Itasca-Mantrap has named Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce as the winner of the local 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award. In appreciation of its community service, the organization will receive an engraved plaque and a $500 check to be donated to a charity of choice.

Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to community that we at Itasca-Mantrap value highly,” said Itasca-Mantraps Member Services Manager, Jared Echternach. “We are very pleased to recognize their contributions to our local community.”

The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization of local business leaders that has been serving the community for 93 years. The Chamber’s goals are to promote business growth, serve members with personal development opportunities and to assist with community and economic development of the greater Park Rapids area. The Chamber has organized and promoted many successful community events such as the 4^th of July Parade, Legends & Logging Days, Light a Life tree lighting ceremony in partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospice and the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes and Gala Celebration. The Chamber has also partnered with many local organizations such as the City Lodging Association, Lake Country Scenic Byway Association, the Heartland Trail Association, Hubbard County Coalition of Lakes Associations, Progress Park Rapids, the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council along with regional and statewide tourism promotional organizations. Community members and organizations turn to the Chamber for problem solving, insight and information, with the understanding that the Chamber is willing to offer its services to make the greater Park Rapids area a better place to live, work, play and do business.

Itasca-Mantrap sought candidates for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community. “This area is blessed with many citizens and groups that are willing to donate time and effort to better our community,” Echternach said. “We are pleased that as a Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperative, we have this opportunity to recognize those who impact our community in a positive way.”

Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s award application will be submitted for consideration in the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from local award winners from around Minnesota. The winning organization will receive $1,000 to go toward their community cause. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be presented in February during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul.