The K2 and Co. Events Department continues to grow, breaking ground in new areas and challenging ourselves to provide the best experience for our clients possible. Our team recently joined the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and it’s been my great pleasure attending chamber events to represent K2. Everyone is so welcoming and I have really enjoyed learning about the wide range of businesses in the Stillwater area.

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce offers a leadership program to people looking to develop their skills and grow their business acumen, something I jumped at right away and am beyond ecstatic to announce I was accepted into the Leadership in the Valley 2024- 2025 Cohort. Each member of the cohort completed a Strengthsfinder survey, something I have never taken one of these before, and the results were eye-opening.

The first day was generally focused on our cohort of 30 members to really get to know each other and explain our intentions for the program. I was surprised how open everyone was and I am so excited to continue to get to know this group and grow personally and professionally in the next nine months.

One of our first professional development programs as part of the LITV was an Agriculture and Environment Day centered around transparency and trust and how that relates to our work environment and life as a whole. The day began at Belwin Conservancy where we learned the history of the property and their mission. We then went on a short hike and it was beautiful to see a landscape that is protected and lush. One thing that surprised me was the issues Belwin is experiencing with eliminating the invasive shrub, Buckthorn. I had no idea this was happening in Minnesota forests and prairies.

As the day progressed, our focus turned to energy and environmental policy discussions. After a visit and exclusive tour of the Xcel Energy King Plant, the topic of future energy policy was a lively conversation with the cohort. Many people had insights and opinions I would not have thought of. Overall this was an experience I will never forget and made me think deeply about the environment and the way we impact it, especially in Minnesota. I am glad companies like Xcel Energy are having these tough conversations and are on track to close their coal plant in 2028 and prioritize cleaner energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.

Shared experiences like these with other professionals has been so refreshing and enlightening to see the opportunities we have around us to grow our businesses in industries we had never previously considered. The November LITV day is focusing on Business & Economic Development and I am anticipating another awesome day of learning, excitement and thoughtful conversations.

Megan Linder, Fundraising & Events Account Executive

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