The Collective: December Social

Description

The Collective is a NEW Brainerd Lakes Chamber program bringing professional women together. Through the program's quarterly events, women will have opportunities to learn, connect, challenge themselves while growing alongside one another.

We're bringing professional women together in December for conversation, connection, and a little holiday fun. Join The Collective for a social designed to make meeting new people feel a little more natural—and give you a new skill to take into the holiday season.

Event Information
December 3
4:00 - 6:00 PM
The Venue, Baxter

We'll kick things off with a short conversation featuring local women business founders & owners, then break into smaller groups for two interactive experiences led by these women:

Cocktails, Mocktails & Conversation: Learn something new, sample cocktail/mocktail while getting to know the women around you through thoughtful, guided conversations.

Charcuterie & Connection: Get creative with a hands-on charcuterie experience while sharing stories, laughs, and conversation with other women.

Cost
Chamber Members: $40
Non-Chamber Members: $55

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a Chamber member to attend.

Schedule

4:00 – 4:10 PM | Check-In
Grab a drink, settle in, and start meeting other women.
4:10 – 4:25 PM | Welcome + Featured Professional Women
A short conversation with local women about connection, community, and the relationships that shape our lives
4:25 – 4:30 PM | Live Panel Q & A
Get the chance to ask follow up questions of the panelists
4:30 – 6:00 PM | Hands-on Experiences for Meaningful Connections
Enjoy a guided charcuterie experience and a cocktail/mocktail demonstration lead by two local women business owners paired with intentional conversations. Everyone will have the opportunity to experience both.

Speakers

Lisa Desrocher, CEO & Co-founder of 5Rocks Distilling Co.

Saundra Krienke, owner of UpNorth Social

Saundra Krienke is the founder and owner of UpNorth Social in Crosslake, a charcuterie bar and tasting room specializing in unique charcuterie experiences, private events, and customized catering for celebrations of all kinds.

With more than 15 years of experience in strategic marketing, including B2B SaaS and product marketing, her expertise spans product positioning, messaging strategy, go-to-market planning, and bringing new products to market. She also works with small businesses on marketing strategy and explores new ways to build and create with AI.

Saundra also serves as President of the Camp Knutson Volunteer Board, supporting a local camp that provides recreational experiences for children and adults with identified needs. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places with her family.

The Collective Experience
Being a part of The Collective community, you will experience...

• Courage | Try something new at quarterly events
• Confidence | Discover what you’re capable of and leave feeling ready for what’s next.
• Connection | Build genuine relationships with women who “get it” and want to see you succeed.
• Solidarity | You’re not in this alone. Find women who understand the journey.
• Authenticity | Hear real stories, honest experiences, and perspectives you can relate to.
• Empowerment | Gain practical leadership tools and ideas you can put into action.

About The Collective

The Collective is a Brainerd Lakes Chamber program that draws on the collective strength of professional women. Our purpose is to build courage, confidence and connection—advancing women’s leadership and supporting the success of Lakes Area businesses and organizations.