BETTER MINDS, BETTER BUSINESS: THE GRATITUDE EFFECT

Description

Better Minds, Better Business: The Gratitude Effect

A Mental Health Program from Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce

 

Don’t miss out on one of the most impactful Chamber events of the year:

Better Minds, Better Business: The Gratitude Effect!

Before the holiday hustle takes over, give yourself and your team the gift of focus, inspiration, and renewal. This uplifting afternoon is designed exclusively for Chamber members, managers, and employees to explore how gratitude, mindfulness, and self-care can lead to stronger leadership, sharper focus, and healthier workplaces.

 

You’ll hear from two inspiring keynote speakers: Katie Shatusky with Thumbs Up and Amy Theisen Walz with You’re Not Alone, on the power of gratitude in business & how leaning into gratitude can help you through heavy times. Then dive deeper by choosing from four engaging breakout sessions led by Chamber experts on topics like the psychology of gratitude, art therapy, yoga and sound bathing, and simple self-care practices for daily use.

 

Visit local Chamber Member resources tables for practical resources tied to mindfulness, movement, and wellness, and don’t forget to enter their fun prize drawings!

 

You’ll leave refreshed, re-energized, and ready to take on the holidays with renewed motivation and appreciation for your work, your team, and your community. Seats are limited, so register today, your mind (and business) will thank you!

Open to women, men, managers, staff, owners, Chamber Members are FREE.

Choose 2 of 4 Breakout Sessions at registration:

1.The Power of Gratitude

Everyday Practices for a Healthier Mindset. Gratitude is more than a positive feeling, it is a daily practice that strengthens resilience, improves workplace relationships, and supports mental well-being. In this breakout session, we will explore practical ways to cultivate gratitude both personally and within teams, including journaling techniques, shared appreciation exercises, and simple daily habits that can shift mindset and energy. Participants will learn how intentional gratitude practices can enhance focus, connection, and overall life satisfaction, and will leave with tools they can begin using immediately.

With Diane Lynch, with Diane P. Lynch LLC.

2.Mindful Movement; Rooted in Gratitude: A Yoga & Sound Experience

Rooted in Gratitude: A Yoga & Sound Experience

Join Kyron Christopherson of Halo Heart Yoga and Sound for a 30-minute wellness break designed to help you slow down, reflect, and recharge. Through gentle chair yoga, intentional breath, and the restorative tones of a sound bath, participants will explore how gratitude supports positive mental well-being and resilience in the workplace.

This session encourages mindful connection; to yourself, your breath, and the present moment, helping to create a calm, focused mind and a grateful heart.

With Kyron Christopherson with Halo Heart Yoga and Sound Bath

3.Grati-doodle and Unwind - Guided Grateful Zen Doodle

Join Mandi from Create & Connect Studio for a guided Zen Doodle session designed to calm the mind and open space for gratitude. No artistic experience is needed; this is a relaxing, process-focused activity that encourages presence, reflection, and creative expression. Participants will create their own grateful doodle artwork while learning how simple, mindful art practices can reduce stress and support emotional well-being.

4.Grateful & Grounded - Boost Your Joy in Minutes a Day

Take a break, breathe, and discover the power of gratitude! In this lively session, you’ll try fun, interactive exercises like “Name 3 Good Things,” explore the science behind happiness, and learn simple daily practices to feel more connected and energized. Leave with practical tools, and a little inspiration, to bring more joy and calm into every day.

With Kristy Heying with Sherburne County - Community Health Coordinator
 

Speakers:
Katie Shatusky with Thumbs Up "The Gratitude Effect - Why Thankful Leaders Thrive"
In "The Gratitude Effect – Why Thankful Leaders Thrive," discover how gratitude transforms leadership from a mere skill into a strategic superpower. Backed by science, this presentation reveals how cultivating appreciation reduces stress, boosts resilience, and enhances mental health—while grateful leaders like Richard Branson and Oprah Winfrey inspire loyalty, innovation, and peak performance in their teams. Explore tangible business benefits, including higher engagement, lower turnover, and a thriving culture. Gain practical tools—like daily journaling, handwritten thank-yous, and meaningful one-on-ones—to embed gratitude into your routine. End with a powerful call to action: shift your attitude, elevate your impact, and watch your organization flourish.
Thumbs Up | Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention


Amy Thiesen Walz with You're Not Alone "How Gratitude Helped to Find Hope Through the Darkness"

Amy Theisen Walz is an avid pup-lover, advocate for the underdog, vocalist and speaker.  With a mission of creating a non-judgmental zone by personally understanding the many trials our students experience with mental health diagnosis; anxiety, depression, bullying etc., Amy began by sharing the unconditional love of her therapy pup Willow Grace in the Monticello Middle Schools in October 2021. After piloting the program for two years, You're Not Alone; became a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit in June 2022.  

 

Amy loves to share the mission of You're Not Alone; and the effect a dog plays in the mental illness crisis! Amy knows, without a doubt, this was what she was made for...to shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness, one therapy dog at a time AND for a child, adult or a family to never feel alone in their mental illness struggles. 

 

Amy lives in Monticello with her husband Nick (of 35 years), sweet 6-year-old therapy pup, Willow Grace and new little therapy pup in training 3-year-old Spirit of Hope.  She adores her three adult children, their spouses and her darling grandson.  They have more grand “paws” than grandchildren!   

Amy Theisen Walz, Founder and President, You’re Not Alone;     

email: amy.ynausa@gmail.com    phone: 763-226-0190        website:  www.ynausa.org

 

#1 The Power of Gratitude with Diane Lynch - Diane P. Lynch LLC
www.dianeplynch.com
Diane P. Lynch is a Resilience Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator specializing in guiding individuals, groups, and organizations through loss, change and transformation. Diane trained with personal development experts from around the world and brings a unique blend of personal insight, professional expertise, and spiritual grounding to her work. She holds a B.A. in Speech-Communications and an M.S. in Conservation Biology.

#2Mindful Movement; Yoga & Sound Bath with Kyron Christopherson of Halo Heart Yoga and Sound.
Rooted in Gratitude: A Yoga & Sound Experience
www.haloheartyas.com

3.Grati-doodle and Unwind - Guided Grateful Zen Doodle with Mandi
“My focus is on connection and creativity. I encourage you to leave your troubles behind, let go, create and…connect!”

4.Grateful & Grounded - Boost Your Joy in Minutes a Day - Kristy Heying
Community Health Coordinator, Sherburne Co. Health & Human Services
www.co.sherburne.mn.us/1377/Healthy-Communities