car. A mere century ago we were entering in the era of the gas combustion engine in mass-produced automobiles. America was about to hit the road. Today, to stay on that road, the future is the electric car, and Long Prairie is poised to lead the way in charging these EV’s in central Minnesota. 
ARC Electric Installed the EV Chargers
The current driving distance range for an electric vehicle is limited, which presents an economic development opportunity to invest in charging stations. Depending on various factors such as voltage, vehicle model and battery, it will take time to charge a vehicle. Rapid charging units currently on the market can charge an EV (Electric Vehicle) up to 80% in 30 minutes. This leads to more opportunity to add amenities for the customer while they wait. You could compare it to stage coach stations from yesteryear. “Surveys show a large majority of EV drivers make a purchase when charging at a retail location, and most prefer to shop at businesses that offer EV charging,” says Minnesota Power.
Offering EV charging station is a visible sign of a commitment to the environment that increases your bottom line while preparing your establishment for the future. “As EV adoption grows, charging stations are good for business because they attract and retain customers, residents and visitors.” Other possibilities include commercial buildings, multifamily housing units, and public parking, where you can “attract the growing EV customer base and increase revenue.”
The Long Prairie charging station, attached to the side of the city building which houses the Great River Regional Library, the Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce and the Long Prairie Economic Development Authority has two, Level 2 chargers that require a 240-volt circuit. (Most home EV charging stations use standard 120-volt service). The station has two connectors, or ports. The units will come with a five-year warranty, data, and maintenance plan. In full transparency, these are "smart" chargers, says Minnesota Power. They have the ability to collect data about charging sessions, vehicles, usage, and other data. Minnesota Power will collect and analyze data; information like session length, session kWh, 5-minute power values, 5-minute metering values, 24-hour RSSI strength, 5-minute Plug state, and error status reports. *
*“Donee further acknowledges that none of this information shall involve personally identifiable information of EV Charging Station users.” 
Electronic Sign Use and Fees Schedule
Please click the link above to download our Sign Use Policy and Fee Schedule. If you would like to use the sign (either as a Chamber Member or as a non-member) please fill out the last page of the form and enclose any payment (non-member) for use of the sign and return to the Chamber office. Thank you. 
- Places to stay
- Places to eat -Specialty shops - Things to do History of Long Prairie
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Chamber Director: Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst
Chamber Office Hours: IN & OUT OF THE OFFICE due to visits etc. Monday - Friday 9am - 3:00pm Please contact me at (320) 732-2514. chamber@longprairie.org Location: @ the LP Library 42 3rd Street North (click on red for google map) Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.
Luis Bunuel Education, Schools and Community Ed Websites
Senior Center ActivitiesSENIOR NEWS
Seniors Echoes:
Long Prairie Senior Center - 320 732-2282 Manager: Jodi Dixon Email: lpseniorcenter@gmail.com
There will be lunches served on Thursdays See calendar below 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEW SEASON- CENTRE AREA CONCERT SERIES- MEMBERSHIP Attendance by season ticket purchase only. To purchase send a check made out to: Centre Area Concert Association 146 4th St N Sauk Centre MN 56378 Adult $45 Student $10 (through high school) Family $110 (2 adults & all children still in high school) Grandparents $110 (2 adults, 2 grandkids) Click below to download the membership form and mail it with your check. http://concertassociation.net/saukcentremn/membership.cfm Click here for the concerts: http://concertassociation.net/saukcentremn/index.cfm Thunder Cards are back! If you know a Thunder football player ask them how to get your Thunder Card! They are only $10 and have a number of great deals! On top of that, the money goes to help the Thunder Football Program. Reach out to new head coach Jonathan Larson at jlarson@lpge.k12.mn.us if you have any questions!!! Go thunder!!! ONGOING EVENTS: Farmers Markets in Long Prairie Long Prairie Farmers Market Every Friday 2-5:30pm @ the Coborn’s Parking Lot Thorson's Market: LONG PRAIRIE HOURS CHANGE: THORSON'S Farm Market in Long Prairie fall hours will be Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 am - 3 pm. across from Coborns Long Prairie NEW HOURS: Friday afternoon from 3:30 - 6:30 pm Now that summer is over, we have added these new hours for those who are back in school or working. Let us know if this is helpful for you. Last days of markets will depend on weather. I will keep you posted. Upcoming Chamber & Community Events
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BUSINESS RESOURCES
Todd County Development Corporation - Business Resources during COVID 19 – Please do not hesitate to contact Rick Utech, Executive Director of Todd County Development Corporation, if you have any questions about business assistance during these difficult times.
Todd County Development Corporation
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
320-732-2128 / rick.utech@co.todd.mn.us
Todd County Development Corporation - Business Resources during COVID 19 – Please do not hesitate to contact Rick Utech, Executive Director of Todd County Development Corporation, if you have any questions about business assistance during these difficult times.
Todd County Development Corporation
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
320-732-2128 / rick.utech@co.todd.mn.us
HEALTH INFORMATION
CENTRACARE UPDATE- click here
TODD COUNTY COUNTY UPDATES- click here
COMMUNITY FOOD & MEAL RESOURCES
| covid-19_press_release_3.18.20_food.pdf |
Vaccine Information/Scheduling:
- Todd County Health & Human Services: Schedule an appointment (see below)
- Coborn's Pharmacy is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Interested in receiving a first dose of a COVID vaccine visit www.Coborns.com/covid19 to schedule your appointment. Please note: Appointments are on a first come first serve basis and will be made based on eligibility and times available
- CentraCare- Long Prairie: Call today to book an appointment – 320-200-3200 or you can conveniently book online via this link for COVID Vaccination Appointment Scheduling https://www.centracare.com/online.../covid-19-vaccination/
You do not have to be an existing CentraCare patient to be eligible
**You must be 18 and older to receive the Moderna vaccine.
- Todd County Health & Human Services: Schedule an appointment (see below)
- Coborn's Pharmacy is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Interested in receiving a first dose of a COVID vaccine visit www.Coborns.com/covid19 to schedule your appointment. Please note: Appointments are on a first come first serve basis and will be made based on eligibility and times available
- CentraCare- Long Prairie: Call today to book an appointment – 320-200-3200 or you can conveniently book online via this link for COVID Vaccination Appointment Scheduling https://www.centracare.com/online.../covid-19-vaccination/
You do not have to be an existing CentraCare patient to be eligible
**You must be 18 and older to receive the Moderna vaccine.
COVID Testing Sites
CentraCare Long Prairie
https://covid19.centracare.com/what-is-covid-19-/covid-19-testing/
Coborn's Pharmacy in Long Prairie: Free, contactless, drive-thru COVID testing now available at between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. by appointment only through November 30, 2020:
https://www.coborns.com/pharmacy
Other Testing sites in MN
https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations/index.jsp
Do I need a COVID test?
https://doineedacovid19test.com/
CentraCare Long Prairie
https://covid19.centracare.com/what-is-covid-19-/covid-19-testing/
Coborn's Pharmacy in Long Prairie: Free, contactless, drive-thru COVID testing now available at between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. by appointment only through November 30, 2020:
https://www.coborns.com/pharmacy
Other Testing sites in MN
https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations/index.jsp
Do I need a COVID test?
https://doineedacovid19test.com/
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Community GardenWant More Information on Community Gardens? Call the Chamber of Commerce 320 732-2514 Follow this link for photos and more information about the Community Gardens.
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Click on the Made in Minnesota photo to learn more about products and suppliers who are right here in Minnesota!
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