From workforce retention to artificial intelligence, panelists shared strategies rooted in collaboration, innovation and community pride.

The panel featured a cross-section of New Ulm’s entrepreneurial and civic leadership: Andrea Boettger of Turner Hall and the City Council, Mark Petersen of United Prairie Bank, Erin Lafferty of Bird Dog Hospitality (Best Western Plus), Ann Wendinger of Sewing Seeds Quilt Co., and George Cottom of George’s Fine Steaks & Spirits. The discussion was moderated by Eric Warmka of Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes.

Workforce development emerged as a central theme. Lafferty praised Martin Luther College (MLC) students for their long-term contributions to hospitality staffing.

“We are so blessed to have MLC students coming through our organization,” she said, noting their four-year commitment as a stabilizing force.

George Cottom of George’s Fine Steaks & Spirits shares reflections on tourism, resilience, and Chamber support during the CEO panel. “This town is driven by tourism,” he said, “and what the Chamber has done is support you ten times more than any place I’ve ever been.”

Wendinger highlighted collaborations with University of Minnesota Extension and 4-H, where quilting workshops preserve traditional crafts while cultivating future customer relationships.

“It’s about teaching and connecting,” she said.

Technology integration drew mixed reactions. Lafferty described using ChatGPT to streamline sales prospecting and respond to guest reviews, noting that 75% of hotel bookings now occur online.

Petersen addressed AI’s growing role in banking security, warning of voice-cloning scams and emphasizing new verification protocols.

“Everyone here is going to maybe get a few more questions from their financial provider to make sure that it’s you,” he said.

Ann Wendinger of Sewing Seeds Quilt Co. shares reflections on legacy, youth engagement, and the future of small business during the Chamber’s CEO panel. “It’s about teaching and connecting,” she said, highlighting her work with 4-H and University of Minnesota Extension.

Panelists also celebrated New Ulm’s collaborative business culture. Turner Hall frequently hosts nonprofit events at minimal cost, while Bird Dog Hospitality partners with nearly every major business in town for group accommodations. Cottom credited the Chamber’s support during COVID-19 and beyond.

“This town is driven by tourism, and what the chamber has done is support you as a business operator 10 times more than any place I’ve ever been,” he said.

Looking ahead, succession planning looms large. Wendinger noted that none of the current owners’ children plan to take over the business — a concern echoed across sectors. Rising operational costs, including new state mandates for paid sick leave, are compounding pressures on small businesses already grappling with shipping fees and tariffs.

Petersen called for renewed entrepreneurial energy, citing higher capital requirements and interest rates as barriers to entry.

“We need new business owners,” he said.

The panel also previewed new technology investments, including software that tracks visitor movement via cell phone data. These tools help businesses understand customer origins and spending habits, enabling more targeted marketing.

With a median age of 38, New Ulm’s younger demographic presents both promise and complexity. Businesses are adapting to shifting consumer expectations while maintaining legacy values.