Olivia Chamber of Commerce

08/18/2026

🌽 What a wonderful day at Minnesota Becknology Days! 🌽

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce and Beck's Hybrids had an amazing day on Thursday at Becknology Days! We were honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony during this special event. ✂️🎉

It was a fantastic day for our local communities, as well as all of the visitors who traveled from near and far to attend! The day was filled with opportunities to learn more about Beck’s Hybrids, enjoy events and activities, and explore their company at their newest additional location on the corner of Hwy 71 and Hwy 212 in Olivia.

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce also had the opportunity in 2018 to welcome Beck’s Hybrids to Olivia when they opened their first facility here. Their breeding and testing teams are still located at that original Olivia facility today. It is so exciting to see Beck’s continuing to grow and plant even more roots in Olivia! 🌱🌽

We are grateful to Beck’s Hybrids for investing in our community and for allowing us to celebrate this exciting milestone with you!

A huge thank you to Beck’s Hybrids for hosting such an incredible event and for making the day so special! We are proud to have you as part of the Olivia community and look forward to watching you continue to grow! 💚

07/01/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Our 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner! 🏆

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the recipient of our most prestigious annual recognition—the Lifetime Achievement Award.

🎉 Congratulations, Don Orth! 🎉

Don, your unwavering dedication, generosity, and countless contributions have made a lasting impact on our local communities. Your commitment to serving others and making our community a better place has not gone unnoticed.

It is our privilege and honor to present you with this well-deserved award. Thank you for all you have done throughout the years. Your legacy of service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Please join us in congratulating Don Orth on this incredible and well-deserved honor! 👏

Growing up on a farm south of Olivia, Don developed a deep appreciation for the people and values that make our community special. For nearly 50 years, he has been a dedicated supporter, advocate, and champion of the Corn Capital and the surrounding Renville County area.
Many know Don as one of the founders of Hometown Bank, with roots dating back to the Redwood Falls Savings & Loan days. Through his leadership and commitment to community banking, he helped build an institution that has served countless families and businesses throughout the region.
But Don’s contributions extend far beyond his professional career. As he and his family made Olivia their home, he continually found ways to give back. He has been active in his church, helped support the early days of the Highway 212 Soccer League, 212 Gymnastics, 212 Baseball, and local wrestling, served through the Olivia Business Association and the Olivia Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Olivia Kiwanis Club. Don is also the founder of the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation, which has provided support and opportunities for young people in our community while honoring the memory of his son, Tim. He has also been actively involved with the American Legion, participated in Legion funerals, and shared his musical talents by playing piano at local facilities and community events.
Don has always believed in investing in the next generation. Whether it was organizing community projects, volunteering his time, or even helping launch and promote the Kiwanis Valentine Singers fundraiser, his efforts have consistently focused on creating opportunities and support for local children and families.
Retirement certainly did not slow him down. Instead, Don embarked on a second career as an author. Through his books, he has captured and preserved the stories, history, and spirit of the people of Renville County. Many of us have read his work, shared our own stories with him, or seen our communities reflected in the pages he has written. Through these efforts, he has not only preserved our local heritage but has also continued his commitment to giving back. Proceeds from his books support the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation, extending his impact even further.
What makes Don truly deserving of this honor is not any one accomplishment, but the consistent way he has dedicated his life to serving others. He has been a leader, a volunteer, a storyteller, a mentor, and a friend. His generosity, vision, and commitment to helping children and strengthening our community have left a lasting mark that will be felt for generations to come.

06/23/2026

🏆⚾ Congratulations to our 2026 Community Leadership Award Winners! ⚾🏆

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize 212 BOLD Youth Baseball as this year's Community Leadership Award recipient!

For decades, 212 Youth Baseball has provided opportunities for youth throughout our area to develop their skills, build friendships, learn teamwork, and create lasting memories on and off the field. Their dedication to investing in our youth and strengthening our communities has made a lasting impact on countless families.

Thank you to the volunteers, coaches, board members, sponsors, parents and supporters who have helped make 212 Youth Baseball such a tremendous success over the years.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 🎉⚾

The 212 League was founded in the 1980s by Don Orth, Tom Smith, and Steve Berg. Recognizing a growing demand for organized youth sports opportunities, they created a program that would give local children more opportunities to play baseball, develop their skills, and build lifelong friendships. What started as a response to a community need quickly became a cornerstone of youth athletics in our area.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the 212 League is that it has always been driven by volunteers. From its very beginning, parents have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to make this program successful, and that tradition continues today. The BOLD Youth Baseball Organization now operates the league, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade from both BOLD and BLHS. Through T-Ball, Minors, and Majors divisions, the league provides opportunities for children of all skill levels to learn, compete, and enjoy the game of baseball close to home.
Beyond the local league, the organization also oversees traveling teams from 8U through 14U and hosts a highly successful annual tournament each May for 9U, 10U, 11U, and 12U teams. This event brings athletes, families, and visitors from across the state to our communities, creating a positive economic and social impact while showcasing the dedication of the many volunteers who make it possible.
The success of the 212 League would not be possible without its current board members: President John Benson, Treasurer Matt Fischer, Darin Ditterich, Andrew Mathiowetz, Mark Neubauer, Derek Wertz, and Mike Benson. Their leadership, along with the many volunteers who support the organization, continues the vision established more than four decades ago.
For their commitment to youth development, community involvement, and the positive influence they have had on generations of young athletes, the Olivia Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2026 Community Leadership Award to the 212 Baseball League.

06/18/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Our 2026 Business of the Year! 🏆

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Beck's Hybrids as our 2026 Business of the Year Award recipient!

Founded in 1937 and still family-owned today, Beck’s has grown to become the third-largest seed brand in the United States, employing more than 1,100 people across locations throughout the Midwest and beyond. While their headquarters are located in Atlanta, Indiana, Beck’s has established strong roots here in Olivia and Renville County since acquiring the former canning factory building in 2018. What began as a remodeled distribution center and research station has continued to evolve, and in 2026 the company expanded further with the opening of its new facility along Highway 71.
Beyond their impressive growth, what truly makes Beck’s deserving of this recognition is their commitment to our community. Since arriving in Olivia, Beck’s has been an active Chamber member, a generous supporter of local organizations, and a familiar face at community events. Whether participating in the Corn Capital Days Parade, the Holiday Happenings Parade, or supporting local initiatives throughout the year, Beck’s consistently demonstrates that they care about the communities they serve.
At its core, Beck’s mission is to help farmers succeed. Through their breeding and testing teams located here in Olivia, they work to develop and evaluate new seed products that help advance agriculture. Their Sales Support and Practical Farm Research teams provide valuable resources to farmers and dealers throughout the region, helping producers make informed decisions that improve profitability and strengthen the agricultural industry.
Agriculture has always been the foundation of Olivia and Renville County, and Beck’s has embraced that heritage while helping shape its future. Their investment in our community, support of local organizations, and dedication to serving farmers have made them an outstanding community partner.
Please join me in congratulating and thanking Beck’s Hybrids for their contributions to Olivia and Renville County. It is an honor to present the Olivia Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award to Beck’s Hybrids. Congratulations!

06/11/2026

See the winners! Patina Pickers

🛍️Patina Pickers Gift Card Winners!🛍️
Congratulations to our door prize and Raffle basket winners and thanks to everyone who shopped with us during our Anniversary Sale.
Thanks to all the vendors and staff who donated items for the baskets and to Mike and Linda Berge for donating the gift certificates!
🌟Lisa Keeton -$50 Attendance Prize
🌟Tracey Johnson -$50 Patina Pickers gift card
🌟Emily Revieo -$100 Patina Pickers gift card
🛍️Danyelle Janquith-Mega Card Mania Basket
🛍️Linda Wagemaker-Wine and Unwind Basket
🛍️Brent Thorson-Grandma’s Kitchen-But Cool Basket
🛍️Darla Heiderscheit-The Outdoorsman Basket
🛍️🛍️Tammy Steffen -Christmas Time Capsule Basket and 70’s & 80’s Retro basket
🛍️Dean Gylten- Girls Getaway Weekend Basket
🛍️Karen Miller -Cozy Cottage Vibes Basket
🛍️Melissa Hemmelgarn-Porch and Garden Basket
🛍️Josh -Vintage Bling and Baubles

06/11/2026

Registration is open for the Future Entrepreneurs Event at Corn Capital Days! HomeTown Bank

Registration is OPEN for our Future Entrepreneur Event! 🙌

Kids can showcase their creativity and sell their own products or services during Corn Capital's Crazy Days (July 24, 10 AM - 2 PM) at the Downtown Public Market.

✨HomeTown Bank's Future Entrepreneur Event✨

A great way for your kiddos to:
💼 learn business basics
💰 earn their own money
😄 build confidence

Sign up by contacting Kiley at (320) 523-8576, stopping by HomeTown Bank in Olivia, or completing our form 👉 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ccCvfhL2IkCT1QiyAvbexwP-zVu_w9FPh6AFQL1noFRUMU9YSkY1VjhWWUtHODA2SVc5NEFQUTI1Si4u

We can't wait to see what creative ideas are brought to this year's event!

06/11/2026

Renville County Walk in the Park fundraiser supper!

Join us on June 30 from 5-7pm for supper...details below.

06/10/2026

Here is a glimpse of our recent Ribbon Cutting Celebration and First Dollar Award presentation at Harvest & Home! ✂️💵

These events are incredibly important for our new local businesses and for the Chamber of Commerce. They provide an opportunity to welcome new business owners, celebrate their investment in our community, and help ensure they are seen, heard, and supported as they begin their journey.

The Olivia Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating for our local businesses through networking, visibility, and community connections. We believe that when our businesses succeed, our entire community thrives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating and supporting one of our newest local businesses. Together, we continue to build a strong and vibrant Olivia! 🌟