Chisago Lakes Ambassadors ask EDA for $1,500 to support scholarships and programming

Representatives of the Chisago Lakes Ambassadors presented to the Lindstrom Economic Development Authority, detailed the program’s 61‑year history and described its recent transition to nonprofit status. The presenters said fundraising and sponsorships now support the group and asked the EDA to consider a $1,500 contribution to help pay scholarships and expand outreach and training.

“We are asking for $1,500 and this would also go for our scholarships that help us pay for our schooling,” one ambassador said. The presenters emphasized that ambassadors serve as on‑the‑ground promoters for Lindstrom at parades and events and that modest funding would let the program develop events such as self‑defense and etiquette classes.

EDA staff said the request should be formalized as a simple contract for services and returned to the board in February with the funding amount for consideration and approval. “After if the EDA wants to support this … I’d go back through and just develop this a very brief contract for services that just lays out what they would do, bring that back in February with the funding amount for consideration and approval,” staff said. Board members expressed general support and asked staff to provide a scanned activities list to members.

The request generated no formal vote at the meeting; staff will return with a draft contract and funding recommendation in February.