Impact 2011

• Crossroads I-90 & I-35 • Trained Labor Force

• Small/Large Sites • Buildings Available

For your personal tour call Dan Dorman or Ryan Nolander at 507-373-3930.

2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007

www.growalbertlea.com

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Home of “Minnesota Twins” Hotdogs, “Famous Dave’s” Ribs, Parts for John Deere & G.E. Medical, plus so much more!

Get organized! movers & shakers

8

We speak with

The sweetest jobs in Albert Lea Hart Bros. is more than just guns t is d a h Hotels rebrand W n an i g n i fly t of the and renovate ou ? t r o airp

9/14/11 9:47:48 AM

Specialty Shops - Spa & Salons - Food Court Restaurants - Cinema 7 Theater Northbridge Mall Businesses: • Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce • Anytime Fitness • Bob’s Farm Toys • Book World • Certified Travel • Christopher & Banks • Cinema 7 Theatre • Classic Reflections Salon & Spa • Conger Meat Market

in 1991

Dennis & Brad Haugen today

• Doyle’s Hallmark • Dunham’s Sports • Edward Jones Troy Irvine • Electric Beach • Fashion Nails • GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Grandma’s Kitchen • Herberger’s • Horace Mann Sue Grieme • JD Gifts

• La Guadalupaña • Leutholds • Manpower • Maurices • Pizza Ranch • Plaza Morena • Shoe Sensation • Skyline Jewelers • The Image Salon • Thrivent Financial

SHOP LOCALLY!

Find us on Facebook!

Northbridge Mall Gift Certificates Good at over 25 stores & businesses Purchase at Doyle’s or Mall Office

• • • • • • •

We’re proud to bring healthy ingredients and innovative products to your dinner table.

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

373-2431 • www.venturafoods.com

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Aggregates Hauling Snow Removal Demolition BMP Installations Ditch Cleaning Road Grading

• Site Development • Wind Energy Development • Water/Sewer Installation • Soil Conservation • Erosion/Sediment Control

FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION Licensed & Bonded

County Rd 46 East • Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4434

www.statebankcg.com

I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN Shopping Hours: M-F 10-9; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 Leasing or event information: 377-3185 www.northbridgemall.com

Member FDIC

2401 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea • 507-373-8600

9/14/11 9:48:21 AM

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce "The Voice For Business"

Our members are the fabric of our community!

• Living and working here • Building & expanding their businesses • Creating new jobs • Re-investing their money in our community • Supporting community activities & local charities • Buying here to strengthen job security • Encouraging their employees to spend their money locally

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The Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth.

Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.

507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org

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The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area."

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 56007

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1 9 1 2

Albert Lea • New Richland • Ellendale

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Let us help plan your future.

Stop in today & see our display of quality made Bertch cabinets

Lou Rich Before

• Remodel • Expansion • Building Addition • New Facility

professional advice • Plumbing • Heating • A/C • Water Softeners • Sewer & Drain Cleaning

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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2004-2011!

Call us TODAY at 507-373-6650 for an onsite job estimate.

Complete Electrical Design & Installation Commercial • Industrial • Residential Farm • Specialized Service

Cover 4-5.indd 1

Electronic Repair

1410 Olsen Drive

Programming & Trouble Shooting

Albert Lea, MN 56007

PLC’s and AC/DC Drives

Phone: 507-373-6650 Fax: 507-373-4124

Low-Voltage Wiring

Complete Networking Telephone Systems • Sound Systems Fiber Optic Work

N EW

THERMAL IMAGING

9/14/11 1:48:26 PM

IMPACT 2011

Page 52 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 1

• Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year • Voted #1 Reader’s Choice “Best Bank” for 2010

1410 W. 9th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

• Business Loans

Alamco Wood Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.

• Ag Loans

Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year!

• Online Banking • Home Loans • Auto Loans • Recreational Loans & more

Serving the local area since 1906

Excellent Customer Service

437 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea 373-1481 When you or your business needs an answer to a financial problem or a quick response to a loan request, our lending staff is here to assist you with their full line of competitive loan products with the exceptional customer service you deserve. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and commitment in serving the financial needs of the residents and businesses of Freeborn County through high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner, best of all, desicions are made right here locally. To learn how we can assist you, stop by Security Bank Minnesota today and visit with our experienced lending staff about our affordable lending products and services.

s Reader Voted ice o h C nk Best Ba rs! ea for 6 y

Locally owned since 1906

STRONG. BEAUTIFUL. RENEWABLE.

Member FDIC

Toll Free 1-800-657-6961 • www.securitybankmn.com

2010 ion Conser vat Award winner

The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen petition.

The Shell Rock River Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers.

The District is 246 square miles all within Freeborn County and it is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns.

HOURS: M-F 9-8 Sat 9-7 Sun 10-5

Next to Dollar Tree across from Wal-Mart 2312 Hendrickson Rd., Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-0177 We Accept All Manufacturers or Competitors Coupons

The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes:

We Accept Major Credit Cards

Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Goose (82 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) School Section (69 acres) Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total)

Huge Selection

• Premium Cigars • Roll Your Own • Pipes & Pipe Tobacco • Lighters & Cigar Accessories • Pre-paid Phone Cell Phones • Pre-paid Phone Cards All prices subject to change without notice

coupon

1

$ 50

coupon

10% Off Off Any Premium

Any Carton Purchase of

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Cigar Purchase

of $25 or More The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

coupon

1

$ 50

Off

Any Carton Purchase of

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

coupon

coupon

coupon

coupon

Select Disposable Lighters

Any Carton Purchase of

of any purchase of $25.00 or more

Any Carton Purchase of

10 for $1 $150 Off $200 Off $150 Off The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Roll Your Own Tobacco & Accessories The Tobacco Store

Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Recipient of the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society’s (MNTWS) prestigious Conservation Award for 2010

Current water quality monitoring program: 18 stream sites 9 lake sites 2 city stormwater sites

411 S. Broadway Ave P.O. Box 1147 Albert Lea (507) 377-5785 www.shellrock.org

Kelvin Rehnelt

Kelly Dempewolf

Tiffany Carlson

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

• Oil changes • Tires • Radiators • Transmissions • Brakes • Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Shock Absorbers • Computerized Alignment • Mufflers • AND MUCH MORE!

505 E. Main

373-0636

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS!

IMPACT 2011

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 51

for choosing Dave Syverson the Best Place to Buy an Automobile in the 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.

VALUE PRICE...

PLAIN & SIMPLE

Stop in and Experience the difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!

Mark Christopherson Todd Edwardson

Craig Loehr

Greg Hanson

Dan Glynn

Christopher Balfe

Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way!

AND

Travis Stortroen

Doug Conn

DO IT SMART...

DO IT SIMPLE...

DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S Kade Vershey

Kevin Lee

Paul Stahnke

George Gonzalez

Dick Davis

2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!

From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers

COUPON

5.00

$

8330

OFF Any

Purchase of $25.00 or More Not valid with other offers. Good thru 10-30-11.

2218 E Main Street • Albert Lea

507-377-3000

1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 2310/2320 E. Main, Albert Lea, MN

www.greenmill.com

IMPACT 2011

Page 50 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

507-377-5033

141 East William St. • Albert Lea, MN

Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S. Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

www.uptowndental.org

Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S.

Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.

Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

GIFT WRAP AVAILABLE

Don’t forget - FREE ice with every purchase!

1617 W. Main St. • 507.379.2364

3.75% APR on loans up to 60 months, secured by a titled vehicle, with minimum advance of $5000.

430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-1616 or 507-377-0276 Toll Free 1-877-647-8666 Member NCUA

www.unitedecu.com

IMPACT 2011

Table of Contents

Freeborn County by the numbers

10

We ask leaders of business and industry how they stay organized.

2010 census: 31,255 Above photo: Change from 2000: down 4.1 percent Freeborn County’s Median age: 44.2 population is Races: overwhelmingly White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percent white, but more Hispanic/Latino: 8.8 percent faces of color are Black: 0.7 percent arriving each year.

American Indian: 0.2 percent Played by nearly Asian: 0.8 percent all cultures on the Pacific Islander: 0.1 percent globe, soccer is Other race: 3.4 percent a popular sport Two or more races: 1.7 percent among immigrants Households: 13,177 and longtime Housing units: 14,231 locals alike in the Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089 parks of Albert Lea Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088 and the fields of its Family households: 8,555 school districts. with children: 3,249 Husband-wife family: 6,833 with children: 2,187 Male household, no wife: 605 with children: 322 Female household, no husband: 1,117 with children: 740 Non-family households: 4,622 Living alone: 3,961 Households with children: 3,542 Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278 Average household size: 2.32 Average family size: 2.85 Median household income (2000): $36,964 Median family income (2000) $45,142 Per capita income (2000) $18,325 Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percent Square miles: 722.63 County seat: Albert Lea Courthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea Courthouse phone: 507-377-5116 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109

30

Why the construction at the airport matters to your business.

4

Why did so many hotels renovate and rename themselves this year?

Other pieces: 9 Top 40 employers 22 The boutique in the barn 24 Where employment is sweet 26 Discover Dinah’s Style 34 Nursing home buys golf course 37 Neighbors by the numbers Table of Contents continues on Page 5

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 3

FSB REMOTE DEPOSIT REASONS TO SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITY BANK!

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Contact Rhonda Allison or Mark Heinemann today - we can stop by your business for a short 20 minute presentation!

HARTLAND OFFICE 601 N. Broadway 507-845-2233 FREEBORN OFFICE 214 5th Street 507-863-2371 ALBERT LEA OFFICE 1452 W. Main 507-373-1945 farmersstatebankmn.com Member FDIC

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

The hotels, they are a changin’

IMPACT 2011

Inns switch names and renovate their properties

By Kelli Lageson

kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com

Changing names, or franchises, is a common occurrence for hotels as owners and managers weigh regulations and requirements against costs and freedoms.

Most of the hotels in the Albert Lea area are franchises, which often come with restrictions — sometimes as stringent as a specific weight of towels or thread count of sheets, according to Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr.

“Owning a hotel franchise is not cheap,” Kehr said. “Some are very picky.”

Several area hotels have changed franchises through the years, most notably what are currently America’s Best Value Inn and the Knights Inn on East Main Street. Locals have seen these hotels both go through franchises such as Ramada Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Holiday Inn and more.

Tina Stripe currently manages the America’s Best Value Inn and was at the hotel when it changed from a Ramada Inn. Most hotels call their brand a “flag.”

“It’s very common to change your flag,” Stripe said.

Stripe said the hotel changed to America’s Best Value Inn, which is a relatively new hotel brand in America.

“We offer amazing customer service which is why we were drawn to them,” Stripe said.

Another hotel that has recently changed flags is the Best Western Plus on Plaza Street. In May what was formerly a Holiday Inn Express, owners switched to the Best Western brand.

Manager Julie Sternhagen was told Holiday Inn didn’t want to renew its contract with the hotel because there were too few rooms.

“We went looking for a new flag and we really like Best Western,” Sternhagen said.

A Holiday Inn Express was built in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35 this summer, and the same owner is expected to build another in Albert Lea near the Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park.

Kehr said that the community wants Continued on Page 6

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

Angie Kittelson, housekeeping supervisor at Best Western Plus in Albert Lea, makes a bed while cleaning one of the rooms.

A tally on hotels in Albert Lea

are available in 588rooms Albert Lea dollars 40 million in gross sales from hospitality and leisure

were generated in Freeborn County in 2009

workers in Freeborn 1,031 County were employed through private sector jobs

related to hospitality and leisure in 2009

Place cards stand at the ready before a banquet held at America’s Best Value Inn in Albert Lea.

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 49

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

4 Seasons Advertising.............................................7 4 Seasons Coffee.....................................................7 4 Seasons Travel.................................................. 27 Accentra Credit Union......................................... 39 ACT - Albert Lea Community Theater................ 34 Addies Floral & Gift..............................................18 Advanced Family Dental......................................13 Advantage Auto Glass............................................ 8 Ag Power.............................................................. 38 Alamco................................................................. 52 Albert Lea Area Schools...................................... 32 Albert Lea Art Center...........................................19 Albert Lea Electric...................................................

Albert Lea HRA................................................... 44 Albert Lea Public Warehouse................................ 9 Albert Lea Seedhouse...........................................21 Albert Lea Steel, Inc.............................................. 9 Albert Lea Tribune...............................................21 ALEDA................................................... Back Cover ALFC Chamber...........................Inside Back Cover Allen’s Tow & Travel.............................................31 Alliance Benefit Group........................................ 43 Allweather Roof....................................................13 Almco....................................................................10 Americana Insurance Group................................21 America’s Best Value Inn.................................... 26 AmericInn.............................................................15 Antiques of the Midwest.......................................18 B&L Metalworks.................................................. 47 Best Western Plus................................................ 29 Big Toe Excavating............................................... 17 Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerc.............. 48 Bonnerup Funeral Service.........Inside Front Cover Bookkeeping Cents.............................................. 30 Borderline Siding................................................. 22 Bowman Electric................................................... 17 Brick Furniture.....................................................12 Certified Travel.....................................................21 Cheers Liquor...................................................... 50 Christianson Plumbing.......................................... 9 Church Offset Printing, Inc................................. 45 Citizen’s State Bank of Glenville......................... 37 Clarks Grove Hardware....................................... 44 Collins Auto......................................................... 32 Com-Tec............................................................... 37 Conger Catering....................................................41 Conger Meat Market.............................................41 Corporate Recognition, Inc................................. 44 Country Inn & Suites............................................. 6 Countryside RV Service........................................16 Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wine...............19 Crow Wing Kayaks................................................16 Curt’s Pharmacy.................................................. 29 Dahl Farm Supply . ............................................. 33 Dave Syverson Auto Center................................... 2 Diamond Jo Casino.............................................. 11 Doug’s Sandblasting.............................................16 Dr. Lundstrom..................................................... 40 Emmons Legion................................................... 42 EO Johnson Office Technologies........................ 22 Erlandson Implement..........................................13 Etc Tanning & Clothing....................................... 40

Exact.....................................................................10 Expressions...........................................................18 Farmers Mutual Ins. of Manchester................... 46 Farmers State Bank............................................... 3 Federated Insurance...............................................7 First National Bank............................................... 9 Fisher’s Fine Jewelers..........................................18 Fleet Farm............................................................ 38 Fountain Centers................................................. 42 Frames R Us.........................................................18 Freeborn Construction, Inc.......Inside Front Cover Freeborn County.................................................. 35 Freeborn County Historical Museum .................31 Freeborn Lumber................................................ 43 Freeborn Pride Builders...................................... 45 Geno’s Plumbing & Heating.................................. 5 Glenville Plumbing.............................................. 37 Glenville Shortstop.............................................. 37 Good Earth Village.............................................. 45 Good Samaritan Society...................................... 27 Green Lea Golf Course.......................................... 17 Green Mill.............................................................51 Greg’s Grass Service............................................ 25 Hagen & Associates Construction....................... 40 Hair Designers Inc............................................... 27 Hanna Heating & Cooling................................... 33 Hanson Tire............................................................1 Hart Brothers Weaponry......................................13 Hayward Co-op.................................................... 44 Heart of the Artichoke ........................................ 20 Hemenway Storage.............................................. 44 Hillcrest Cemetary Association............................31 Home Federal Bank............................................. 45 Huber Supply Co. Inc............................................ 9 Indoor Tech......................................................... 44 Injection Technology Diesel Service................... 46 Interstate Packaging............................................ 36 ISC Financials.......................................................14 ITC Midwest........................................................ 23 Jakes Pizza............................................................18 Jan Jerdee/Blue Cross Blue Shield......................31 Jensales Inc......................................................... 46 Jim & Dudes ..............................Inside Back Cover Johnson Heating.......................Inside Front Cover Karl’s of Wells Inc................................................ 46 KIMT..........................................Inside Front Cover King Maintenance Inc..........................................14 Lake Mills Chamber............................................ 47 Lake Mills Community School............................ 47 Lake Mills Task Force.......................................... 47 Larson Allen......................................................... 35 Larson Contracting..................................................

Larson Manufacturing......................................... 42 Larson Manufacturing - Lake Mills.................... 47 Lawn Pro...............................................................31 Lou-Rich...............................................................10 Loverink Drainage............................................... 34 M&S Outdoor......................................................... 8 Mabel House Hotel...............................................31 Manchester Hartland Telephone Co................... 46 Manpower.............................................................41 Mary Go Round....................................................18

Massage Connections.......................................... 26 Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Lake Mills......... 47 Minnesota Abstract............................................... 5 Minnesota Corrugated Box................................. 26 Morreim Drainage............................................... 46 Mrs. Gerry’s Salads.............................................. 43 Nancy’s Café.........................................................18 Nelson’s Market Place......................................... 29 New To You...........................................................18 Nick’s Trading Post.............................................. 37 North American Mat Service............................... 38 Northbridge Mall........................Inside Back Cover Northwood Lumber............................................. 46 Northwood True Value........................................ 46 O/NE Realty........................................................ 48 Oak Park Place...................................................... 11 Panels Plus............................................................10 Plymouth Shoes....................................................18 Produce Bank........................................................12 Pub 69.................................................................... 6 Reinertson’s Embroidery.....................................18 ReMax - Emilie & Jim Paulson............................31 Riverland Community College............................ 30 Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc........................... 17 Sanderson Auto................................................... 39 Scott’s Office Products........................................... 6 Security Bank....................................................... 52 Security Insurance............................................... 33 Select Foods..........................................................51 ServiceMaster...................................................... 40 Shell Rock River Watershed...................................1 Signature’s Supper Club...................................... 46 South Central Pet Care........................................ 40 Southern Lock & Glass.........................................14 Southern Minnesota Magazine........................... 39 Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc........................ 48 Southside Custom.................................................16 St. John’s Lutheran Home.................................. 20 State Bank of Clarks Grove.........Inside Back Cover State Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt......15 Thompson Sanitation........................................... 11 T-N-T Used Appliance..........................................18 Tobacco Store...................................................... 52 Total Glass-Lock, Inc............................................16 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union................. 32 Trading Post.........................................................21 Troy Thompson Agency....................................... 30 Ulland Brothers................................................... 20 United Employees Credit Union......................... 50 Uptown Dental.................................................... 50 Ventura Foods............................Inside Back Cover Village Cooperative.............................................. 29 Wal Mart....................................Inside Front Cover Wangen Excavating............................................. 46 Weber Construction.............................................. 9 Wells Federal Bank...............................................41 Wells Insurance Agency...................................... 47 WFS...................................................................... 47 Zogg Dermatology, PLC..............Inside Back Cover Zumbro River Brand, Inc...................................... 8

Page 48 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Faribault County’s newest promoter

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Table of Contents

Linsey Warmka started as just an intern; now she leads an organization

By Tim Engstrom

tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

Blue Earth

Chamber of Commerce 113 S. Nicollet St. chamber@bevcomm.net

507-526-2916

www.blueearthchamber.com

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The Faribault County Development Corp. is a public-private economic development agency based in Blue Earth but serving the entire county.

And it has a new director. Meet Linsey Warmka. But she’s not new to the organization. In fact, she has been with it from the beginning in 2008.

“I really love it. It’s a perfect fit for me,” she said.

She came as an intern and then was hired as an assistant. Her first boss died after three months, and she worked as the interim director until another director was hired. That person retired last winter. The board hired Warmka in January.

She received a degree in finance in 2006 from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Faribault County Development Corp. gets funding through dues from public entities and businesses, plus grant programs.

For instance, Faribault County Development Corp. appled for a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program for the cities of Wells, Winnebago and Blue Earth. The grant helps bolster housing and business infrastructure. Warmka said she hopes to extend the benefits to Frost and Bricelyn in coming years.

It helps the small cities to have an agency to manage the grant application, she said.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune “Small cities love to get money, Linsey Warmka stands on the Faribault County Courthouse steps in Blue Earth. but they don’t have the staff or time The Faribault County Developfind tax braks. Among them are Back or resources to apply for the grant,” ment Corp. is working with Truman- Woods Designs in Winnebago and Warmka said. based Watonwon Farm Everwood Log to Home in Wells.

Service on a $24 million The agency has helped Wells line expansion project in Dela- up aerial photos of its business van for a grain-handling parks and helped several Faribault Travis Keister, Minn-Iowa Insurance, chairman facility.

County businesses relocate. It also Mark Drake, Corn Plus, vice chairman The Faribault County has worked to promote the busiDeb Barnes, Parker Oaks, treasurer Development Corp. helped ness climate of Faribault County in Wade Barslou, Barslou Realty, member other businesses, doing general.

Tom Warmka, farmer, member things such as helping “We really offer a good place to do Jeff Lang, United Hospital District, member to arrange financing and business,” she said.

Board of directors

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 5

Did you know you can choose your title company? Call now & SAVE

7

Veterinarian moves his business downtown to get more visibility.

MINNESOTA ABSTRACT & TITLE COMPANY

Providing title and closing service in the historic Carnegie Library • Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Refinance • Abstracting • Owners and Encumbrance Reports

36

Hart Brothers Weaponry has more than merely rifles and handguns

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 146 W. College St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 377-1399 • Fax (507) 377-8033

www.mnabstracttitle.com

48

A new economic developer in Faribault County has been around a while Other pieces: 40 Why tourism dollars are key 44 Lies businesses tell themselves 45 How the chamber stays efficient 46 What is Greater Jobs anyway?

50 Freeborn County by the numbers 220 Elizabeth ave, albert lea, mn 373-2828

IMPACT 2011

Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 Continued from Page 4

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

The Best Western Plus in Albert Lea boasts a fitness center, pool and breakfast area among its amenities.

The exterior of the Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is shown. There is also a Country Inn & Suites in Northwood, Iowa, near Diamond Jo Casino.

to plan more events that bring people into the town who would then stay in hotel rooms, but that would mean more hotels may possibly want to have a presence.

“It’s a competitive business,” Kehr said. “But there’s such brand loyalty.”

Kehr said with the economy the past few years that hotels have been suffering, mostly in the winter months when people aren’t traveling as much.

“Now we’re getting back into the recovery process,” Kehr said. “The last fews years it’s been a challenge.”

Hotels are one of the first aspects outsiders see of the Albert Lea area, which is why it’s important they have hospitable, knowledgeable staff, according to Kehr.

“They all have good people who are important to the community as the first contact to travelers,” Kehr said.

Renovate, renovate, renovate

Sternhagen at Best Western said updating the interior of a hotel must be done to stay competitive and because guests expect it.

“There are very nice hotels in Albert Lea,” Sternhagen said.

Many of the hotels in Albert Lea have been updating rooms or completely renovating the interior of the hotel. Within the last year the Knights Inn on East Main Street has begun a renovation process on some of its rooms. Sternhagen said the Best Western just completely upgraded everything with the flag change, and again to acquire the plus rating from Best Western.

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is also in the process of renovating, and work is expected to be completed this winter. The hotel opened in 2000, and Connie Ward, director of operations for Venerts, the hotel’s management company, said staff have gotten positive comments on

the changes.

“It’s just a fresh, new look,” Ward said.

Ward said it’s important to keep things updated, but that she didn’t know if there was any set time frame for replacing things because it depends on the wear and tear.

“Some things you just have to replace and some things might last a little longer if you take good care of them,” Ward said.

Stripe agreed that updating rooms is important to make guests feel welcome. About a year ago 50 rooms were added to the America’s Best Value Inn. “New hotels don’t stay new forever,” Stripe said. “You have to put the maintenance in.”

Most hotel management in Albert Lea hope tourism increases in the area, which puts “heads on beds.”

Anything that can bring people to, or even through, the area can help increase hotel stays including the Big Island Rendezvous, Sturgis or the Red Power Round Up, according to Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen.

“Events like the Big Island BBQ gives us a chance to use our fairgrounds and that’s what it takes,” Petersen said. “We need to bring people into town.”

Petersen said she thinks Albert Lea has a healthy hotel market, especially with traffic from both Interstate 90 and 35. Sternhagen at Best Western said the hotel gets a lot of travelers from Interstate 90, especially during Sturgis when bikers are heading to South Dakota.

“I hope it becomes a destination town,” Sternhagen said.

Hotel staff and city leaders will have to continue to work together to attract visitors to the city, but collaboration is what Albert Lea does best, Petersen said

1

25

TAP BEER Noon-5:30pm

Continued from Page 44 investments. Get your finances in order, so that a slip in monthly performance doesn’t cause the entire organization to collapse.

Lake Mills, Iowa

“Our vendors will stand by us until our company decides to end the relationship.”

The unfortunate truth is that vendors drop customers. Even a great rapport among buyers and sales representatives won’t sustain poor alignment between products and pricing desired by customers and those offered by vendors. Develop a suc-

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“I know this employee should go, but I’m not ready to take care of that just yet and it’ll be all right anyway.”

A low-performing employee can drag down any business, especially a small one. And a person who may have contributed early on may not have evolved as the business did and there is a mismatch between skills needed and skills possessed. Taking care of problems as quickly as possible helps everyone involved: owners, customers and fellow employees.

“I don’t need help. I really can do everything. Besides, it will Through our collective cost me to have help and I can’t efforts, we are committed afford help.”

Don’t make this mistake. A busito teaching and learning for all. ness owner cannot do all things because he or she doesn’t have all the 102 S. 4th Ave E. skills or experience. Help doesn’t alLake Mills, IA ways have to be costly but not getting 641-592-0881 help when needed will usually cost

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cession plan for vendors, similar to a management succession plan. Do the groundwork for adding new vendors. Pay attention to changes in the marketplace, noting market segments that are becoming more attractive as well as those that are becoming less appealing.

The business must:

Establish a business in Lake Mills employing at least 10 people.

Have an average starting wage of at least $10 per hour.

Make a capital investment of at least $500,000 Lake Mills has available buildings and workforce due to an industry relocating jobs outside the U.S.

Eric Peterson/Albert Lea Tribune

Farmers need business plans to achieve success just the same as other industries. Farming is a business these days. your business big.

Optimism is essential to success, but needs to be grounded in facts rather than fantasy. Managing a business can be complex, especially in these economic times.

If you need help, contact America’s free and confidential source of small business mentoring and coaching, SCORE, on our website: http://seminnesota.score.org/.

Dean L. Swanson is a volunteer mentor with Southeast Minnesota SCORE.

BD

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 47

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About Greater Jobs Inc. and the A.L. Port Authority The Albert Lea Economic DevelopBusiness Development Center office ment Agency, or ALEDA, is the first and councilor. This is a joint effort bestop for anyone interested in starting tween ALEDA and the regional Small or expanding a business in Freeborn Business Administration to provide County. services to people wanting to go into The ALEDA mission statement is: business or needing help planning an “To provide and promote services and expansion. Services include help with resources to retain, expand, create writing a business plan, cash flow and attract businesses, increase tax projections and assistance preparbase and quality employment opporing for a loan request. In the last year tunities in Freeborn County.” our councilor, Dave Lundak, helped ALEDA is an umbrella organization prepare several loan applications for made up of two separate entiALEDA and City of Albert Lea ties: the Albert Lea Port Authorloan funds. ity and Greater Jobs Inc. Most people were disapBoth Greater Jobs and the pointed by the manner in Port Authority are self-funded which this summer’s partial relying on real estate and other state government shutdown investments to pay the bills. In ended — more spending withaddition, Greater Jobs has more out paying for it. In addition, than 100 members who contribthe pre-session talk of “jobs

By Dan ute to the organization annujobs jobs” resulted in very little Dorman ally. The Port Authority has the that will help create them. ability to levy a tax for administration The JOBZ program ends in 2015 costs but has never done so because of and needs to either be replaced or its strong financial position. extended. The local incentive packWithout question, the last few years ages we can offer a prospective new have been difficult for not only the lo- or expanding business are some of cal economy but for that of Minnesota the most competitive in the state. But and the nation. There have been some these alone can’t offset the statewide positive signs for growth recently. The incentives others states can offer.

SoyMor biodiesel plant is reopening ALEDA Board meeting are open after being acquired by the Renewable to the public. Meetings are held the Energy Group. first Wednesday of every month in In addition, there are two new tenthe ALEDA offices, 2610 Y.H. Hanants in buildings owned by ALEDA. son Avenue, Albert Lea. If you have Vision Processing is leasing space in a any questions, comments, ideas or building on Myers Road and Zumbro suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact River Brand is leasing a third of the me. I can be reach at 373-3930 or at new building on Margaretha Avenue.

DanDorman@growalbertlea.com.

There has also been an increase in the number of requests and inquiries Dan Dorman is the executive from outside the community. director of the Albert Lea Economic ALEDA is also the home to a Small Development Agency.

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 7

Albert Lea Animal Hospital gets new digs

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moves business downtown

By Tim Engstrom

tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

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What was once on Highway 13 on the west edge of Albert Lea is now smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moved his business, Albert Lea Animal Hospital, this summer to its new location at 414 E. Main St. “It was two decades beyond what was expected originally planned,” Elwood said.

That’s because when he and his wife, Patti, were raising children, having the animal hospital at home at 22325 733rd St. became a matter of convenience. Now, he said, it makes business sense to have a more visible location. The Albert Lea Animal Hospital is right across from Hanson Tire Service and Godfather’s Pizza.

“I thought it was time to move to a more accessible location,” Elwood said.

The former location had been on two floors in his house on a 10-acre property. The veterinarian and his wife still plan to live there, but should the day come that they want to sell it, the option would be easier, he said.

“It does allow the house where we live now to become a residence once again,” he said.

The space where the hospital was now returns to use for the garage and the basement, much of it for storage.

Everything at the downtown location is on a single floor, which will reduce going up and down stairs, yet Elwood, his wife and their staff of two occupy the same amount of space — 1,800 square feet.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Continued on Page 8 Veterinarian Steve Elwood holds Gracie, a Shih Tzu cross, at the new Main Street location of the Albert Lea Animal Hospital.

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Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

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Veterinarian Steve Elwood listens to Gracie’s heartbeat while assistant April Olson holds the pet.

Continued from Page 7

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That means the space for the hospital is the same. There are four small and two large cages for animals that need long-term veterinary attention.

Patients, visitors and delivery truck drivers, he noted, will like that they no longer have to drive up a hill. And the new place is better for wheelchair accessibility. It has doors for customers on the front and back, with the back one being handicapped-accessible.

The front faces Main Street. The back has a view of the neighboring car wash.

Both directions offer views of floodplain that is slated to be parkland someday, which means there are sometimes views of standing water, which means views of Albert Lea’s

beloved waterfowl.

“There might be a week or two we are treating ducks and geese,” Elwood said jokingly.

The building is a former show house Elwood bought for $100,000.

It allows Albert Lea Animal Hospital to have more room for waiting patients. Elwood hopes to offer puppy classes to teach good socialization skills.

“It is good for puppies to be around other animals and people,” Elwood said.

Otherwise, Albert Lea Animal Hospital’s services are the same: laser surgery, spays, neuters, tumor removals, checkups, wellness exams, teeth cleaning, blood profiles, blood monitoring and X-rays, among others.

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 45

Organization matters to the Chamber of Commerce

The chamber also helped bring Individual organization is important.

Whether at home or in the office, being together representatives of our major organized allows the individual to apenergy consumers who joined with proach their tasks with some semblance the Minnesota Chamber and the City of order. Organization also gives one a of Albert Lea to challenge the Alliant place to return to when interruptions rate case and offered testimony before occur, as they inevitably do. the Public Utilities Commission in The organization required for an indi- June. Those efforts resulted in a major vidual is only one definition of the word, reduction in the new rate granted to however. Another is: a group of persons Alliant. These are examples of the organized for some end or work. strength of being part of a larger orThe chamber was founded on Feb. ganization. One company cannot have 10, 1881, and was originally called The the impact that 500 companies Albert Lea Board of Trade, the can. city’s first civic and commerAnother advantage to being cial development organization. part of an organization such as In 1892 the organization was the Chamber is that the organizarenamed the Albert Lea Comtion gets “called to the table” for mercial Club. The organization major projects within the comwas changed again in 1907 and munity. Very often we are called was called the Albert Lea Busiupon to join the City of Albert

By Randy nessmen’s League. The name Lea, Freeborn County, the Albert Kehr was changed again in 1930 to Lea Economic Development Chamber of Commerce.

Agency or the Shell Rock River On Jan. 2, 1940, the organizaWatershed District to discuss an issue. tion was formally incorporated. The This could involve the recruitment of original purpose was to bring together a company, the development of new individual businesses to work toward economic development tools or assistcommon goals and solve common ing in the communication of goals for problems. a new initiative of one of those governThat is exactly what the Albert Leamental bodies. As the representative of Freeborn County Chamber of Comthe business community, the chamber merce sees as its mission. Our role is there to express the feelings of the is to bring together businesses from membership regarding these types of throughout Freeborn County to be activities. united behind the chamber’s mission Being organized on your desk is imstatement: “Promote and develop a portant. Being organized in your busihealthy and positive business climate ness is important. Being organized as a and improve the quality of life in the community of like minded individuals Albert Lea-Freeborn County.” and being part of the largest business How do we accomplish this? The organization in Freeborn County makes board of directors endeavors to speak each of our member businesses stronfor those who, individually, may not ger. Individuals alone can change little, have the time or the comfort level to but a group of individuals can truly be do so for themselves. On occasion, change agents for the greater good. we are asked to work with a business to help them deal with an individual Randy Kehr is the executive direcissue with the city, county or state government. At other times, the issues are tor of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County broader and impact the entire business Chamber of Commerce. community.

Commercial • Agricultural • Residential The chamber then becomes the convener for meetings around those FREEBORN’S larger issues.

For example, this year the board of directors took a strong stance supporting our city’s need for local government aid as a means of controlling property taxes. They also met with INC. Congressman Tim Walz to discuss key Box 195, Freeborn, MN 56032 issues and with Gov. Mark Dayton 507-863-2296 during the July shutdown. Representatives of our renewable energy Fax: 507-863-2299 members met with former state Rep. Al Juhnke, Sen. Al Franken’s lead staff person for ag and energy issues, to discuss renewable energy.

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Page 44 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

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For more information contact the Albert Lea HRA at 507-377-4375 or stop at the HRA office at 800 4th Ave S, Albert Lea, MN

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Last week I ran across some great The harsh truth is that customers reminders for business owners. Julie may not understand, need or value the Rains, senior writer for Wise Bread, differences between your company’s a popular personal finance site that solutions and those of your comprovides career, lifestyle and finance petitors. Cheaper versions that fulfill tips, wrote a great piece related to similar functions are preferable. Plus, this topic. Running a business is if you happen to introduce innovation exhilarating but challenging. Positive successfully and capture market share, self-talk and the ability to envision competitors will be quick to follow and great opportunities in difficult times imitate you. are important to achieving success and emotional stability.

“We have air-tight proceBut, Rains warned, “these acdures that drive our busitions and attitudes can interfere ness operations.” with being honest about your Yes, written procedures may business.” have been painstakingly deI refer to these as “lies” veloped and introduced years because there are certain false before. Today, however, that perceptions that business ownonce-living document may be

By Dean L. dead, buried in a virtual file ers allow themselves to believe Swanson about their business and as a cabinet. The scary truth is that result they unknowingly put the effort that you or your staff their business at risk. Let’s look at a spent in documenting, creating and refew of these. Have you experienced fining procedures does not necessarily any of these? result in specific activities happening the way you envisioned.

“We don’t have to worry about the competition because we have “When things return to nora unique product.” mal, our business will start growing again.”

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IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 9

Top 40 employers in Albert Lea

Here are the top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to respondents who filled out a survey.

Information listed as: Ranking, employer Field, employees 1. Mayo Clinic Health System Medical, 1,200 2. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 500 3. Albert Lea Area Schools Education, 492 4. Innovance (Lou-Rich and Almco) Contract Manufacturer, 350 5. Cargill (Schweigert) Food processing, 310 6. Riverland Community College (all campuses) Education, 296 7. St. John’s Lutheran Home Senior health services, 292 8. Freeborn County Government, 287 9. Good Samaritan Society Senior health services, 285 10. Hy-Vee food store Supermarket, 285 11. Walmart Supermarket, 265 12. Ventura Foods Oils, margarine, lard, 191 13. Minnesota Corrugated Box Shipping containers, 178 14. City of Albert Lea Government, 140

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31. Sorensen Bros. Inc. Road construction, 60

16. Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Refrigerated foods, 137

32. Poet Biorefining Ethanol production, 60

17. Thorne Crest Retirement Center Senior health services, 130

33. The Children’s Center Child care, 54

18. Larson Contracting General contractor, 125

34. Oak Park Place Senior health services, 50

19. Streater Inc. Store fixtures, 123

35. Pro Trucking Transportation, 45

20. Ulland Bros.

Road Construction, 90

36. U.S. Post Office Mail services, passports, 45

21. Bridon Cordage Industrial cordage, 86

37. Almco, De-burring equipment 43

22. Nelson’s Market Place Supermarket, 84

38. Cedar Valley Services Vocational training & services, 43

23. Alamco Wood Products Laminated wood products, 83

39. Crossroads Trailer Sales Semitrailers, 42

24. Agilis Donations processor, 76

40. Motor Inn New and used vehicle sales, 42

25. Alliance Benefit Group Financial services, 74

Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea

26. Alliant Energy Gas and electricity, 68

28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant, 65

30. Larson Manufacturing Co. Doors and windows, 60

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29. Interstate Motor Trucks Truck services, 60

Albert Lea Steel, Inc.

Economic Development Agency, including one conducted in March 2011.

This information is based on responses from the firms listed. For several participants in the survey, the totals reported may include employees at other locations, plus part-time employees. Employment figures for several firms may be based on earlier statistics.

Also, several firms may have declined to participate in this survey.

An important note: Employment totals for some firms may vary according to seasonal and economic factors.

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une

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Page 10 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 43

201 East Clark St. PO Box 1226 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226 Tel: 507-377-9344 800-880-401k Fax: 507-377-2051

We speak with 8 professionals about efficiency What is your position at Mayo Clinic in Albert Lea? Chief nurse executive.

How long have you been there?

I have been a nurse in Albert Lea for 31 years and the role of nurse executive for 10 years.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Before you start any projects, make sure you clearly understand what the expectations and timeframes are. If there is a misunderstanding about what the outcome of the project is supposed to be there will be time wasted on re-work. It is frustrating to spend a significant amount of time on a project and learn that it has to be reworked because the project doesn’t meet the expectations. There aren’t enough hours in the day to make those kind of mistakes!

How has being organized helped you in your career?

Being organized can help free up some time in the day to deal with the unexpected “fires” that come up almost every day. Most of those situations need your time and attention. Being organized helps to ensure deadlines are met, which benefits the entire team working with me. Nobody else should have to drop everything they are doing to help me meet a deadline because I was disorganized.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

One of the most helpful things is to make sure my days aren’t filled with

meetings. There needs to be time in the workday to accomplish assignments. It can also be very efficient to work from home for a couple of hours where there aren’t any interruptions.

I can get twice as much work done at home in a couple of hours then I can get done in a whole day at work.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Printing less paper and moving more information to the electronic world. When information is available electronically, changes can be made easily and everyone can be made aware of the changes immediately. In the paper world, changes are more difficult and sharing information is very cumbersome.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

Being able to access email from my Blackberry helps me keep junk mail cleaned out and then I can spend my time focusing on the email that needs addressing when there is time to dedicate to it. The best is the electronic reminders that remind me where I need to be!

Lori Routh, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

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Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

My favorite is old but still the most valuable, Steve Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Another resource people don’t utilize enough is spending time with a co-worker who is very organized. You would be surprised what you can learn from someone who is in the office next to you.

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IMPACT 2011

Page 42 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

• $2.69 million: The amount brought into Freeborn County from state sales tax in the hospitality and leisure industry in 2009 • 1,031: Workers in Freeborn County who were employed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009 • $40 million: Amount in gross sales generated in Freeborn County from hospitality and leisure in 2009 • 9: How Freeborn County ranks in southern Minnesota in terms of gross sales from hospitality and leisure in 2009 — Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 11

Service you can COUNT ON!

Tourism by the numbers

Burger Night

IMPACT 2011

The Big Freeze is a new festival for Albert Lea and this February will see the third year of the winter fun. On the right, Abbie Solum, Alyssa Matson and Grace Hutchins jump in the cold water of Albert Lea Lake for the Polar Plunge.

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Kelli Lageson/ Albert Lea Tribune

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Page 12 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

What is your position at Lou-Rich?

Chief financial officer.

Steve Tufte, Lou-Rich Inc.

How long have you been there?

Eighteen years.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Set some time aside each day for one or two specific topics or tasks. The best time seems to be either first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

These times usually have the least interruptions. While you start the day usually planning to complete a number of items usually interruptions or meetings consume most of your day.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

My organization is not the everything-has-its-place look, but more to have the information I need to access frequently easily at hand. The biggest challenge has been to box up and put into storage the information that I don’t need to access on a monthly or quarterly basis.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

Basically, know which projects are the priority for the day or the week. If you can’t get to the low priority ones, this should not be an issue.

IMPACT 2011

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

I would probably say the two things that have helped is the smartphone that allows access to email and other company information when you are away from the office without bringing the computer and the headset that plugs into your desk phone and allows you to move around and retrieve information when you are talking to someone.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

Microsoft Outlook probably has been the most helpful for scheduling and notifying for meetings or other reminders. Also, smartphones are extremely helpful when you are away from the office for staying current on emails and looking up information on the web. The third item would be digitizing documents so you can access them from anywhere with your computer.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

My suggestion would be to look around at others that you see as being organized or time-efficient and either observe how they are doing it or ask what practices they use. Everyone has a different practice that works for them so try a few based on what you see others doing.

— Kelli Lageson

Checking • Savings • Loans • CD's • IRAs • HSAs Credit Cards • Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes 109 W Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 56045 (507) 889-4311 Member

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IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 41

Good for the economy Top 10 counties in southern Minnesota for hospitality and leisure sales County Gross sales State sales tax Jobs Olmsted $353,761,640 $22,972,136 7,739 Blue Earth $149,890,259 $9,251,546 3,650 Rice $109,243,765 $4,978,634 2,138 Lyon $66,699,482 $2,642,517 1,227 Goodhue $64,976,150 $4,337,594 1,826 Winona $64,234,254 $4,275,587 2,072 Steele $59,272,160 $3,818,583 1,454 Mower $52,240,952 $3,131,463 1,314 Freeborn $40,715,679 $2,691,409 1,031 Nicollet $32,306,774 $2,208,198 953 — Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2009 Freeze, music and theater events and Eddie Cochran Weekend, to name a few.

In the second half of the year, there’s events including the April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon, the Freeborn County Fair, the Shortstop Golf Tournament and the Festival of Trees, among others.

“We’re always trying to work with different organizations,” Petersen said. “We’re not to organize it. We’re to promote it.”

Outside of all of the events, there’s other attractions including the Pelican Breeze, the Freeborn County Histori-

cal Museum, the Albert Lea Farmers Market and the Albert Lea Community Theatre.

Petersen said people also come to Freeborn County for the many recreational opportunities available, including on Albert Lea’s lakes, at Myre-Big Island State Park and at all the parks the community has to offer.

There’s everything from boating to skiing, to golfing, snowmobiling and fishing available.

She said she thinks recreation is the area Freeborn County could really expand its marketing.

To get the word out of what there

is to offer in Albert Lea and Freeborn County, Petersen said the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau puts out visitors guides each year that are distributed at travel center.

In 2011, the CVB put out 37,900 visitors guides, including in all of the travel information centers in the state, at the Mall of America, at airports and even at locations in Iowa.

There are more than 1,000 workers in Freeborn County alone who were employed through the private sector in the hospitality and leisure industry.

The hospitality and leisure industry throughout all of Minnesota earns $11 billion each year.

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IMPACT 2011

Page 40 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 13

John Deere Agriculture & Lawn & Garden Equipment

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IMPACT 2011

www.mankatoimplement.com

Bringing in the tourism dollars

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Sports tournaments. Special events.

Shopping. Attractions. Recreation.

They all play a role in bringing tourism dollars into Freeborn County.

In 2009 alone, more than $40 million was spent in Freeborn County through the hospitality and leisure industries, according to figures from Explore Minnesota Tourism.

And Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Susie Petersen said those numbers are increasing.

“People, they’re not going as far maybe, but they’re doing more regionally,” Petersen said.

The goal of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to encourage this activity, essentially to bring people into the community — people who will ultimately stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

To encourage this, the CVB works with the various organizations or companies putting on different events to promote them not only within the county but outside of the county, she said. Each year, there are dozens of key events taking place in Albert Lea and in the county that draw people into the community.

In the first half of the year, there are events such as the Gourmet Food Auction, hockey tournaments, The Big

Bear Season Morning Dove Season Snipe and Rail Season Small Game Season Deer Hunt Archery Season Woodcock Season Waterfowl Season Opener Moose Hunt NE Season Fall Turkey Season Pheasant Season Early Antlerless Deer Season Furbearer Hunting & Trapping Openers Prairie Chicken Season Deer Hunt Firearms Opener Trapping Season Bobcat Deer Hunt Muzzloader Spring Turkey Hunt Application Deadline

6 Locations

Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea Tribune

The Big Island Rendezvous takes place annually in October at Bancroft Bay Park in Albert Lea and is one of Freeborn County’s major tourism attractions. This year, it happens Oct. 1 and 2.

Sept. 1-Oct. 16 Sept. 1-Oct. 30

Sept. 1-Nov. 7 Sept. 17-Feb. 28 Sept. 17-Dec. 31 Sept. 24-Nov. 7

Oct. 1

Oct. 1-16

Oct. 1-30

Oct. 15-Jan. 1

Oct. 22-23

Oct. 29

Oct. 22-26

Nov. 5 Nov. 26-Jan. 7 Nov. 26-Dec. 11

Jan. 6

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Page 14 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Mark Smed • Richard J. Murray

IMPACT 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

143 E Main Street • Po Box 171 • Albert Lea Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220 www.iscfinancialadvisors.com

Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC ISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities

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IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 39

WE’RE YOUR DEALERSHIP ALTERNATIVE! • Auto service & repair Serving the • Trailer service community for • RV sales & service over 26 years!

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• Commercial & Retail Cleaning • Hard Floor Care (Waxing & Stripping) • Offices, Schools & Churches • Commercial Carpet Cleaning

First in service, First in value

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What is your position at ISC Financial Advisors?

Registered representative.

We have unlocked the answer to customer satisfaction Select from many styles of glass shower enclosures or customize according to your specifications

We also offer: • Auto lock work

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We make keys for cars

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How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Our company has updated the technology used with equipment and computer programs. This change has made the entire office more efficient.

We have a new client management program that assists with client relations.

We are continually updating our client information to enhance the service of our clients’ current and future goals.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

The programs that our company researched and ultimately chose needed to meet certain organizational criteria.

We have increased productivity by having alerts, reminders, updates, list creation options and sorting. Our incoming and outgoing emails can be saved directly to a client’s file which saves time. We use different research and monitoring programs to compare and review performance. The computer can be used as an organizational tool, but our business is about building personal relationships with people.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I personally like the magazine “Smart Money,” “Kiplinger” and Wall

Street Journal. There are many websites to choose from; I would suggest using a fund family site for calculators, risk modules and to answer many questions.

How important is it for your company to stay organized as you are advising others on being financially organized?

Extremely important, the organization that we show should be an example to our clients, to become more efficient in budgeting and saving. The more organized we are as a company the more successful we are at helping our clients.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

We are continually educating our administrative assistants and new personnel in recognizing and understanding the different products we use. It is very important to understand the forms we use and the information required to accomplish the project at hand. Our client management program keeps all of us on task.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

Our business relies on decision making, sometimes quickly. Being organized helps facilitate all of the processes involved with the most successful outcome possible.

— Sarah Stultz

Andy Nelson

Marc Brian Rasmussen Kopsing Service Consultants

Approved Auto Repair

IMPACT 2011

Page 38 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 Continued from Page 37 Highways: U.S. Highway 65 Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elementary School

Hartland 2010 census: 315 Median age: 36.8 Households: 140 Housing units: 148 Square miles: 0.3 City hall address: 407 Broadway St. City hall phone: 845-2469 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union

NORTH AMERICAN MAT COMPANY 507-889-2088

304 Central Ave. N, Hollandale, MN

Anti-fatigue matting Matting for Commercial & Industrial Applications Entry matting for residential

Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Hayward 2010 census: 250 Median age: 44.5 Households: 114 Housing units: 123 Square miles: 0.6 City hall address: 107 County Road 26 City hall phone: 373-1222 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Hollandale 2010 census: 303 Median age: 38.3 Households: 128 Housing units: 146 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 110 Park Ave. W. City hall phone: 889-4001 Railroads: none Highways: Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District

Kiester 2010 census: 501 Median age: 47.8 Households: 246 Housing units: 281 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 116 N. Main St. City hall phone: (507) 294-3161 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 22 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Lake Mills, Iowa 2010 census: 2,100 Median age: 45.3 Households: 944 Housing units: 1,055 Square miles: 2.6 City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450 City Hall phone: (641) 592-3251 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105 Schools: Lake Mills Community School

Manchester 2010 census: 57 Median age: 36.8 Households: 26

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Housing units: 30 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 70830 255th St. City hall phone: 826-3483 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

New Richland 2010 census: Median age: Households: Housing units: Square miles: 0.6 City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072 City Hall phone: (507) 465-3514 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Secondary School

IMPACT 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 15

Gareth Hataye, Innovision Eyecare

Northwood, Iowa 2010 census: 1,989 Median age: 44.2 Households: 885 Housing units: 1,004 Square miles: 3.8 City Hall address: 627 Central Ave. City Hall phone: (641) 324-1075 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105 Schools: Northwood-Kensett Elementary School, Northwood-Kensett Junior/Senior High School

Wells 2010 census: Median age: Households: Housing units: Square miles: 1.4 City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave. City hall phone: (507) 553-6371 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central Elementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

We’ve looked at our business on all fronts, utilizing a matrix system to ensure that few things fall through the gaps. As the economy has slowed, we’ve worked to eliminate expenses that we could do without. Patientfriendly software to help communicate specific topics was added. We are in the process of evaluating a few electronic health records programs, which will further streamline processes.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

As technology continues to develop, speed, information and applications help both efficiency and effectiveness.

Many multi-step processes can now be accomplished in one step. For example, our computers can talk directly with the optical labs we work with.

Some equipment can directly measure the eye. Other programs can help explain conditions or answer questions patients may have. Integrated email, calendars, phone and pagers dramatically reduce redundancy.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I like John Maxwell’s books: “Talent is Never Enough,” “The 360 Degree Leader,” “Today Matters,” and “Devel-

oping the Leader Within You” as they are easy reads and full of nuggets that you can apply daily to both work and personal life.

What are some of the features that make software patient friendly?

One is office software that is preloaded and is designed for patients to be able to search topics of interest and access them directly. The topics are then explained in more detail to efficiently utilize the time of both the provider and the patient. Additional software can visually demonstrate anatomical structures, function and physiology of the eye and adjacent structures. We’ve come a long way to be able to effectively answer both common and uncommon questions patients have asked for decades.

How do you use social media? If you don’t, what are your plans for social media use in the future?

We utilize a few of the platforms like Facebook to reach out to our patients.

We are able to present educational information and new cutting-edge technology in a more personal format.

As upcoming media begins to gain attention, we will attempt to incorporate it into our practice.

Continued on Page 21

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IMPACT 2011

Page 16 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING IN BUSINESS SINCE 1979

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Q&A: Get organized!

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What is your position at State Bank of Clarks Grove?

Vice president.

Q: How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

A: A year ago, we undertook a major business change and closed our Clarks Grove branch. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, we’ve become much more efficient in terms of staffing, technology, supplies, marketing and advertising and have seen a profitable bottom line as a result. Other smaller ways we’ve tried to become more efficient is through the cross-training of employees so we’re backed up in all operational areas and through encouraging greater use of things like Internet banking and debit cards.

Q: How do you use computers to be more organized?

A: As a small business, we use computers to help us organize pretty much everything at the bank. Computers assist all of our daily operations from Internet banking, debit cards, our website, processing customer transactions and information, budgeting and strategic planning to loan processing. Besides the one-on-one customer service experience, nearly all other functions in our bank include computer use in some shape or form

to keep us accurate and organized.

Personally and professionally, I don’t think I could live without a computer to keep me informed and organized in the hectic, global world we live in.

Q: Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

A: The first resources that come to mind are generally banking specific.

Some of the great tools of the trade I use are websites, seminars and webinars offered through the Minnesota Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. There are also some terrific opportunities offered through our local colleges and universities for leadership development coursework.

Local service organizations and others like the Blandin Foundation also offer excellent resources and opportunities for leadership development.

Q: What tools do you use to compete against national banks?

A: As a small, locally-owned bank, the most important tool we have to compete against the larger banks is our relationships with our customers.

We work very hard to offer exceptional customer service by knowing our customers, their families, their hobbies Continued on Page 21

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 37

Neighbors by the numbers

Albert Lea 2010 census: 18,016 Median age: 44 Households: 7,774 Housing units: 8,410 Square miles: 14.28 City Hall address: 515 Clark St. City Hall phone: (507) 377-4300 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, The Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschools

Alden 2010 census: 661 Median age: 39.9 Households: 268 Housing units: 292 Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St. City Hall phone: (507) 874-3620 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools

Bricelyn 2010 census: 365 Median age: 47.9 Households: 168 Housing units: 197 Square miles: 0.3 City Hall address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 653-4369 Railroads: both are Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 253 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Clarks Grove 2010 census: 706 Median age: 38.1 Households: 295 Housing units: 312 Square miles: 0.4

City Hall address: 101 N. Independence Ave. City Hall phone: (507) 256-4106 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Conger 2010 census: 146 Median age: 32.7 Households: 62 Housing units: 69 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 51 School St. City hall phone: 265-3435.

Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in Alden-Conger School District

Ellendale 2010 census: 691 Median age: 39.6 Households: 296 Housing units: 317 Square miles: 0.9 City Hall address: 505 Second St. City Hall phone: (507) 684-2681 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Elementary School

Emmons 2010 census: 391 Median age: 43.4 Households: 174 Housing units: 190 Square miles: 0.8 City hall address: 219 Main St. City hall phone: 297-5707 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in Glenville-Emmons School District

Freeborn 2010 census: 297 Median age: 38.9 Households: 120 Housing units: 130 Square miles: 0.2 City hall address: 402 Park St. City hall phone: 863-2204 Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Geneva

Glenville

2010 census: 555 Median age: 38.3 Households: 220 Housing units: 228 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 403 Fourth St. City Hall phone: (507) 256-4192 Railroads: none Highways: Interstate 35 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

2010 census: 643 Median age: 44.2 Households: 278 Housing units: 290 Square miles: 2.2 City Hall address: 221 W. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 448-3916 Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River Continued on Page 38

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IMPACT 2011

Page 36 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Hart Brothers Weaponry is more than guns

Arms seller also deals in coins, relics and metals

By Linda Holst for the Tribune

Hart Brothers Weaponry is best known for the sale of guns. But owner Milan Hart also deals in gold, silver, coins and even war relics. During this time of economic turmoil, Hart has had an increase in people desiring to sell their collectibles.

“Every third person through my door is selling,” said Hart. “People are not selling because they want to; they are selling because they have to.”

What makes Hart’s business unique is his estimates are free.

“I do free appraisals, because I do not want people to get ripped off,” Hart said. “And when you are ready to sell, I hope you consider me first.”

Buying and selling coins began in grade school for Hart. Coins exposed him to major events in U.S. history.

Coins of collectability have a set price. Today many of these coins are worth more as a precious metal — gold and silver — than as collector

coins. Hart enjoys when people bring in old coins.

“I especially like antique coins: Indian head pennies and buffalo nickels,” Hart said.

What makes a coin worth money is not its age, but the few made of that type.

Hart advises to not clean your coins.

“You can remove thousands of dollars from your collection, so let the dark stay on the coin.”

He cautioned buyers to beware of Internet coin sales. He said most coins are counterfeit.

“If it’s too good to be true, it is.”

A little research can save a person a lot of money. The research will net you a lot more money for your collectibles.

Gold has risen in price spurred by the unstable economy, which in turn has increased Hart’s business. He has an acid testing kit to verify authenticity of gold jewelry. Many times the jewelry is not the carat weight the person was told it is.

When it comes to buying gold coins, Hart advocates antique gold coins. “You cannot lose as much if you buy antique gold,” said Hart. “I do not

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 17

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IMPACT 2011

Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune

Milan Hart stands next to a counter with displays of coins. believe in buying gold bullion.”

Another collectible Hart buys is war relics.

“The U.S. mementos are not worth much, which is heartbreaking,” said Hart.

World War II German Nazi relics are the most popular; Japanese relics are also a big seller. But Hart said 80 percent of the German memorabilia is fake or counterfeit.

Even though U.S. mementos are not worth much, they deserve preservation, he said.

Hart does not hold onto the gold and silver. When he has a given amount, he sells. The hope is while holding the merchandise until a large enough quantity is ready for shipping (usually to Chicago), the market does not go down.

“When I get so much scrap gold (in

penny weight, not ounce weight), I call my buyer and get the price locked in,” Hart said. “And when I get about $300 in face value for my silver coinage, I sell.”

Hart offers some advice when deciding to sell your collectibles. Do your research and know what your collectible is worth before selling. Keep a ledger that tells what you paid for your collectibles. If you are uncertain about selling, don’t sell.

“I do not buy everything; I do not want to buy everything,” said Hart.

“But I do want to give the seller the edge.”

If Hart is not interested in buying your collectible, he probably knows someone who would be interested in paying you a fair price.

“My goal is I want everyone to walk out happy,” Hart said.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Right employees in place — I believe this makes or breaks any business.

tracted employees. To help them stay on top of projects and stay organized, we meet each morning, the three of us, for 10 minutes and talk about our day and what our goals are for the day.

Not only is it healthy for us as a team, it shows our tenants that we are organized and do work as a team.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

There are no other retail shopping malls in Albert Lea, other than the strip malls, and national tenants seem to be moving in the direction anyway.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

I am the go-to person for 30 tenants in Albert Lea and 23 tenants at the mall in Robbinsdale, a Minneapolis suburb.

I split my time between the two malls.

I spend a lot of time traveling, and this gives me time to get my planning for the next day done. I’m the type of person who takes care of tasks as they come up. I’m not good with a to-do list.

My desk is cleaned of most projects every night when I leave because I don’t want to feel behind the minute I walk into my office in the morning.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I’m the only employee that is actually a mall employee. Both Val (marketing) and Al (maintenance) are con-

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

I’m certainly not going to take all the credit here at the mall. It truly is a team effort.

— Sarah Stultz

How do you use computers to be more organized?

We do everything on computers — very effective way to keep files and calendars. I use several national websites to look for possible tenants.

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IMPACT 2011

Page 18 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Nursing home purchases a back nine

High Quality Products & Service • Dansko • EMU

• UGG • Keen

• Clarks • SAS

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 35

St. John’s buys land that used to be Albert Lea Golf Club

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Downtown Albert Lea, MN 507-373-6793

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When St. John’s Lutheran Home moved forward with purchasing 51 1/2 acres of the former Albert Lea Golf Club in January, it did so with the vision of being able to offer a full range of services to seniors in the community.

St. John’s Lutheran Home Administrator Scot Spates said that means having options for seniors who are independent, along with seniors who are in need of skilled nursing care — plus everything in between.

To fulfill this vision, the board of directors and staff at St. John’s Lutheran Home are developing plans for a new campus on the property, which many Albert Leans know as “the back nine.”

St. John’s purchased the land from American Bank of St. Paul for $7,200 per acre. The land had been in the hands of the bank after it was surrendered by commercial developer Scott LaFavre following the property’s foreclosure. A portion of the property

is still for sale.

Spates said St. John’s will soon be contracting with an architect to begin the masterplanning phase of the project, but there are some basics that have already been outlined.

He said at this point, the board of directors and staff are envisioning four anchor buildings on campus.

The first will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of independent living; the second will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of assisted living; and the third will be for residents in need of skilled nursing care.

The transitional care patients will be in the skilled nursing care building, but will likely have a separate wing.

The fourth building would be known as the community center or town center, which people in the two apartment complexes and the nursing home would have access to. This building could include amenities such as a chapel, a coffee shop or cafe, banking services, a fitness center, a therapeutic pool, a barber/beauty

Call 373-7350 126 W. Clark St. WE DELIVER • WE DO LUNCH DELIVERIES!

County Administrator........................................................................................ 377-5116 County Attorney............................................................................................... 377-5192 County Sheriff...................................................................................................377-5205 County Recorder................................................................................................377-5130 Auditor............................................................................................................... 377-5121 Treasurer’s Office............................................................................................... 377-5117 Public Health.................................................................................................... 377-5100 Highway Engineer............................................................................................. 377-5188 Veterans Service Office..................................................................................... 377-5184 County Assessor................................................................................................377-5176 Environmental Services.................................................................................... 377-5186 Court Services...................................................................................................377-5137 Human Services............................................................................................... 377-5400 Vehicle & Driver’s License Center..................................................................... 377-5126 Burn/Building/Feedlot Permits......................................................................... 377-5186 Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates.................................................................377-5130 Passports...........................................................................................................377-5130 WIC...................................................................................................................377-5289 University of MN Extension Service................................................................. 377-5660 County Fair Office.............................................................................................373-6965 Freeborn Cty Museum and Historical Village...................................................373-8003 Ditch Inspector................................................................................................ 256-4256 Victim’s Crisis Center....................................................................................... 377-5460

24 hr Crisis Hotline.......................................................................................... 373-2223 Building Manager.............................................................................................. 377-5114 www.co.freeborn.mn.us freeborn county government center 411 s broadway • 377-5116 police-fire-medical-sheriff-state patrol emergency: 911

The vegetation of the back nine of the former Albert Lea Golf Club is grown over. However, the land still provides views of Edgewater Park and Edgewater Bay. Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune

shop, a library and a gathering space for entertainers.

“It would be kind of like going downtown,” he said. “It’s the place to go to get things done and to meet with people.”

All four buildings would be connected.

In addition to the four anchor buildings, there would also be owner-occupied cottages or duplexes for independent seniors that are not attached to the main core.

Plans are to break ground for the project in three to five years. In the

meantime, St. John’s has to work with city officials to bring sewer and water out to the property.

Spates said staff and the board of directors are also exploring options for what to do with the current nursing home facility, though he noted that one idea talked about was gutting the building and turning it into nice apartments. The Knutson Place apartments and the Luther Place condos will stay as is.

“What we’ve been doing now is trying to listen to what our clients say,” he said.

IMPACT 2011

Page 34 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 19

Q&A: Get organized!

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Full Cocktail Service also available.

The view of St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea from the east.

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at the Albert Lea Art Center Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies 224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313 Albert Lea, MN • 373-5665

118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea

Kelli Lageson/ Albert Lea Tribune

September 22-24, 28 & October 1, 2011

Art on Broadway

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Build Your Business “I’ve been taking care of Tribune marketing for the Albert Lea downtown area businesses for over 2 years. I coordinate advertising for special downtown events, manage a monthly downtown advertising program and work closely with business owners on marketing plans. I thank all business owners for the trust you have put into me. You are the heart of Albert Lea. If you are a new business to the downtown area and need help with those things that keep you awake at night, please don’t hesitate to call!”

Renee

Renee Citsay

Marketing Specialist Albert Lea Tribune 507-379-3430 renee.citsay@albertleatribune.com

What is your position at Alamco?

Chief executive officer.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Alamco is in the final stages of a two-year, almost $2 million expansion into the former Metal Fit Technologies Building. Metal Fit was a Japanese company that planned on making post and beam houses for the U.S. market but ran headlong into the housing slump, and they had to close down the facility. This expansion process made us look at efficiencies in our manufacturing process and ways to use computers to automate processes where we could.

How do you use your computers to be more organized?

For an expansion of this size we had to establish who does what and when it will be done. Computers help the communication process especially when part of our management group is offsite. Computers also help gather information needed in a timely manner. We needed to know code and environmental rules for building and we needed to know about state and local permits that would be required for the project.

The newer members of our team were able to get information on their

part of the project to senior management and also got feedback on the project so changes could be made in a timely manner.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I have a degree in business administration from MSU and do not think I ever took a computer class in college. I have taken several classes at Riverland over the years, but being a little older I have always been one step behind in computer technology.

I always tell younger people to learn all they can about technology and computers to protect their skills in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I always tell newer employees to read anything you are going to send to someone a second time just to make sure it makes sense to you. It is amazing how many times I reread something and realized it could be saying just the opposite of the message I wanted to send.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

My organizational skills have been Continued on Page 21

IMPACT 2011

Page 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Antiques & Collectibles

Heart of the Artichoke

222 E. Clark St, Albert Lea

373-4258

St. John’s Lutheran Home Rehabilitation Program

Q&A: Get organized!

Joyce Matthies, Joyce Matthies Dance Centre

St. John’s offers short-term stays for patients recuperating from a recent surgery or illness.

• Medicare Certified • Eighteen Private Rooms

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services

Providing the services you need to help you return home.

www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org

901 Luther Place Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8226

“Always providing quality service to the construction industry”

What is your position at Joyce Matthies Dance Centre?

Owner and operator How long have you been there?

Forty-five years What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I write it down and have them check it off when finished. I also see if it is done correctly.

Austin 433-1819

Albert Lea 373-1960

Glenville Scale 448-2047

How has being organized helped you in your career?

I have very well-run shows and can juggle classes and other things like musicals.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

It took trial and error over time.

I do make changes periodically to keep up with the times. I also have an accountant. I also taught myself how to text so I can communicate

better with older dancers.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

I try to keep the website and studio Facebook page up to date. I also email parents important information.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

I do schedules, spreadsheets, lists and rough drafts for show programs.

I can also email parents and they can email me with questions.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I have taken dance classes aimed at teachers and participated in a dance teacher business seminar. I receive and read five different dance magazines a month and am constantly looking for new inspirations for choreography.

— Kelli Lageson

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 33

Being at a crossroads is a plus for Albert Lea area

By Ed Shannon

ed.shannon@albertleatribune.com

Albert Lea’s significant advantage in the nation’s transportation system is clearly emphasized with the slogan that says the city and county are at the “Crossroads of the Upper Midwest.”

And a check with state and national maps, plus past history, certainly confirms this fact.

To really emphasize this statement, a check of the state map shows there are only two localities in Minnesota where there are crossroads for the nation’s interstate highway system. One place is the Twin Cities area where Interstates 35 and 94 interchange at several places, and just northeast of Albert Lea. This city’s crossroads designation is based primarily on the location of the intersection of eastwest Interstate 90 and north-south Interstate 35.

This became a full reality in December 1972. Albert Lea is also either the starting or ending point (depending on the direction of travel) of U.S. Highways 65 and 69 going into Iowa and other locations even further south, plus state Highway 13 which goes north to Waseca, New Prague and the Twin Cities area.

The city is also at the crossroads of a railroad system that has a full north-south connection with the Union Pacific Railroad and a somewhat lesser east-west connection with the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad.

The ICE line through Albert Lea goes from Ramsey, just north of Austin, to Wells, Winnebago, Fairmont and ends

in Jackson. Another rail link with the south and east is at Glenville with the Cedar River Railroad which goes to Waterloo, Iowa, and makes connections with several other railroads on its short route.

A publication issued by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has this commentary to explain the city’s unique location, “Albert Lea’s transportation network offers a variety of today’s necessities.

Three railroad lines and seven local/ regional trucking firms serve the area.

We are honored to be voted Best Insurance Agency in the Albert Lea Tribune’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards. If you enjoy unsurpassed customer service, please see Andy, Mike or any of our agents for a no-obligation insurance review. THANKS AGAIN!

Representing great companies like

Mike Petersen CLU-ChFC The Albert Lea Airport has local air service including private and charter services, In addition, Albert Lea is 90 minutes or less from regional commercial airports in Mason City, Iowa, Rochester and Minneapolis.”

The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency lists the following assets as “Your connection to Midwest markets.” Several on this list are: “I-35 and I-90 crossroads. U.S. 65 and 69.

Within a day’s drive of most Midwest markets. Access to (several) rail and truck lines. Local corporate, private air service. Commercial air service at Mason City (30 minutes), Rochester, Minneapolis.”

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IMPACT 2011

Page 32 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Albert Lea Area Schools District 241

For complete information on our comprehensive program, go to albertlea.k12.mn.us or call 379-4800

Years Air taxi Itinerant Local Military Total operations 1991-2000 2,000 6,775 17,100 300 26,175 — Information from historical data obtained from the Federal Airport Administration

A Piper Seminole, foreground, and a Piper Warrior II rest on the tarmac outside a hangar at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

Small propellerdriven aircraft are the most common at the local airport.

Stop in today to see if you qualify to join our family of members!

Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune

What planes fly in and out of the airport?

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

With 5,000 feet of runway now at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, just about anything as large as business jets or as small as recreational planes can fly in and out of Albert Lea, according to airport Manager Jim Hanson.

“You’re not going to have a 747 bound for Hong Kong going out of Albert Lea, but I don’t think that’s realistic either,” he said.

Hundreds of different types of airplanes come through the airport each year.

The largest airplane that’s come to Albert Lea has been a Falcon 7X that came in nonstop from Honolulu last year, he said. The most common air-

planes are Learjets, which are known to most people as a corporate jet.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said some of the companies that have used the airport include Walmart, Cargill, Schweigert and Poet.

Use has been pretty consistent, even after improvements began.

Hanson said while having a new airport will not necessarily land Albert Lea a new business right off the bat, it will at least help some companies give the city some consideration.

Hanson said in his several decades of flying and conducting business search sites for companies looking to build a plant or retail outlet he has found that if the company owns an airplane and they can’t get to Albert Lea by air, this location will not even be a consideration.

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 21

Continued from Page 15

Airport annual activity statistics

Equipping learners of all ages to think, to achieve and to care.

District AIMS: • Safe, healthy and welcoming schools • Increase opportunity and achievement • Effective and efficient operations

IMPACT 2011

Oil Change Exhaust Cooling Systems

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26 Years Experience

How do you plan to continue to grow your business model over the next year?

We continually develop the trust and confidence of our patients with comprehensive care, ongoing education, and dedicated customer

Continued from Page 16 and interests and their occupations, etc. We want every customer to know how important they are to us, which I think makes us different and better than the larger, national banks. Another reason to choose a community bank is because we make our decisions locally, quickly and with as few hoops to jump through as possible.

We all live here and are involved in service clubs, volunteer boards, church committees, our children’s activities and shop locally, so you see us out supporting our community every day. Lastly, we try to offer the products and services that customers want and expect to remain competitive with the bigger banks.

Q: Specifically, how was the Albert Lea branch bolstered once the Clarks Grove branch was closed?

A: The most significant result we’ve seen from the closure of our Clarks Grove branch is an increase in our

Continued from Page 19 developed over 40 years of working at the same place, not many people will have that opportunity in today’s business climate.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

service. We are able to find and offer the best quality and technology available to meet the needs and interest of our patients. Our personalized environment enables our patient to feel relaxed and secure knowing that our attention is solely on them.

— Garrett Wampler

overall profitability. We had been losing money at the Clarks Grove branch for several years and with the local economy being stressed during this same timeframe, our ability to make a net profit was becoming increasingly difficult. A year later, we’re seeing our profitability become more stable with the savings from eliminating two employee salaries and benefits, Internet, IT software and equipment, insurance, electricity and heat, property taxes, supplies and the cost of the duplication of services.

Q: Who makes up the largest part of your clientele?

A: We have a nice mixture of all types of customers at our bank.

When the bank first opened in 1903, we were almost entirely an agriculture bank. However as farming has changed over the years, we’ve seen our customer base change from primarily ag to more small business owners and personal banking services.

— Andrew Dyrdal

Over the years I have added responsibilities as other people retired, so I had to become more efficient at what I was doing. Developing a good staff that you trust and can work with is the most efficient way to get things done. Delegating responsibility gets things done, even when you are out of the office.

— Sarah Stultz

d r i b is the

word.

(papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow)

It’s time to get your word out.

Call 507-379-3427 to get started on your marketing campaign.

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We offer a complete line of Hardware, Power & Hand Tools

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M-F 9am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-2pm (closed Saturdays during the summer)

IMPACT 2011

Page 22 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 31

Albert Lea’s airport takes off

A runway is added; another is resurfaced

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

The exterior of the Barn Boutique is shown, which is on the second floor of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35.

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After almost a decade of active planning and construction at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, city and airport staff are coming closer to seeing the reconstruction and expansion at the facility completed.

Thus far, a new 5,000foot runway has been constructed, and the crosswind runway has been resurfaced. To prepare for the new runway, Plaza Street north of the airport has been rerouted.

Still to be completed are the building of the taxiway, which will run parallel to the new runway, the reconstruction of the area around the hangars and main building, and the installation of new lighting and fencing, said City Engineer Steven Jahnke. The old runway is being turned into the taxiway.

Some of these things are happening yet this fall, while others will have to wait on additional funding in 2012.

Airport Manager Jim Hanson said while it has been a “painful transition” with all of the construction, in the long run it will be beneficial to the community.

The runway was constructed in the 1950s and

was only 4,500 feet long.

The plan since the ’60s was to move the runway at the time it had to be reconstructed.

With the expansion of the new runway to 5,000 feet, more planes will be able to use the airport.

That distance has become the default minimum for most corporate aircraft operators, so much so that most of those operators don’t even carry the approach charts for airports less than that distance.

Jahnke said the updates were “prudent, needed and a good business decision.”

“Ours was at the end of its life,” he said of the former runway. “If we wouldn’t have done anything, you’d either have to say we’re not going to have an airport, or we’re going to fix what we have or put in a new one.”

He said the extension of the runway was justified, especially since it will be in place for another 50 years.

Another major benefit is that the project is being funded 95 percent by users of airports — through federal and state airport and airways trust funding — with a 5 percent local match, Jahnke added.

The project will make Albert Lea’s airport safer for all aircraft engines, allowing more runway for takeoff and an obstacle-free climb.

Museum & Library open year round.

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Village open May-Sept.

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To learn more about our building expansion project, visit our website: http://fchm.smig.net 507-373-8003 1031 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea

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Free Lawn Estimates & promp service

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Jan Jerdee Insurance Jan Jerdee • Ron Petersen

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

The main runway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport runs north and south.

Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978

Full service includes: • • • •

ALLEN’S

TOW & TRAVEL 24 HOUR

Burial vaults Grave Markers Flowers/Wreaths Perpetual Care

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea

373-3560

www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

Emelie Paulson, CRS, SRES • 507-383-1659 Jim Paulson, SES • 507-383-4760

RE/MAX PROPERTIES 412 E. William, Albert Lea 377-2752 www.paulsonhomes.com

1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea, MN Phone/Fax: 507-373-2804

Authorized independent agent for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

IMPACT 2011

Page 30 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Timeline Rhodette Groe Laurie Sistek

Creating order from chaos • QuickBooks Training • Bookkeeping Service • Payroll Services • Secretarial Services

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We represent over 50 companies

Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main • Albert Lea Bus.: 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301 troythompsonagency@gmail.com

Albert Lea Municipal Airport improvements 2003 planning, updating of the airport’s master plan 2004 environmental assessments conducted 2007-2010 designing 2008-2012 construction 2012 paving of the taxiway, reconstructing the apron, installing fencing

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 23

Welcome to Iowa’s handmade crafts

The Top of Iowa Welcome Center features a boutique

By Kelli Lageson

kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

A Mack truck driver backs down the construction of a new taxiway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One small feature of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in this city has travelers coming back again and again.

The Barn Boutique, a small gift shop on the upper level of the barn that has stood off Interstate 35 for 14 years, sees many different kinds of travelers.

Manager of the gift shop and executive director of the welcome center, Jean Stowell, enjoys meeting the travelers who pass through.

“It’s a labor of love,” Stowell said.

“We have a huge cross section of visitors.”

Stowell said the gift shop is known among travelers for having local handmade items. She’s proud to offer a good variety of local products that range from photography, quilting and food items.

“We feature local people who do impeccable work,” Stowell said. “They’re just creative people.”

When the shop first opened Stowell

sought out crafters and vendors in the area, and now people come to her with their wares. The variety of locallymade products is vast, including the gift shop’s own wine label, which is bottled by a vineyard in Jackson County, Iowa.

“They’re award-winning wines,” Stowell said.

Other items include handmade soaps, candles, hardanger, quilts, baskets and so much more. Stowell said she often gets comments from travelers that most gift shops they see just have T-shirts and other expected items. They come to the Barn Boutique and are surprised to find locallycrafted things.

“There is a deep appreciation for handcrafted things,” Stowell said.

Often items are bought and sent to places all over the world by the shop’s staff including to Puerto Rico, France and other places.

“It’s a great place to work,” Stowell said. “It’s about relationships.”

She said she values getting to know travelers and crafters alike. For Stow-

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

Handmade items like these baskets populate the Barn Boutique at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center. ell, having homemade items honors the heritage of the area.

“We’re kind of trying to honor that resilience that made the Midwest strong in so many ways,” Stowell said.

The welcome center and rest area also features a coffee shop, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths and information about the state of value to travelers.

Classes Offered Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Online for our Programs of Study:

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND OFFICE Accounting Health Unit Coordinator Business & Office Technology Medical Secretary ALLIED HEALTH Home Health Aide Mammography Nursing Assistant Nursing Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nursing Program (RN) PN Mobility Program Patient Care Associate Radiography

ALBERT LEA CAMPUS 2200 Riverland Drive Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-379-3300

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Cisco® Certified Network Associate Computer Technology Computer Systems Networking Microsoft® Systems Engineer Web Developer Web Page Design & Web Master CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING Carpentry Technology Construction Electrician Industrial Maintenance & Mechanics Production Technician Solar Installer Welding Technology Wind Turbine Technology

AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NW Austin, MN 55912 507-433-0600

MANAGEMENT Commodity Marketing Farm Business Management Small Business Management Supervisory Management

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

SERVICE Cosmetology Human Services Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Massage Therapy

HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Anthropology Business & Economics Geography History Political Science Psychology Sociology

TRANSPORTATION Automotive Service Technology Collision Repair Technology Diesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle Mechanics Truck Driving

OWATONNA CAMPUS Owatonna College and University Center 965 Alexander Drive SW Owatonna, MN 55060 507-455-5880

COMMUNICATIONS English / French Spanish / Speech

HUMANITIES & FINE ARTS Art Music Philosophy

Religion Theatre MATHEMATICAL/ LOGICAL REASONING NATURAL SCIENCES Astronomy Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH Athletics Coaching Human Performance TRANSITIONAL STUDIES

www.riverland.edu facebook.com/myriverland

we’re your energy superhighway…

right next door

ITC Midwest is pleased to be a member of the Albert Lea business community.

From our warehouse and office facility on Highway 46, our 25 employees and contractors are working to create a strong electric grid for the region.

Since acquiring the region’s electric transmission system in December 2007, ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability and accommodate the growing needs of electricity users. We’re also giving customers broader access to generating sources, including the clean wind energy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa. Our efforts contribute to the growth of Albert Lea and the region.

We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.

ITC MIDWEST 1.877.482.4829 www.itctransco.com

Page 24 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

The sweetest jobs in Albert Lea

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Specialty Products blends sugars, syrups and other yummy stuff with foods

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 29

Recently remodeled

Traveling can be stressful enough. Let our hospitality keep you comfortable and worry-free during your journey.

By Andrew Dyrdal

andrew.dyrdal@albertleatribune.com

Sugar and spice.

That’s what’s blended in Albert Lea’s sweetest company — Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. Inside two blue buildings at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave., pallets of raw sugar and flour, and corn syrup solids sit waiting to be blended together before hitting the shelves of grocery stores. In another room, blue, 55-gallon drums of unprocessed honey are heated before being moved to a liquid mixer, where bits of bees and honeycomb are removed as it is pasteurized and filtered.

There’s no chocolate river, though one wouldn’t seem out of place.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc., opened in Albert Lea in 2004.

The company, which is headquartered in Eden Prairie, opened a second plant in Foston in 2006, and in 2008, the Albert Lea branch was expanded into another building in an adjacent lot, increasing its space to a total of 25,000 square feet.

The company is relatively small and employs about 30 people between three cities. The Albert Lea branch employs 12, including plant manager Mike Walker. He described the company’s primary operation as, in a nutshell (pun intended, as you’ll see), “dry bit blending food ingredients for the baking industry.”

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is hired by some of the nation’s leading baked goods companies, large and small, to blend their ingredients.

It is one of the largest distributors of honey-roasted nut coatings in the country.

Walker said his plant produces between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds of finished product per week. That’s two semi loads. Along with blending baking ingredients, it also processes raw honey.

Walker said contracting the blending process saves companies on the cost of freight and storing inventory.

Walker said through Specialty Products, baked-goods companies might

Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

• Triple diamond rating from AAA • Outstanding Best Western Rewards Program & Promotions. Rewards can be redeemed for free room nights, travel cards, airline rewards, retail gift cards, merchandise & more.

• Complimentary full hot breakfast daily • Fresh baked cookies & coffee served daily • Pillow top beds featuring luxurious triple sheeting for your comfort • Featuring in-room amenities from Albert Lea I-90 Hotel Bath & Body Works® 821 E. Plaza St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 • Government/military, AAA, AARP & (507) 373-4000 • www.BestWestern.com Harley Davidson discounts to qualified guests Locally owned • Whirlpool Suites available Julie Sternhagen, General Manager • Non-smoking facility

The Best of Both Worlds!

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea Tribune

Work is done in the dry mixing room at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant can mix about 2,000 pounds of dry blend per batch. receive one truckload of finished product per month as opposed to five partial truckloads of ingredients.

It also saves companies the mess.

“Most dry blends have anti-caking agents in them,” Walker said. “It gets dusty, and they don’t want to deal with it.”

In fact, in their four-day workweek, employees of Special Products only work three days producing goods. The last day is spent cleaning up by wet washing and sanitizing the entire plant.

Walker said his plant ships finished products to some of the nation’s largest baked goods companies but declined to mention them by name.

He said one local company he works with is You and Me Inc. of Owatonna, which makes cheeseball mixes.

Specialty Products can also package a small amount of goods and has

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave. in Albert Lea. The company has two buildings in town, a plant, right, and a warehouse, which total 25,000 square feet, and produces 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of finished product per week.

Voted

Voted

#1 Bakery

#1 PHARMACY

We will continue to strive for excellence, not only in our bakery, but throughout the entire store. We are proud to be part of the Albert Lea Community.

Open 6a.m.-10P.M. everyday

s Albert Lea’ only locally owned Pharmacy

We give you every reason to choose our services

• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted • We match prices • Workman’s comp claims with no up front fees • We offer the best customer service around • Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace • Medicine-On-Time

1615 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN located in Nelson’s Marketplace

(507) 373-MEDS (6337)

Open 8:30 to 7 M-F, 9-2 Sat. & 11-2 Sun.

1619 West Main • Albert Lea • 507-373-7357

IMPACT 2011

Page 28 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 25

packaged products for Zumbro River Brand Inc. of Albert Lea. Walker said his company receives some products from local business Ventura Foods.

Walker was born in Albert Lea and started his current position in 2004 when the new branch opened in town.

He said the plant was built but the floors weren’t poured so he was able to design the layout including rooms and drains. He said Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is in an “aggressive growth schedule” and is working toward installing a spray dryer.

He also said his employees enjoy their job.

“We don’t have much turnover,” Walker said. “They like working here.

It’s dusty work, but I think they like having every Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.”

Unprocessed honey is poured into the liquid mixer at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant produces about 3,000 pounds of processed honey per batch.

Your Complete Landscape Management Team

Linda Nelsen shampoos a customer’s hair.

A customer receives a massage by employee Sharon Fleek.

Call us for: Mowing • Turf Spraying • Overseeding • Parking Lot Sweeping • Aerification • Brush & Shrub Trimming • Snow Removal • Landscaping • Fall Leaf Clean Up

Greg’s Grass Service Greg Stegenga

Brooke McKinney works on eyelash extensions.

Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-1123 Cell: 507-383-9504

IMPACT 2011

Page 26 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 27

Takin’ care of business

• Therapeutic Massage • Prenatal Massage • Hot Stone Massage • Micro-Buff Body Polish • Sea Salt Scrub • Facial Massage • Foot Treatments • Spa Package

This publication is published by Tribune Media

Locally Owned

A photo essay of a day at Dinah’s Style

SINCE 1967

By Danielle Boss

130 West Clark Street Albert Lea, MN

danielle.boss@albertleatribune.com

373-2473 1-800-247-5330 www.4-seasonsvacations.com

Right: Brooke McKinney works on eyelash extensions.

Rely on the BEST!

Left: Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Below: Sharon Fleek massages a customer’s back.

Louise

44 years

Below right: Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

Marilyn 20 years

Jenny

25 years

Tammi

Newsprint Magazines Online Sunday Shoppers Flyers Business Cards Postcards Envelope Mailers Custom Mailers Signs Scratch-off Banners

ote today u q r u o y Get tt at Call Sco 420 9-3 507-37

20 years

109 combined years of travel planning! Trust the experience, love the vacation

Give yourself the peace of mind, knowing that whatever the future brings, you may never have to leave the life you’ve created and the friends you’ve made behind.

IFI FREE Wom in every ro

2306 E. Main Street, Albert Lea

(507) 373-6471

Soup & Salad Bar

• Haircuts & style • Perms • Foils • Color • Pedicures • Manicures 507-373-7443

Located at the Skyline Plaza, Albert Lea

To Schedule a Visit of our continuum of care community at Good Samaritan Society, Albert Lea, please call

507-373-0683

or visit www.good-sam.com

Senior Apartments

Assisted Living

Transitional Long Term Nursing Care Care

Home Care

IMPACT 2011

Page 28 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 25

packaged products for Zumbro River Brand Inc. of Albert Lea. Walker said his company receives some products from local business Ventura Foods.

Walker was born in Albert Lea and started his current position in 2004 when the new branch opened in town.

He said the plant was built but the floors weren’t poured so he was able to design the layout including rooms and drains. He said Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is in an “aggressive growth schedule” and is working toward installing a spray dryer.

He also said his employees enjoy their job.

“We don’t have much turnover,” Walker said. “They like working here.

It’s dusty work, but I think they like having every Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.”

Unprocessed honey is poured into the liquid mixer at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant produces about 3,000 pounds of processed honey per batch.

Your Complete Landscape Management Team

Linda Nelsen shampoos a customer’s hair.

A customer receives a massage by employee Sharon Fleek.

Call us for: Mowing • Turf Spraying • Overseeding • Parking Lot Sweeping • Aerification • Brush & Shrub Trimming • Snow Removal • Landscaping • Fall Leaf Clean Up

Greg’s Grass Service Greg Stegenga

Brooke McKinney works on eyelash extensions.

Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-1123 Cell: 507-383-9504

Page 24 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

The sweetest jobs in Albert Lea

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Specialty Products blends sugars, syrups and other yummy stuff with foods

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 29

Recently remodeled

Traveling can be stressful enough. Let our hospitality keep you comfortable and worry-free during your journey.

By Andrew Dyrdal

andrew.dyrdal@albertleatribune.com

Sugar and spice.

That’s what’s blended in Albert Lea’s sweetest company — Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. Inside two blue buildings at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave., pallets of raw sugar and flour, and corn syrup solids sit waiting to be blended together before hitting the shelves of grocery stores. In another room, blue, 55-gallon drums of unprocessed honey are heated before being moved to a liquid mixer, where bits of bees and honeycomb are removed as it is pasteurized and filtered.

There’s no chocolate river, though one wouldn’t seem out of place.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc., opened in Albert Lea in 2004.

The company, which is headquartered in Eden Prairie, opened a second plant in Foston in 2006, and in 2008, the Albert Lea branch was expanded into another building in an adjacent lot, increasing its space to a total of 25,000 square feet.

The company is relatively small and employs about 30 people between three cities. The Albert Lea branch employs 12, including plant manager Mike Walker. He described the company’s primary operation as, in a nutshell (pun intended, as you’ll see), “dry bit blending food ingredients for the baking industry.”

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is hired by some of the nation’s leading baked goods companies, large and small, to blend their ingredients.

It is one of the largest distributors of honey-roasted nut coatings in the country.

Walker said his plant produces between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds of finished product per week. That’s two semi loads. Along with blending baking ingredients, it also processes raw honey.

Walker said contracting the blending process saves companies on the cost of freight and storing inventory.

Walker said through Specialty Products, baked-goods companies might

Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

• Triple diamond rating from AAA • Outstanding Best Western Rewards Program & Promotions. Rewards can be redeemed for free room nights, travel cards, airline rewards, retail gift cards, merchandise & more.

• Complimentary full hot breakfast daily • Fresh baked cookies & coffee served daily • Pillow top beds featuring luxurious triple sheeting for your comfort • Featuring in-room amenities from Albert Lea I-90 Hotel Bath & Body Works® 821 E. Plaza St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 • Government/military, AAA, AARP & (507) 373-4000 • www.BestWestern.com Harley Davidson discounts to qualified guests Locally owned • Whirlpool Suites available Julie Sternhagen, General Manager • Non-smoking facility

The Best of Both Worlds!

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea Tribune

Work is done in the dry mixing room at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant can mix about 2,000 pounds of dry blend per batch. receive one truckload of finished product per month as opposed to five partial truckloads of ingredients.

It also saves companies the mess.

“Most dry blends have anti-caking agents in them,” Walker said. “It gets dusty, and they don’t want to deal with it.”

In fact, in their four-day workweek, employees of Special Products only work three days producing goods. The last day is spent cleaning up by wet washing and sanitizing the entire plant.

Walker said his plant ships finished products to some of the nation’s largest baked goods companies but declined to mention them by name.

He said one local company he works with is You and Me Inc. of Owatonna, which makes cheeseball mixes.

Specialty Products can also package a small amount of goods and has

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave. in Albert Lea. The company has two buildings in town, a plant, right, and a warehouse, which total 25,000 square feet, and produces 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of finished product per week.

Voted

Voted

#1 Bakery

#1 PHARMACY

We will continue to strive for excellence, not only in our bakery, but throughout the entire store. We are proud to be part of the Albert Lea Community.

Open 6a.m.-10P.M. everyday

s Albert Lea’ only locally owned Pharmacy

We give you every reason to choose our services

• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted • We match prices • Workman’s comp claims with no up front fees • We offer the best customer service around • Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace • Medicine-On-Time

1615 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN located in Nelson’s Marketplace

(507) 373-MEDS (6337)

Open 8:30 to 7 M-F, 9-2 Sat. & 11-2 Sun.

1619 West Main • Albert Lea • 507-373-7357

IMPACT 2011

Page 30 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Timeline Rhodette Groe Laurie Sistek

Creating order from chaos • QuickBooks Training • Bookkeeping Service • Payroll Services • Secretarial Services

(507) 552-1263

415 E. William St Albert Lea

We represent over 50 companies

Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main • Albert Lea Bus.: 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301 troythompsonagency@gmail.com

Albert Lea Municipal Airport improvements 2003 planning, updating of the airport’s master plan 2004 environmental assessments conducted 2007-2010 designing 2008-2012 construction 2012 paving of the taxiway, reconstructing the apron, installing fencing

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 23

Welcome to Iowa’s handmade crafts

The Top of Iowa Welcome Center features a boutique

By Kelli Lageson

kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

A Mack truck driver backs down the construction of a new taxiway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One small feature of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in this city has travelers coming back again and again.

The Barn Boutique, a small gift shop on the upper level of the barn that has stood off Interstate 35 for 14 years, sees many different kinds of travelers.

Manager of the gift shop and executive director of the welcome center, Jean Stowell, enjoys meeting the travelers who pass through.

“It’s a labor of love,” Stowell said.

“We have a huge cross section of visitors.”

Stowell said the gift shop is known among travelers for having local handmade items. She’s proud to offer a good variety of local products that range from photography, quilting and food items.

“We feature local people who do impeccable work,” Stowell said. “They’re just creative people.”

When the shop first opened Stowell

sought out crafters and vendors in the area, and now people come to her with their wares. The variety of locallymade products is vast, including the gift shop’s own wine label, which is bottled by a vineyard in Jackson County, Iowa.

“They’re award-winning wines,” Stowell said.

Other items include handmade soaps, candles, hardanger, quilts, baskets and so much more. Stowell said she often gets comments from travelers that most gift shops they see just have T-shirts and other expected items. They come to the Barn Boutique and are surprised to find locallycrafted things.

“There is a deep appreciation for handcrafted things,” Stowell said.

Often items are bought and sent to places all over the world by the shop’s staff including to Puerto Rico, France and other places.

“It’s a great place to work,” Stowell said. “It’s about relationships.”

She said she values getting to know travelers and crafters alike. For Stow-

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

Handmade items like these baskets populate the Barn Boutique at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center. ell, having homemade items honors the heritage of the area.

“We’re kind of trying to honor that resilience that made the Midwest strong in so many ways,” Stowell said.

The welcome center and rest area also features a coffee shop, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths and information about the state of value to travelers.

Classes Offered Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Online for our Programs of Study:

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND OFFICE Accounting Health Unit Coordinator Business & Office Technology Medical Secretary ALLIED HEALTH Home Health Aide Mammography Nursing Assistant Nursing Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nursing Program (RN) PN Mobility Program Patient Care Associate Radiography

ALBERT LEA CAMPUS 2200 Riverland Drive Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-379-3300

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Cisco® Certified Network Associate Computer Technology Computer Systems Networking Microsoft® Systems Engineer Web Developer Web Page Design & Web Master CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING Carpentry Technology Construction Electrician Industrial Maintenance & Mechanics Production Technician Solar Installer Welding Technology Wind Turbine Technology

AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NW Austin, MN 55912 507-433-0600

MANAGEMENT Commodity Marketing Farm Business Management Small Business Management Supervisory Management

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

SERVICE Cosmetology Human Services Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Massage Therapy

HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Anthropology Business & Economics Geography History Political Science Psychology Sociology

TRANSPORTATION Automotive Service Technology Collision Repair Technology Diesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle Mechanics Truck Driving

OWATONNA CAMPUS Owatonna College and University Center 965 Alexander Drive SW Owatonna, MN 55060 507-455-5880

COMMUNICATIONS English / French Spanish / Speech

HUMANITIES & FINE ARTS Art Music Philosophy

Religion Theatre MATHEMATICAL/ LOGICAL REASONING NATURAL SCIENCES Astronomy Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH Athletics Coaching Human Performance TRANSITIONAL STUDIES

www.riverland.edu facebook.com/myriverland

we’re your energy superhighway…

right next door

ITC Midwest is pleased to be a member of the Albert Lea business community.

From our warehouse and office facility on Highway 46, our 25 employees and contractors are working to create a strong electric grid for the region.

Since acquiring the region’s electric transmission system in December 2007, ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability and accommodate the growing needs of electricity users. We’re also giving customers broader access to generating sources, including the clean wind energy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa. Our efforts contribute to the growth of Albert Lea and the region.

We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.

ITC MIDWEST 1.877.482.4829 www.itctransco.com

IMPACT 2011

Page 22 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 31

Albert Lea’s airport takes off

A runway is added; another is resurfaced

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

The exterior of the Barn Boutique is shown, which is on the second floor of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35.

➠ SIDING ➠ WINDOWS ➠ GUTTERS &

DOWNSPOUTS

➠ CUSTOM BUILT

VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

1-800-488-3621 Albert Lea 373-1813

Meet our Rochester Sales Team

Helping offices economize and optimize with print-related and document management technologies.

Wayne Hanson Sales Manager

Jordan Fredrickson

Kristen Houfek

Economize and Optimize with: • Managed Print Services • Document Management • iTECH Services™ Managed Network Services • Managed Services

• Production Print • Multifunction Devices/ Copiers/Printers • Pure Water Technology®

Patrick McCabe Managed Print Services

See what our customers have to say.

Visit www.eojohnson.com and click on “Customer Testimonials.”

After almost a decade of active planning and construction at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, city and airport staff are coming closer to seeing the reconstruction and expansion at the facility completed.

Thus far, a new 5,000foot runway has been constructed, and the crosswind runway has been resurfaced. To prepare for the new runway, Plaza Street north of the airport has been rerouted.

Still to be completed are the building of the taxiway, which will run parallel to the new runway, the reconstruction of the area around the hangars and main building, and the installation of new lighting and fencing, said City Engineer Steven Jahnke. The old runway is being turned into the taxiway.

Some of these things are happening yet this fall, while others will have to wait on additional funding in 2012.

Airport Manager Jim Hanson said while it has been a “painful transition” with all of the construction, in the long run it will be beneficial to the community.

The runway was constructed in the 1950s and

was only 4,500 feet long.

The plan since the ’60s was to move the runway at the time it had to be reconstructed.

With the expansion of the new runway to 5,000 feet, more planes will be able to use the airport.

That distance has become the default minimum for most corporate aircraft operators, so much so that most of those operators don’t even carry the approach charts for airports less than that distance.

Jahnke said the updates were “prudent, needed and a good business decision.”

“Ours was at the end of its life,” he said of the former runway. “If we wouldn’t have done anything, you’d either have to say we’re not going to have an airport, or we’re going to fix what we have or put in a new one.”

He said the extension of the runway was justified, especially since it will be in place for another 50 years.

Another major benefit is that the project is being funded 95 percent by users of airports — through federal and state airport and airways trust funding — with a 5 percent local match, Jahnke added.

The project will make Albert Lea’s airport safer for all aircraft engines, allowing more runway for takeoff and an obstacle-free climb.

Museum & Library open year round.

October-March Tues-Fri 10am-4pm April-September Tues-Fri 10am-5pm

Village open May-Sept.

2477 Clare Lane Rochester 866.977.5133 • 507.252.5133

www.eojohnson.com

To learn more about our building expansion project, visit our website: http://fchm.smig.net 507-373-8003 1031 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea

• Jump Start & Lockout Services • Flatbed • Wheel Lift • Air cushioned recovery • Crane Service • Landoll Trailer

128 South Garfield • 373-3551

Lawn Care & Landscaping 40 years of quality service Call us first for complete satisfaction

• Lawn Weed & Feed programs • Dandelion, Crabgrass, Insect Control, Lawn Seeding & Core Aeration, Tree Care, Insect & Disease Control, Fertilizing

Free Lawn Estimates & promp service

1-800-722-2268

Call us to discuss individual plans.

Jan Jerdee Insurance Jan Jerdee • Ron Petersen

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

The main runway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport runs north and south.

Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978

Full service includes: • • • •

ALLEN’S

TOW & TRAVEL 24 HOUR

Burial vaults Grave Markers Flowers/Wreaths Perpetual Care

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea

373-3560

www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

Emelie Paulson, CRS, SRES • 507-383-1659 Jim Paulson, SES • 507-383-4760

RE/MAX PROPERTIES 412 E. William, Albert Lea 377-2752 www.paulsonhomes.com

1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea, MN Phone/Fax: 507-373-2804

Authorized independent agent for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

IMPACT 2011

Page 32 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Albert Lea Area Schools District 241

For complete information on our comprehensive program, go to albertlea.k12.mn.us or call 379-4800

Years Air taxi Itinerant Local Military Total operations 1991-2000 2,000 6,775 17,100 300 26,175 — Information from historical data obtained from the Federal Airport Administration

A Piper Seminole, foreground, and a Piper Warrior II rest on the tarmac outside a hangar at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.

Small propellerdriven aircraft are the most common at the local airport.

Stop in today to see if you qualify to join our family of members!

Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune

What planes fly in and out of the airport?

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

With 5,000 feet of runway now at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, just about anything as large as business jets or as small as recreational planes can fly in and out of Albert Lea, according to airport Manager Jim Hanson.

“You’re not going to have a 747 bound for Hong Kong going out of Albert Lea, but I don’t think that’s realistic either,” he said.

Hundreds of different types of airplanes come through the airport each year.

The largest airplane that’s come to Albert Lea has been a Falcon 7X that came in nonstop from Honolulu last year, he said. The most common air-

planes are Learjets, which are known to most people as a corporate jet.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said some of the companies that have used the airport include Walmart, Cargill, Schweigert and Poet.

Use has been pretty consistent, even after improvements began.

Hanson said while having a new airport will not necessarily land Albert Lea a new business right off the bat, it will at least help some companies give the city some consideration.

Hanson said in his several decades of flying and conducting business search sites for companies looking to build a plant or retail outlet he has found that if the company owns an airplane and they can’t get to Albert Lea by air, this location will not even be a consideration.

Complete Automotive Repair • Savings/Checking Accounts • Online Banking • Debit Cards/Credit Cards • Certificates of Deposits/IRA's • Consumer Loans • Real Estate Loans • Home Equity Loans

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Tune ups ALIGNMENT Brakes SPECIALIST Transmission

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 21

Continued from Page 15

Airport annual activity statistics

Equipping learners of all ages to think, to achieve and to care.

District AIMS: • Safe, healthy and welcoming schools • Increase opportunity and achievement • Effective and efficient operations

IMPACT 2011

Oil Change Exhaust Cooling Systems

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26 Years Experience

How do you plan to continue to grow your business model over the next year?

We continually develop the trust and confidence of our patients with comprehensive care, ongoing education, and dedicated customer

Continued from Page 16 and interests and their occupations, etc. We want every customer to know how important they are to us, which I think makes us different and better than the larger, national banks. Another reason to choose a community bank is because we make our decisions locally, quickly and with as few hoops to jump through as possible.

We all live here and are involved in service clubs, volunteer boards, church committees, our children’s activities and shop locally, so you see us out supporting our community every day. Lastly, we try to offer the products and services that customers want and expect to remain competitive with the bigger banks.

Q: Specifically, how was the Albert Lea branch bolstered once the Clarks Grove branch was closed?

A: The most significant result we’ve seen from the closure of our Clarks Grove branch is an increase in our

Continued from Page 19 developed over 40 years of working at the same place, not many people will have that opportunity in today’s business climate.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

service. We are able to find and offer the best quality and technology available to meet the needs and interest of our patients. Our personalized environment enables our patient to feel relaxed and secure knowing that our attention is solely on them.

— Garrett Wampler

overall profitability. We had been losing money at the Clarks Grove branch for several years and with the local economy being stressed during this same timeframe, our ability to make a net profit was becoming increasingly difficult. A year later, we’re seeing our profitability become more stable with the savings from eliminating two employee salaries and benefits, Internet, IT software and equipment, insurance, electricity and heat, property taxes, supplies and the cost of the duplication of services.

Q: Who makes up the largest part of your clientele?

A: We have a nice mixture of all types of customers at our bank.

When the bank first opened in 1903, we were almost entirely an agriculture bank. However as farming has changed over the years, we’ve seen our customer base change from primarily ag to more small business owners and personal banking services.

— Andrew Dyrdal

Over the years I have added responsibilities as other people retired, so I had to become more efficient at what I was doing. Developing a good staff that you trust and can work with is the most efficient way to get things done. Delegating responsibility gets things done, even when you are out of the office.

— Sarah Stultz

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IMPACT 2011

Page 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Antiques & Collectibles

Heart of the Artichoke

222 E. Clark St, Albert Lea

373-4258

St. John’s Lutheran Home Rehabilitation Program

Q&A: Get organized!

Joyce Matthies, Joyce Matthies Dance Centre

St. John’s offers short-term stays for patients recuperating from a recent surgery or illness.

• Medicare Certified • Eighteen Private Rooms

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services

Providing the services you need to help you return home.

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901 Luther Place Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8226

“Always providing quality service to the construction industry”

What is your position at Joyce Matthies Dance Centre?

Owner and operator How long have you been there?

Forty-five years What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I write it down and have them check it off when finished. I also see if it is done correctly.

Austin 433-1819

Albert Lea 373-1960

Glenville Scale 448-2047

How has being organized helped you in your career?

I have very well-run shows and can juggle classes and other things like musicals.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

It took trial and error over time.

I do make changes periodically to keep up with the times. I also have an accountant. I also taught myself how to text so I can communicate

better with older dancers.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

I try to keep the website and studio Facebook page up to date. I also email parents important information.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

I do schedules, spreadsheets, lists and rough drafts for show programs.

I can also email parents and they can email me with questions.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I have taken dance classes aimed at teachers and participated in a dance teacher business seminar. I receive and read five different dance magazines a month and am constantly looking for new inspirations for choreography.

— Kelli Lageson

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 33

Being at a crossroads is a plus for Albert Lea area

By Ed Shannon

ed.shannon@albertleatribune.com

Albert Lea’s significant advantage in the nation’s transportation system is clearly emphasized with the slogan that says the city and county are at the “Crossroads of the Upper Midwest.”

And a check with state and national maps, plus past history, certainly confirms this fact.

To really emphasize this statement, a check of the state map shows there are only two localities in Minnesota where there are crossroads for the nation’s interstate highway system. One place is the Twin Cities area where Interstates 35 and 94 interchange at several places, and just northeast of Albert Lea. This city’s crossroads designation is based primarily on the location of the intersection of eastwest Interstate 90 and north-south Interstate 35.

This became a full reality in December 1972. Albert Lea is also either the starting or ending point (depending on the direction of travel) of U.S. Highways 65 and 69 going into Iowa and other locations even further south, plus state Highway 13 which goes north to Waseca, New Prague and the Twin Cities area.

The city is also at the crossroads of a railroad system that has a full north-south connection with the Union Pacific Railroad and a somewhat lesser east-west connection with the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad.

The ICE line through Albert Lea goes from Ramsey, just north of Austin, to Wells, Winnebago, Fairmont and ends

in Jackson. Another rail link with the south and east is at Glenville with the Cedar River Railroad which goes to Waterloo, Iowa, and makes connections with several other railroads on its short route.

A publication issued by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has this commentary to explain the city’s unique location, “Albert Lea’s transportation network offers a variety of today’s necessities.

Three railroad lines and seven local/ regional trucking firms serve the area.

We are honored to be voted Best Insurance Agency in the Albert Lea Tribune’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards. If you enjoy unsurpassed customer service, please see Andy, Mike or any of our agents for a no-obligation insurance review. THANKS AGAIN!

Representing great companies like

Mike Petersen CLU-ChFC The Albert Lea Airport has local air service including private and charter services, In addition, Albert Lea is 90 minutes or less from regional commercial airports in Mason City, Iowa, Rochester and Minneapolis.”

The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency lists the following assets as “Your connection to Midwest markets.” Several on this list are: “I-35 and I-90 crossroads. U.S. 65 and 69.

Within a day’s drive of most Midwest markets. Access to (several) rail and truck lines. Local corporate, private air service. Commercial air service at Mason City (30 minutes), Rochester, Minneapolis.”

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IMPACT 2011

Page 34 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 19

Q&A: Get organized!

John Forman, Alamco Wood Products Exquisite Food & Fine Wines A first class dining establishment that reflects the influence of classic French & Italian cuisine, and current California trends.

We offer a diverse selection of over 100 imported & domestic wines.

Full Cocktail Service also available.

The view of St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea from the east.

www.crescendodining.com

507-377-2425

Rural • Residential

Doubt

Christmas Carol

December 1-3, 7-10, 2011

How to Talk Minnesotan

* • • • • • • • •

Individual sewer systems Sewer maintenance & repair City sewer and water installation Basement & site preparation Waterways, filter intakes & tiling (trenched or plowed) Field pumps, cement & box culverts Ponds, ditch cleaning, wetland restoration Excavation Demolition and boring

April 26-29 (matinee) & May 2-5, 2012

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Box Office: (507) 377-4371 www.ActOnBroadway.com Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

at the Albert Lea Art Center Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies 224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313 Albert Lea, MN • 373-5665

118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea

Kelli Lageson/ Albert Lea Tribune

September 22-24, 28 & October 1, 2011

Art on Broadway

CALL FOR ESTIMATES

LOVERINK DRAINAGE Hollandale, MN 507-473-0200

Lee Loverink, Owner

alartcenter@gmail.com www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

Build Your Business “I’ve been taking care of Tribune marketing for the Albert Lea downtown area businesses for over 2 years. I coordinate advertising for special downtown events, manage a monthly downtown advertising program and work closely with business owners on marketing plans. I thank all business owners for the trust you have put into me. You are the heart of Albert Lea. If you are a new business to the downtown area and need help with those things that keep you awake at night, please don’t hesitate to call!”

Renee

Renee Citsay

Marketing Specialist Albert Lea Tribune 507-379-3430 renee.citsay@albertleatribune.com

What is your position at Alamco?

Chief executive officer.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Alamco is in the final stages of a two-year, almost $2 million expansion into the former Metal Fit Technologies Building. Metal Fit was a Japanese company that planned on making post and beam houses for the U.S. market but ran headlong into the housing slump, and they had to close down the facility. This expansion process made us look at efficiencies in our manufacturing process and ways to use computers to automate processes where we could.

How do you use your computers to be more organized?

For an expansion of this size we had to establish who does what and when it will be done. Computers help the communication process especially when part of our management group is offsite. Computers also help gather information needed in a timely manner. We needed to know code and environmental rules for building and we needed to know about state and local permits that would be required for the project.

The newer members of our team were able to get information on their

part of the project to senior management and also got feedback on the project so changes could be made in a timely manner.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I have a degree in business administration from MSU and do not think I ever took a computer class in college. I have taken several classes at Riverland over the years, but being a little older I have always been one step behind in computer technology.

I always tell younger people to learn all they can about technology and computers to protect their skills in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I always tell newer employees to read anything you are going to send to someone a second time just to make sure it makes sense to you. It is amazing how many times I reread something and realized it could be saying just the opposite of the message I wanted to send.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

My organizational skills have been Continued on Page 21

IMPACT 2011

Page 18 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Nursing home purchases a back nine

High Quality Products & Service • Dansko • EMU

• UGG • Keen

• Clarks • SAS

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 35

St. John’s buys land that used to be Albert Lea Golf Club

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Downtown Albert Lea, MN 507-373-6793

M-F 9:30-5:30, Thurs. 9:30-7:00, Sat. 9:30-3:00

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Start the school year off right Hats • Jackets • Deniums Wind Pants •Sweatshirts

Reinertson’s Embroidery 127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 56007 507-373-0751 • 877-727-1995 www.reinertsonsembroidery.com

218 S. Washington • Albert Lea • 377-8212

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4

SERVING FREEBORN COUNTY

No matter what age or style.

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Free Delivery Breakfast All Day 120 S. Washington • 373-5469

When St. John’s Lutheran Home moved forward with purchasing 51 1/2 acres of the former Albert Lea Golf Club in January, it did so with the vision of being able to offer a full range of services to seniors in the community.

St. John’s Lutheran Home Administrator Scot Spates said that means having options for seniors who are independent, along with seniors who are in need of skilled nursing care — plus everything in between.

To fulfill this vision, the board of directors and staff at St. John’s Lutheran Home are developing plans for a new campus on the property, which many Albert Leans know as “the back nine.”

St. John’s purchased the land from American Bank of St. Paul for $7,200 per acre. The land had been in the hands of the bank after it was surrendered by commercial developer Scott LaFavre following the property’s foreclosure. A portion of the property

is still for sale.

Spates said St. John’s will soon be contracting with an architect to begin the masterplanning phase of the project, but there are some basics that have already been outlined.

He said at this point, the board of directors and staff are envisioning four anchor buildings on campus.

The first will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of independent living; the second will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of assisted living; and the third will be for residents in need of skilled nursing care.

The transitional care patients will be in the skilled nursing care building, but will likely have a separate wing.

The fourth building would be known as the community center or town center, which people in the two apartment complexes and the nursing home would have access to. This building could include amenities such as a chapel, a coffee shop or cafe, banking services, a fitness center, a therapeutic pool, a barber/beauty

Call 373-7350 126 W. Clark St. WE DELIVER • WE DO LUNCH DELIVERIES!

County Administrator........................................................................................ 377-5116 County Attorney............................................................................................... 377-5192 County Sheriff...................................................................................................377-5205 County Recorder................................................................................................377-5130 Auditor............................................................................................................... 377-5121 Treasurer’s Office............................................................................................... 377-5117 Public Health.................................................................................................... 377-5100 Highway Engineer............................................................................................. 377-5188 Veterans Service Office..................................................................................... 377-5184 County Assessor................................................................................................377-5176 Environmental Services.................................................................................... 377-5186 Court Services...................................................................................................377-5137 Human Services............................................................................................... 377-5400 Vehicle & Driver’s License Center..................................................................... 377-5126 Burn/Building/Feedlot Permits......................................................................... 377-5186 Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates.................................................................377-5130 Passports...........................................................................................................377-5130 WIC...................................................................................................................377-5289 University of MN Extension Service................................................................. 377-5660 County Fair Office.............................................................................................373-6965 Freeborn Cty Museum and Historical Village...................................................373-8003 Ditch Inspector................................................................................................ 256-4256 Victim’s Crisis Center....................................................................................... 377-5460

24 hr Crisis Hotline.......................................................................................... 373-2223 Building Manager.............................................................................................. 377-5114 www.co.freeborn.mn.us freeborn county government center 411 s broadway • 377-5116 police-fire-medical-sheriff-state patrol emergency: 911

The vegetation of the back nine of the former Albert Lea Golf Club is grown over. However, the land still provides views of Edgewater Park and Edgewater Bay. Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune

shop, a library and a gathering space for entertainers.

“It would be kind of like going downtown,” he said. “It’s the place to go to get things done and to meet with people.”

All four buildings would be connected.

In addition to the four anchor buildings, there would also be owner-occupied cottages or duplexes for independent seniors that are not attached to the main core.

Plans are to break ground for the project in three to five years. In the

meantime, St. John’s has to work with city officials to bring sewer and water out to the property.

Spates said staff and the board of directors are also exploring options for what to do with the current nursing home facility, though he noted that one idea talked about was gutting the building and turning it into nice apartments. The Knutson Place apartments and the Luther Place condos will stay as is.

“What we’ve been doing now is trying to listen to what our clients say,” he said.

IMPACT 2011

Page 36 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Hart Brothers Weaponry is more than guns

Arms seller also deals in coins, relics and metals

By Linda Holst for the Tribune

Hart Brothers Weaponry is best known for the sale of guns. But owner Milan Hart also deals in gold, silver, coins and even war relics. During this time of economic turmoil, Hart has had an increase in people desiring to sell their collectibles.

“Every third person through my door is selling,” said Hart. “People are not selling because they want to; they are selling because they have to.”

What makes Hart’s business unique is his estimates are free.

“I do free appraisals, because I do not want people to get ripped off,” Hart said. “And when you are ready to sell, I hope you consider me first.”

Buying and selling coins began in grade school for Hart. Coins exposed him to major events in U.S. history.

Coins of collectability have a set price. Today many of these coins are worth more as a precious metal — gold and silver — than as collector

coins. Hart enjoys when people bring in old coins.

“I especially like antique coins: Indian head pennies and buffalo nickels,” Hart said.

What makes a coin worth money is not its age, but the few made of that type.

Hart advises to not clean your coins.

“You can remove thousands of dollars from your collection, so let the dark stay on the coin.”

He cautioned buyers to beware of Internet coin sales. He said most coins are counterfeit.

“If it’s too good to be true, it is.”

A little research can save a person a lot of money. The research will net you a lot more money for your collectibles.

Gold has risen in price spurred by the unstable economy, which in turn has increased Hart’s business. He has an acid testing kit to verify authenticity of gold jewelry. Many times the jewelry is not the carat weight the person was told it is.

When it comes to buying gold coins, Hart advocates antique gold coins. “You cannot lose as much if you buy antique gold,” said Hart. “I do not

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 17

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IMPACT 2011

Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune

Milan Hart stands next to a counter with displays of coins. believe in buying gold bullion.”

Another collectible Hart buys is war relics.

“The U.S. mementos are not worth much, which is heartbreaking,” said Hart.

World War II German Nazi relics are the most popular; Japanese relics are also a big seller. But Hart said 80 percent of the German memorabilia is fake or counterfeit.

Even though U.S. mementos are not worth much, they deserve preservation, he said.

Hart does not hold onto the gold and silver. When he has a given amount, he sells. The hope is while holding the merchandise until a large enough quantity is ready for shipping (usually to Chicago), the market does not go down.

“When I get so much scrap gold (in

penny weight, not ounce weight), I call my buyer and get the price locked in,” Hart said. “And when I get about $300 in face value for my silver coinage, I sell.”

Hart offers some advice when deciding to sell your collectibles. Do your research and know what your collectible is worth before selling. Keep a ledger that tells what you paid for your collectibles. If you are uncertain about selling, don’t sell.

“I do not buy everything; I do not want to buy everything,” said Hart.

“But I do want to give the seller the edge.”

If Hart is not interested in buying your collectible, he probably knows someone who would be interested in paying you a fair price.

“My goal is I want everyone to walk out happy,” Hart said.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Right employees in place — I believe this makes or breaks any business.

tracted employees. To help them stay on top of projects and stay organized, we meet each morning, the three of us, for 10 minutes and talk about our day and what our goals are for the day.

Not only is it healthy for us as a team, it shows our tenants that we are organized and do work as a team.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

There are no other retail shopping malls in Albert Lea, other than the strip malls, and national tenants seem to be moving in the direction anyway.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

I am the go-to person for 30 tenants in Albert Lea and 23 tenants at the mall in Robbinsdale, a Minneapolis suburb.

I split my time between the two malls.

I spend a lot of time traveling, and this gives me time to get my planning for the next day done. I’m the type of person who takes care of tasks as they come up. I’m not good with a to-do list.

My desk is cleaned of most projects every night when I leave because I don’t want to feel behind the minute I walk into my office in the morning.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

I’m the only employee that is actually a mall employee. Both Val (marketing) and Al (maintenance) are con-

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

I’m certainly not going to take all the credit here at the mall. It truly is a team effort.

— Sarah Stultz

How do you use computers to be more organized?

We do everything on computers — very effective way to keep files and calendars. I use several national websites to look for possible tenants.

Big Toe

Excavating & Towing Specialize in Septic Systems & Demolition Any Type of Excavating and Foundation Work

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s ea' rt L 011 lbe 004-2 A ed e2 Vot ours tC Bes

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IMPACT 2011

Page 16 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING IN BUSINESS SINCE 1979

• Nursing Homes • Farm & industrial equipment • New & existing commercial const.

• Offices • Apartment buildings • New homes • Shop work

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Q&A: Get organized!

Julie Johnson, State Bank of Clarks Grove

Countryside RV Service

Doug Evans ~ Jason Evans 2190 S. Lincoln Albert Lea, MN 56007 Ph: 507-377-1508 Fax: 507-377-0695 countrysidervservice.net

• Windshield Replacement • Locksmith Services • Mobile Lock Services • Garage Door Sales & Service • Energy Efficient Windows • Custom Mirror Installation • Screen & Window Repairs • Commercial Store Fronts • Home Security

What is your position at State Bank of Clarks Grove?

Vice president.

Q: How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

A: A year ago, we undertook a major business change and closed our Clarks Grove branch. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, we’ve become much more efficient in terms of staffing, technology, supplies, marketing and advertising and have seen a profitable bottom line as a result. Other smaller ways we’ve tried to become more efficient is through the cross-training of employees so we’re backed up in all operational areas and through encouraging greater use of things like Internet banking and debit cards.

Q: How do you use computers to be more organized?

A: As a small business, we use computers to help us organize pretty much everything at the bank. Computers assist all of our daily operations from Internet banking, debit cards, our website, processing customer transactions and information, budgeting and strategic planning to loan processing. Besides the one-on-one customer service experience, nearly all other functions in our bank include computer use in some shape or form

to keep us accurate and organized.

Personally and professionally, I don’t think I could live without a computer to keep me informed and organized in the hectic, global world we live in.

Q: Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

A: The first resources that come to mind are generally banking specific.

Some of the great tools of the trade I use are websites, seminars and webinars offered through the Minnesota Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. There are also some terrific opportunities offered through our local colleges and universities for leadership development coursework.

Local service organizations and others like the Blandin Foundation also offer excellent resources and opportunities for leadership development.

Q: What tools do you use to compete against national banks?

A: As a small, locally-owned bank, the most important tool we have to compete against the larger banks is our relationships with our customers.

We work very hard to offer exceptional customer service by knowing our customers, their families, their hobbies Continued on Page 21

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 37

Neighbors by the numbers

Albert Lea 2010 census: 18,016 Median age: 44 Households: 7,774 Housing units: 8,410 Square miles: 14.28 City Hall address: 515 Clark St. City Hall phone: (507) 377-4300 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, The Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschools

Alden 2010 census: 661 Median age: 39.9 Households: 268 Housing units: 292 Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St. City Hall phone: (507) 874-3620 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools

Bricelyn 2010 census: 365 Median age: 47.9 Households: 168 Housing units: 197 Square miles: 0.3 City Hall address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 653-4369 Railroads: both are Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 253 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Clarks Grove 2010 census: 706 Median age: 38.1 Households: 295 Housing units: 312 Square miles: 0.4

City Hall address: 101 N. Independence Ave. City Hall phone: (507) 256-4106 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Conger 2010 census: 146 Median age: 32.7 Households: 62 Housing units: 69 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 51 School St. City hall phone: 265-3435.

Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in Alden-Conger School District

Ellendale 2010 census: 691 Median age: 39.6 Households: 296 Housing units: 317 Square miles: 0.9 City Hall address: 505 Second St. City Hall phone: (507) 684-2681 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Elementary School

Emmons 2010 census: 391 Median age: 43.4 Households: 174 Housing units: 190 Square miles: 0.8 City hall address: 219 Main St. City hall phone: 297-5707 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in Glenville-Emmons School District

Freeborn 2010 census: 297 Median age: 38.9 Households: 120 Housing units: 130 Square miles: 0.2 City hall address: 402 Park St. City hall phone: 863-2204 Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Geneva

Glenville

2010 census: 555 Median age: 38.3 Households: 220 Housing units: 228 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 403 Fourth St. City Hall phone: (507) 256-4192 Railroads: none Highways: Interstate 35 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

2010 census: 643 Median age: 44.2 Households: 278 Housing units: 290 Square miles: 2.2 City Hall address: 221 W. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 448-3916 Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River Continued on Page 38

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IMPACT 2011

Page 38 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 Continued from Page 37 Highways: U.S. Highway 65 Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elementary School

Hartland 2010 census: 315 Median age: 36.8 Households: 140 Housing units: 148 Square miles: 0.3 City hall address: 407 Broadway St. City hall phone: 845-2469 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union

NORTH AMERICAN MAT COMPANY 507-889-2088

304 Central Ave. N, Hollandale, MN

Anti-fatigue matting Matting for Commercial & Industrial Applications Entry matting for residential

Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Hayward 2010 census: 250 Median age: 44.5 Households: 114 Housing units: 123 Square miles: 0.6 City hall address: 107 County Road 26 City hall phone: 373-1222 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Hollandale 2010 census: 303 Median age: 38.3 Households: 128 Housing units: 146 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 110 Park Ave. W. City hall phone: 889-4001 Railroads: none Highways: Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District

Kiester 2010 census: 501 Median age: 47.8 Households: 246 Housing units: 281 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 116 N. Main St. City hall phone: (507) 294-3161 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 22 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Lake Mills, Iowa 2010 census: 2,100 Median age: 45.3 Households: 944 Housing units: 1,055 Square miles: 2.6 City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450 City Hall phone: (641) 592-3251 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105 Schools: Lake Mills Community School

Manchester 2010 census: 57 Median age: 36.8 Households: 26

Your total shopping experience.

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Open 7 days a week

Housing units: 30 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 70830 255th St. City hall phone: 826-3483 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

New Richland 2010 census: Median age: Households: Housing units: Square miles: 0.6 City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072 City Hall phone: (507) 465-3514 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Secondary School

IMPACT 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 15

Gareth Hataye, Innovision Eyecare

Northwood, Iowa 2010 census: 1,989 Median age: 44.2 Households: 885 Housing units: 1,004 Square miles: 3.8 City Hall address: 627 Central Ave. City Hall phone: (641) 324-1075 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105 Schools: Northwood-Kensett Elementary School, Northwood-Kensett Junior/Senior High School

Wells 2010 census: Median age: Households: Housing units: Square miles: 1.4 City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave. City hall phone: (507) 553-6371 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central Elementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

We’ve looked at our business on all fronts, utilizing a matrix system to ensure that few things fall through the gaps. As the economy has slowed, we’ve worked to eliminate expenses that we could do without. Patientfriendly software to help communicate specific topics was added. We are in the process of evaluating a few electronic health records programs, which will further streamline processes.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

As technology continues to develop, speed, information and applications help both efficiency and effectiveness.

Many multi-step processes can now be accomplished in one step. For example, our computers can talk directly with the optical labs we work with.

Some equipment can directly measure the eye. Other programs can help explain conditions or answer questions patients may have. Integrated email, calendars, phone and pagers dramatically reduce redundancy.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I like John Maxwell’s books: “Talent is Never Enough,” “The 360 Degree Leader,” “Today Matters,” and “Devel-

oping the Leader Within You” as they are easy reads and full of nuggets that you can apply daily to both work and personal life.

What are some of the features that make software patient friendly?

One is office software that is preloaded and is designed for patients to be able to search topics of interest and access them directly. The topics are then explained in more detail to efficiently utilize the time of both the provider and the patient. Additional software can visually demonstrate anatomical structures, function and physiology of the eye and adjacent structures. We’ve come a long way to be able to effectively answer both common and uncommon questions patients have asked for decades.

How do you use social media? If you don’t, what are your plans for social media use in the future?

We utilize a few of the platforms like Facebook to reach out to our patients.

We are able to present educational information and new cutting-edge technology in a more personal format.

As upcoming media begins to gain attention, we will attempt to incorporate it into our practice.

Continued on Page 21

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Page 14 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Mark Smed • Richard J. Murray

IMPACT 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

143 E Main Street • Po Box 171 • Albert Lea Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220 www.iscfinancialadvisors.com

Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC ISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities

Mark Smed, ISC Financial Advisors

507-437-7950 www.kingmaintenanceinc.com info@kingmaintenanceinc.com Call us to turn your building janitorial objectives into a reality!

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 39

WE’RE YOUR DEALERSHIP ALTERNATIVE! • Auto service & repair Serving the • Trailer service community for • RV sales & service over 26 years!

• Snow plow sales & service www.sandersonauto.us

• Commercial & Retail Cleaning • Hard Floor Care (Waxing & Stripping) • Offices, Schools & Churches • Commercial Carpet Cleaning

First in service, First in value

Mark & Karen Sanderson Owners

What is your position at ISC Financial Advisors?

Registered representative.

We have unlocked the answer to customer satisfaction Select from many styles of glass shower enclosures or customize according to your specifications

We also offer: • Auto lock work

• Windshield/window/ screen repair & replacement • Complete residential and commercial lock service • Lock out service • Commercial garage & entry doors • Store fronts • Fiberglass doors (resist rust) Owners: Keith & Angie Flatness

We make keys for cars

Find us on the web at facebook.com/southernlock

507-373-9446

717 Marshall St. • Albert Lea

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Our company has updated the technology used with equipment and computer programs. This change has made the entire office more efficient.

We have a new client management program that assists with client relations.

We are continually updating our client information to enhance the service of our clients’ current and future goals.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

The programs that our company researched and ultimately chose needed to meet certain organizational criteria.

We have increased productivity by having alerts, reminders, updates, list creation options and sorting. Our incoming and outgoing emails can be saved directly to a client’s file which saves time. We use different research and monitoring programs to compare and review performance. The computer can be used as an organizational tool, but our business is about building personal relationships with people.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

I personally like the magazine “Smart Money,” “Kiplinger” and Wall

Street Journal. There are many websites to choose from; I would suggest using a fund family site for calculators, risk modules and to answer many questions.

How important is it for your company to stay organized as you are advising others on being financially organized?

Extremely important, the organization that we show should be an example to our clients, to become more efficient in budgeting and saving. The more organized we are as a company the more successful we are at helping our clients.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

We are continually educating our administrative assistants and new personnel in recognizing and understanding the different products we use. It is very important to understand the forms we use and the information required to accomplish the project at hand. Our client management program keeps all of us on task.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

Our business relies on decision making, sometimes quickly. Being organized helps facilitate all of the processes involved with the most successful outcome possible.

— Sarah Stultz

Andy Nelson

Marc Brian Rasmussen Kopsing Service Consultants

Approved Auto Repair

IMPACT 2011

Page 40 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Enjoy the finest Tanning Equipment in the area

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We Buy & Sell Gently Used

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 13

John Deere Agriculture & Lawn & Garden Equipment

• Children’s, Juniors & Maternity Clothing • Trendy Purses • Baby Gear, Shoes Toys & ETC.

209 N. 9th Ave. • Albert Lea, MN 56007

IMPACT 2011

www.mankatoimplement.com

Bringing in the tourism dollars

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Sports tournaments. Special events.

Shopping. Attractions. Recreation.

They all play a role in bringing tourism dollars into Freeborn County.

In 2009 alone, more than $40 million was spent in Freeborn County through the hospitality and leisure industries, according to figures from Explore Minnesota Tourism.

And Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Susie Petersen said those numbers are increasing.

“People, they’re not going as far maybe, but they’re doing more regionally,” Petersen said.

The goal of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to encourage this activity, essentially to bring people into the community — people who will ultimately stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

To encourage this, the CVB works with the various organizations or companies putting on different events to promote them not only within the county but outside of the county, she said. Each year, there are dozens of key events taking place in Albert Lea and in the county that draw people into the community.

In the first half of the year, there are events such as the Gourmet Food Auction, hockey tournaments, The Big

Bear Season Morning Dove Season Snipe and Rail Season Small Game Season Deer Hunt Archery Season Woodcock Season Waterfowl Season Opener Moose Hunt NE Season Fall Turkey Season Pheasant Season Early Antlerless Deer Season Furbearer Hunting & Trapping Openers Prairie Chicken Season Deer Hunt Firearms Opener Trapping Season Bobcat Deer Hunt Muzzloader Spring Turkey Hunt Application Deadline

6 Locations

Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea Tribune

The Big Island Rendezvous takes place annually in October at Bancroft Bay Park in Albert Lea and is one of Freeborn County’s major tourism attractions. This year, it happens Oct. 1 and 2.

Sept. 1-Oct. 16 Sept. 1-Oct. 30

Sept. 1-Nov. 7 Sept. 17-Feb. 28 Sept. 17-Dec. 31 Sept. 24-Nov. 7

Oct. 1

Oct. 1-16

Oct. 1-30

Oct. 15-Jan. 1

Oct. 22-23

Oct. 29

Oct. 22-26

Nov. 5 Nov. 26-Jan. 7 Nov. 26-Dec. 11

Jan. 6

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Allweather Roof is one of only four commercial roofing contractors in North America to receive both Firestone’s Master Contractor Award and Inner Circle of Quality Award every year since the inception of these programs 25 years ago.

These prestigious awards are maintained by our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and long-term quality.

Allweather Roof offers a no-cost roof inspection with a written analysis. Whether you have a roof leak or need a total replacement, please give us a call.

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Page 12 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

What is your position at Lou-Rich?

Chief financial officer.

Steve Tufte, Lou-Rich Inc.

How long have you been there?

Eighteen years.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Set some time aside each day for one or two specific topics or tasks. The best time seems to be either first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

These times usually have the least interruptions. While you start the day usually planning to complete a number of items usually interruptions or meetings consume most of your day.

How has being organized helped you in your career?

My organization is not the everything-has-its-place look, but more to have the information I need to access frequently easily at hand. The biggest challenge has been to box up and put into storage the information that I don’t need to access on a monthly or quarterly basis.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

Basically, know which projects are the priority for the day or the week. If you can’t get to the low priority ones, this should not be an issue.

IMPACT 2011

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

I would probably say the two things that have helped is the smartphone that allows access to email and other company information when you are away from the office without bringing the computer and the headset that plugs into your desk phone and allows you to move around and retrieve information when you are talking to someone.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

Microsoft Outlook probably has been the most helpful for scheduling and notifying for meetings or other reminders. Also, smartphones are extremely helpful when you are away from the office for staying current on emails and looking up information on the web. The third item would be digitizing documents so you can access them from anywhere with your computer.

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

My suggestion would be to look around at others that you see as being organized or time-efficient and either observe how they are doing it or ask what practices they use. Everyone has a different practice that works for them so try a few based on what you see others doing.

— Kelli Lageson

Checking • Savings • Loans • CD's • IRAs • HSAs Credit Cards • Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes 109 W Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 56045 (507) 889-4311 Member

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IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 41

Good for the economy Top 10 counties in southern Minnesota for hospitality and leisure sales County Gross sales State sales tax Jobs Olmsted $353,761,640 $22,972,136 7,739 Blue Earth $149,890,259 $9,251,546 3,650 Rice $109,243,765 $4,978,634 2,138 Lyon $66,699,482 $2,642,517 1,227 Goodhue $64,976,150 $4,337,594 1,826 Winona $64,234,254 $4,275,587 2,072 Steele $59,272,160 $3,818,583 1,454 Mower $52,240,952 $3,131,463 1,314 Freeborn $40,715,679 $2,691,409 1,031 Nicollet $32,306,774 $2,208,198 953 — Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2009 Freeze, music and theater events and Eddie Cochran Weekend, to name a few.

In the second half of the year, there’s events including the April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon, the Freeborn County Fair, the Shortstop Golf Tournament and the Festival of Trees, among others.

“We’re always trying to work with different organizations,” Petersen said. “We’re not to organize it. We’re to promote it.”

Outside of all of the events, there’s other attractions including the Pelican Breeze, the Freeborn County Histori-

cal Museum, the Albert Lea Farmers Market and the Albert Lea Community Theatre.

Petersen said people also come to Freeborn County for the many recreational opportunities available, including on Albert Lea’s lakes, at Myre-Big Island State Park and at all the parks the community has to offer.

There’s everything from boating to skiing, to golfing, snowmobiling and fishing available.

She said she thinks recreation is the area Freeborn County could really expand its marketing.

To get the word out of what there

is to offer in Albert Lea and Freeborn County, Petersen said the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau puts out visitors guides each year that are distributed at travel center.

In 2011, the CVB put out 37,900 visitors guides, including in all of the travel information centers in the state, at the Mall of America, at airports and even at locations in Iowa.

There are more than 1,000 workers in Freeborn County alone who were employed through the private sector in the hospitality and leisure industry.

The hospitality and leisure industry throughout all of Minnesota earns $11 billion each year.

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Northbridge Mall Albert Lea 377-1556

IMPACT 2011

Page 42 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

• $2.69 million: The amount brought into Freeborn County from state sales tax in the hospitality and leisure industry in 2009 • 1,031: Workers in Freeborn County who were employed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009 • $40 million: Amount in gross sales generated in Freeborn County from hospitality and leisure in 2009 • 9: How Freeborn County ranks in southern Minnesota in terms of gross sales from hospitality and leisure in 2009 — Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism

Every Wednesday Night 5-7:30 p.m.

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Now offering on & off sale liquor

Emmons American Legion

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 11

Service you can COUNT ON!

Tourism by the numbers

Burger Night

IMPACT 2011

The Big Freeze is a new festival for Albert Lea and this February will see the third year of the winter fun. On the right, Abbie Solum, Alyssa Matson and Grace Hutchins jump in the cold water of Albert Lea Lake for the Polar Plunge.

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Kelli Lageson/ Albert Lea Tribune

Your opportunity to ‘turn the corner’ is just around the corner Fountain Centers provides outpatient chemical dependency treatment programs that accommodate your family and work schedule: n

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Page 10 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Q&A: Get organized!

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 43

201 East Clark St. PO Box 1226 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226 Tel: 507-377-9344 800-880-401k Fax: 507-377-2051

We speak with 8 professionals about efficiency What is your position at Mayo Clinic in Albert Lea? Chief nurse executive.

How long have you been there?

I have been a nurse in Albert Lea for 31 years and the role of nurse executive for 10 years.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Before you start any projects, make sure you clearly understand what the expectations and timeframes are. If there is a misunderstanding about what the outcome of the project is supposed to be there will be time wasted on re-work. It is frustrating to spend a significant amount of time on a project and learn that it has to be reworked because the project doesn’t meet the expectations. There aren’t enough hours in the day to make those kind of mistakes!

How has being organized helped you in your career?

Being organized can help free up some time in the day to deal with the unexpected “fires” that come up almost every day. Most of those situations need your time and attention. Being organized helps to ensure deadlines are met, which benefits the entire team working with me. Nobody else should have to drop everything they are doing to help me meet a deadline because I was disorganized.

How have you learned to be efficient in your position?

One of the most helpful things is to make sure my days aren’t filled with

meetings. There needs to be time in the workday to accomplish assignments. It can also be very efficient to work from home for a couple of hours where there aren’t any interruptions.

I can get twice as much work done at home in a couple of hours then I can get done in a whole day at work.

How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

Printing less paper and moving more information to the electronic world. When information is available electronically, changes can be made easily and everyone can be made aware of the changes immediately. In the paper world, changes are more difficult and sharing information is very cumbersome.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

Being able to access email from my Blackberry helps me keep junk mail cleaned out and then I can spend my time focusing on the email that needs addressing when there is time to dedicate to it. The best is the electronic reminders that remind me where I need to be!

Lori Routh, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

www.abgfs.com Employee benefit consulting and administration firm specializing in: • • • •

Investment Consulting Retirement Plans Health & Welfare Benefits Corporate Wellness Consulting • Health Savings Accounts • Section 125 • Payroll Processing & Tax Filing • Cobra

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

My favorite is old but still the most valuable, Steve Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Another resource people don’t utilize enough is spending time with a co-worker who is very organized. You would be surprised what you can learn from someone who is in the office next to you.

— Kelli Lageson

2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave • Albert Lea

373-6384 Fax 373-5617

• Potato Salads • Pasta Salads • Cole Slaws • Dips • Desserts • Gluten-Free/ Fat-Free/Low Fat /Low Sodium Products • Protein, Marinated and Holiday Salads • Many other prepared salads • 3 Varieties of Mashed Potatoes

IMPACT 2011

Page 44 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Lies business owners tell themselves 507-451-2407 877-499-9707 104 W. Park Square, Owatonna, MN sales@corporaterecognition.com

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“We have air-tight proceBut, Rains warned, “these acdures that drive our busitions and attitudes can interfere ness operations.” with being honest about your Yes, written procedures may business.” have been painstakingly deI refer to these as “lies” veloped and introduced years because there are certain false before. Today, however, that perceptions that business ownonce-living document may be

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IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 9

Top 40 employers in Albert Lea

Here are the top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to respondents who filled out a survey.

Information listed as: Ranking, employer Field, employees 1. Mayo Clinic Health System Medical, 1,200 2. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 500 3. Albert Lea Area Schools Education, 492 4. Innovance (Lou-Rich and Almco) Contract Manufacturer, 350 5. Cargill (Schweigert) Food processing, 310 6. Riverland Community College (all campuses) Education, 296 7. St. John’s Lutheran Home Senior health services, 292 8. Freeborn County Government, 287 9. Good Samaritan Society Senior health services, 285 10. Hy-Vee food store Supermarket, 285 11. Walmart Supermarket, 265 12. Ventura Foods Oils, margarine, lard, 191 13. Minnesota Corrugated Box Shipping containers, 178 14. City of Albert Lea Government, 140

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16. Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Refrigerated foods, 137

32. Poet Biorefining Ethanol production, 60

17. Thorne Crest Retirement Center Senior health services, 130

33. The Children’s Center Child care, 54

18. Larson Contracting General contractor, 125

34. Oak Park Place Senior health services, 50

19. Streater Inc. Store fixtures, 123

35. Pro Trucking Transportation, 45

20. Ulland Bros.

Road Construction, 90

36. U.S. Post Office Mail services, passports, 45

21. Bridon Cordage Industrial cordage, 86

37. Almco, De-burring equipment 43

22. Nelson’s Market Place Supermarket, 84

38. Cedar Valley Services Vocational training & services, 43

23. Alamco Wood Products Laminated wood products, 83

39. Crossroads Trailer Sales Semitrailers, 42

24. Agilis Donations processor, 76

40. Motor Inn New and used vehicle sales, 42

25. Alliance Benefit Group Financial services, 74

Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea

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28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant, 65

30. Larson Manufacturing Co. Doors and windows, 60

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This information is based on responses from the firms listed. For several participants in the survey, the totals reported may include employees at other locations, plus part-time employees. Employment figures for several firms may be based on earlier statistics.

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Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

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Veterinarian Steve Elwood listens to Gracie’s heartbeat while assistant April Olson holds the pet.

Continued from Page 7

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That means the space for the hospital is the same. There are four small and two large cages for animals that need long-term veterinary attention.

Patients, visitors and delivery truck drivers, he noted, will like that they no longer have to drive up a hill. And the new place is better for wheelchair accessibility. It has doors for customers on the front and back, with the back one being handicapped-accessible.

The front faces Main Street. The back has a view of the neighboring car wash.

Both directions offer views of floodplain that is slated to be parkland someday, which means there are sometimes views of standing water, which means views of Albert Lea’s

beloved waterfowl.

“There might be a week or two we are treating ducks and geese,” Elwood said jokingly.

The building is a former show house Elwood bought for $100,000.

It allows Albert Lea Animal Hospital to have more room for waiting patients. Elwood hopes to offer puppy classes to teach good socialization skills.

“It is good for puppies to be around other animals and people,” Elwood said.

Otherwise, Albert Lea Animal Hospital’s services are the same: laser surgery, spays, neuters, tumor removals, checkups, wellness exams, teeth cleaning, blood profiles, blood monitoring and X-rays, among others.

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 45

Organization matters to the Chamber of Commerce

The chamber also helped bring Individual organization is important.

Whether at home or in the office, being together representatives of our major organized allows the individual to apenergy consumers who joined with proach their tasks with some semblance the Minnesota Chamber and the City of order. Organization also gives one a of Albert Lea to challenge the Alliant place to return to when interruptions rate case and offered testimony before occur, as they inevitably do. the Public Utilities Commission in The organization required for an indi- June. Those efforts resulted in a major vidual is only one definition of the word, reduction in the new rate granted to however. Another is: a group of persons Alliant. These are examples of the organized for some end or work. strength of being part of a larger orThe chamber was founded on Feb. ganization. One company cannot have 10, 1881, and was originally called The the impact that 500 companies Albert Lea Board of Trade, the can. city’s first civic and commerAnother advantage to being cial development organization. part of an organization such as In 1892 the organization was the Chamber is that the organizarenamed the Albert Lea Comtion gets “called to the table” for mercial Club. The organization major projects within the comwas changed again in 1907 and munity. Very often we are called was called the Albert Lea Busiupon to join the City of Albert

By Randy nessmen’s League. The name Lea, Freeborn County, the Albert Kehr was changed again in 1930 to Lea Economic Development Chamber of Commerce.

Agency or the Shell Rock River On Jan. 2, 1940, the organizaWatershed District to discuss an issue. tion was formally incorporated. The This could involve the recruitment of original purpose was to bring together a company, the development of new individual businesses to work toward economic development tools or assistcommon goals and solve common ing in the communication of goals for problems. a new initiative of one of those governThat is exactly what the Albert Leamental bodies. As the representative of Freeborn County Chamber of Comthe business community, the chamber merce sees as its mission. Our role is there to express the feelings of the is to bring together businesses from membership regarding these types of throughout Freeborn County to be activities. united behind the chamber’s mission Being organized on your desk is imstatement: “Promote and develop a portant. Being organized in your busihealthy and positive business climate ness is important. Being organized as a and improve the quality of life in the community of like minded individuals Albert Lea-Freeborn County.” and being part of the largest business How do we accomplish this? The organization in Freeborn County makes board of directors endeavors to speak each of our member businesses stronfor those who, individually, may not ger. Individuals alone can change little, have the time or the comfort level to but a group of individuals can truly be do so for themselves. On occasion, change agents for the greater good. we are asked to work with a business to help them deal with an individual Randy Kehr is the executive direcissue with the city, county or state government. At other times, the issues are tor of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County broader and impact the entire business Chamber of Commerce. community.

Commercial • Agricultural • Residential The chamber then becomes the convener for meetings around those FREEBORN’S larger issues.

For example, this year the board of directors took a strong stance supporting our city’s need for local government aid as a means of controlling property taxes. They also met with INC. Congressman Tim Walz to discuss key Box 195, Freeborn, MN 56032 issues and with Gov. Mark Dayton 507-863-2296 during the July shutdown. Representatives of our renewable energy Fax: 507-863-2299 members met with former state Rep. Al Juhnke, Sen. Al Franken’s lead staff person for ag and energy issues, to discuss renewable energy.

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About Greater Jobs Inc. and the A.L. Port Authority The Albert Lea Economic DevelopBusiness Development Center office ment Agency, or ALEDA, is the first and councilor. This is a joint effort bestop for anyone interested in starting tween ALEDA and the regional Small or expanding a business in Freeborn Business Administration to provide County. services to people wanting to go into The ALEDA mission statement is: business or needing help planning an “To provide and promote services and expansion. Services include help with resources to retain, expand, create writing a business plan, cash flow and attract businesses, increase tax projections and assistance preparbase and quality employment opporing for a loan request. In the last year tunities in Freeborn County.” our councilor, Dave Lundak, helped ALEDA is an umbrella organization prepare several loan applications for made up of two separate entiALEDA and City of Albert Lea ties: the Albert Lea Port Authorloan funds. ity and Greater Jobs Inc. Most people were disapBoth Greater Jobs and the pointed by the manner in Port Authority are self-funded which this summer’s partial relying on real estate and other state government shutdown investments to pay the bills. In ended — more spending withaddition, Greater Jobs has more out paying for it. In addition, than 100 members who contribthe pre-session talk of “jobs

By Dan ute to the organization annujobs jobs” resulted in very little Dorman ally. The Port Authority has the that will help create them. ability to levy a tax for administration The JOBZ program ends in 2015 costs but has never done so because of and needs to either be replaced or its strong financial position. extended. The local incentive packWithout question, the last few years ages we can offer a prospective new have been difficult for not only the lo- or expanding business are some of cal economy but for that of Minnesota the most competitive in the state. But and the nation. There have been some these alone can’t offset the statewide positive signs for growth recently. The incentives others states can offer.

SoyMor biodiesel plant is reopening ALEDA Board meeting are open after being acquired by the Renewable to the public. Meetings are held the Energy Group. first Wednesday of every month in In addition, there are two new tenthe ALEDA offices, 2610 Y.H. Hanants in buildings owned by ALEDA. son Avenue, Albert Lea. If you have Vision Processing is leasing space in a any questions, comments, ideas or building on Myers Road and Zumbro suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact River Brand is leasing a third of the me. I can be reach at 373-3930 or at new building on Margaretha Avenue.

DanDorman@growalbertlea.com.

There has also been an increase in the number of requests and inquiries Dan Dorman is the executive from outside the community. director of the Albert Lea Economic ALEDA is also the home to a Small Development Agency.

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 7

Albert Lea Animal Hospital gets new digs

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moves business downtown

By Tim Engstrom

tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

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What was once on Highway 13 on the west edge of Albert Lea is now smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moved his business, Albert Lea Animal Hospital, this summer to its new location at 414 E. Main St. “It was two decades beyond what was expected originally planned,” Elwood said.

That’s because when he and his wife, Patti, were raising children, having the animal hospital at home at 22325 733rd St. became a matter of convenience. Now, he said, it makes business sense to have a more visible location. The Albert Lea Animal Hospital is right across from Hanson Tire Service and Godfather’s Pizza.

“I thought it was time to move to a more accessible location,” Elwood said.

The former location had been on two floors in his house on a 10-acre property. The veterinarian and his wife still plan to live there, but should the day come that they want to sell it, the option would be easier, he said.

“It does allow the house where we live now to become a residence once again,” he said.

The space where the hospital was now returns to use for the garage and the basement, much of it for storage.

Everything at the downtown location is on a single floor, which will reduce going up and down stairs, yet Elwood, his wife and their staff of two occupy the same amount of space — 1,800 square feet.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Continued on Page 8 Veterinarian Steve Elwood holds Gracie, a Shih Tzu cross, at the new Main Street location of the Albert Lea Animal Hospital.

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Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 Continued from Page 4

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

The Best Western Plus in Albert Lea boasts a fitness center, pool and breakfast area among its amenities.

The exterior of the Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is shown. There is also a Country Inn & Suites in Northwood, Iowa, near Diamond Jo Casino.

to plan more events that bring people into the town who would then stay in hotel rooms, but that would mean more hotels may possibly want to have a presence.

“It’s a competitive business,” Kehr said. “But there’s such brand loyalty.”

Kehr said with the economy the past few years that hotels have been suffering, mostly in the winter months when people aren’t traveling as much.

“Now we’re getting back into the recovery process,” Kehr said. “The last fews years it’s been a challenge.”

Hotels are one of the first aspects outsiders see of the Albert Lea area, which is why it’s important they have hospitable, knowledgeable staff, according to Kehr.

“They all have good people who are important to the community as the first contact to travelers,” Kehr said.

Renovate, renovate, renovate

Sternhagen at Best Western said updating the interior of a hotel must be done to stay competitive and because guests expect it.

“There are very nice hotels in Albert Lea,” Sternhagen said.

Many of the hotels in Albert Lea have been updating rooms or completely renovating the interior of the hotel. Within the last year the Knights Inn on East Main Street has begun a renovation process on some of its rooms. Sternhagen said the Best Western just completely upgraded everything with the flag change, and again to acquire the plus rating from Best Western.

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is also in the process of renovating, and work is expected to be completed this winter. The hotel opened in 2000, and Connie Ward, director of operations for Venerts, the hotel’s management company, said staff have gotten positive comments on

the changes.

“It’s just a fresh, new look,” Ward said.

Ward said it’s important to keep things updated, but that she didn’t know if there was any set time frame for replacing things because it depends on the wear and tear.

“Some things you just have to replace and some things might last a little longer if you take good care of them,” Ward said.

Stripe agreed that updating rooms is important to make guests feel welcome. About a year ago 50 rooms were added to the America’s Best Value Inn. “New hotels don’t stay new forever,” Stripe said. “You have to put the maintenance in.”

Most hotel management in Albert Lea hope tourism increases in the area, which puts “heads on beds.”

Anything that can bring people to, or even through, the area can help increase hotel stays including the Big Island Rendezvous, Sturgis or the Red Power Round Up, according to Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen.

“Events like the Big Island BBQ gives us a chance to use our fairgrounds and that’s what it takes,” Petersen said. “We need to bring people into town.”

Petersen said she thinks Albert Lea has a healthy hotel market, especially with traffic from both Interstate 90 and 35. Sternhagen at Best Western said the hotel gets a lot of travelers from Interstate 90, especially during Sturgis when bikers are heading to South Dakota.

“I hope it becomes a destination town,” Sternhagen said.

Hotel staff and city leaders will have to continue to work together to attract visitors to the city, but collaboration is what Albert Lea does best, Petersen said

1

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Continued from Page 44 investments. Get your finances in order, so that a slip in monthly performance doesn’t cause the entire organization to collapse.

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“I know this employee should go, but I’m not ready to take care of that just yet and it’ll be all right anyway.”

A low-performing employee can drag down any business, especially a small one. And a person who may have contributed early on may not have evolved as the business did and there is a mismatch between skills needed and skills possessed. Taking care of problems as quickly as possible helps everyone involved: owners, customers and fellow employees.

“I don’t need help. I really can do everything. Besides, it will Through our collective cost me to have help and I can’t efforts, we are committed afford help.”

Don’t make this mistake. A busito teaching and learning for all. ness owner cannot do all things because he or she doesn’t have all the 102 S. 4th Ave E. skills or experience. Help doesn’t alLake Mills, IA ways have to be costly but not getting 641-592-0881 help when needed will usually cost

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cession plan for vendors, similar to a management succession plan. Do the groundwork for adding new vendors. Pay attention to changes in the marketplace, noting market segments that are becoming more attractive as well as those that are becoming less appealing.

The business must:

Establish a business in Lake Mills employing at least 10 people.

Have an average starting wage of at least $10 per hour.

Make a capital investment of at least $500,000 Lake Mills has available buildings and workforce due to an industry relocating jobs outside the U.S.

Eric Peterson/Albert Lea Tribune

Farmers need business plans to achieve success just the same as other industries. Farming is a business these days. your business big.

Optimism is essential to success, but needs to be grounded in facts rather than fantasy. Managing a business can be complex, especially in these economic times.

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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 47

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Page 48 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

Faribault County’s newest promoter

IMPACT 2011

IMPACT 2011

Table of Contents

Linsey Warmka started as just an intern; now she leads an organization

By Tim Engstrom

tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

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The Faribault County Development Corp. is a public-private economic development agency based in Blue Earth but serving the entire county.

And it has a new director. Meet Linsey Warmka. But she’s not new to the organization. In fact, she has been with it from the beginning in 2008.

“I really love it. It’s a perfect fit for me,” she said.

She came as an intern and then was hired as an assistant. Her first boss died after three months, and she worked as the interim director until another director was hired. That person retired last winter. The board hired Warmka in January.

She received a degree in finance in 2006 from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Faribault County Development Corp. gets funding through dues from public entities and businesses, plus grant programs.

For instance, Faribault County Development Corp. appled for a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program for the cities of Wells, Winnebago and Blue Earth. The grant helps bolster housing and business infrastructure. Warmka said she hopes to extend the benefits to Frost and Bricelyn in coming years.

It helps the small cities to have an agency to manage the grant application, she said.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune “Small cities love to get money, Linsey Warmka stands on the Faribault County Courthouse steps in Blue Earth. but they don’t have the staff or time The Faribault County Developfind tax braks. Among them are Back or resources to apply for the grant,” ment Corp. is working with Truman- Woods Designs in Winnebago and Warmka said. based Watonwon Farm Everwood Log to Home in Wells.

Service on a $24 million The agency has helped Wells line expansion project in Dela- up aerial photos of its business van for a grain-handling parks and helped several Faribault Travis Keister, Minn-Iowa Insurance, chairman facility.

County businesses relocate. It also Mark Drake, Corn Plus, vice chairman The Faribault County has worked to promote the busiDeb Barnes, Parker Oaks, treasurer Development Corp. helped ness climate of Faribault County in Wade Barslou, Barslou Realty, member other businesses, doing general.

Tom Warmka, farmer, member things such as helping “We really offer a good place to do Jeff Lang, United Hospital District, member to arrange financing and business,” she said.

Board of directors

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 5

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A new economic developer in Faribault County has been around a while Other pieces: 40 Why tourism dollars are key 44 Lies businesses tell themselves 45 How the chamber stays efficient 46 What is Greater Jobs anyway?

50 Freeborn County by the numbers 220 Elizabeth ave, albert lea, mn 373-2828

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

The hotels, they are a changin’

IMPACT 2011

Inns switch names and renovate their properties

By Kelli Lageson

kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com

Changing names, or franchises, is a common occurrence for hotels as owners and managers weigh regulations and requirements against costs and freedoms.

Most of the hotels in the Albert Lea area are franchises, which often come with restrictions — sometimes as stringent as a specific weight of towels or thread count of sheets, according to Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr.

“Owning a hotel franchise is not cheap,” Kehr said. “Some are very picky.”

Several area hotels have changed franchises through the years, most notably what are currently America’s Best Value Inn and the Knights Inn on East Main Street. Locals have seen these hotels both go through franchises such as Ramada Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Holiday Inn and more.

Tina Stripe currently manages the America’s Best Value Inn and was at the hotel when it changed from a Ramada Inn. Most hotels call their brand a “flag.”

“It’s very common to change your flag,” Stripe said.

Stripe said the hotel changed to America’s Best Value Inn, which is a relatively new hotel brand in America.

“We offer amazing customer service which is why we were drawn to them,” Stripe said.

Another hotel that has recently changed flags is the Best Western Plus on Plaza Street. In May what was formerly a Holiday Inn Express, owners switched to the Best Western brand.

Manager Julie Sternhagen was told Holiday Inn didn’t want to renew its contract with the hotel because there were too few rooms.

“We went looking for a new flag and we really like Best Western,” Sternhagen said.

A Holiday Inn Express was built in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35 this summer, and the same owner is expected to build another in Albert Lea near the Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park.

Kehr said that the community wants Continued on Page 6

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune

Angie Kittelson, housekeeping supervisor at Best Western Plus in Albert Lea, makes a bed while cleaning one of the rooms.

A tally on hotels in Albert Lea

are available in 588rooms Albert Lea dollars 40 million in gross sales from hospitality and leisure

were generated in Freeborn County in 2009

workers in Freeborn 1,031 County were employed through private sector jobs

related to hospitality and leisure in 2009

Place cards stand at the ready before a banquet held at America’s Best Value Inn in Albert Lea.

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 49

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

4 Seasons Advertising.............................................7 4 Seasons Coffee.....................................................7 4 Seasons Travel.................................................. 27 Accentra Credit Union......................................... 39 ACT - Albert Lea Community Theater................ 34 Addies Floral & Gift..............................................18 Advanced Family Dental......................................13 Advantage Auto Glass............................................ 8 Ag Power.............................................................. 38 Alamco................................................................. 52 Albert Lea Area Schools...................................... 32 Albert Lea Art Center...........................................19 Albert Lea Electric...................................................

Albert Lea HRA................................................... 44 Albert Lea Public Warehouse................................ 9 Albert Lea Seedhouse...........................................21 Albert Lea Steel, Inc.............................................. 9 Albert Lea Tribune...............................................21 ALEDA................................................... Back Cover ALFC Chamber...........................Inside Back Cover Allen’s Tow & Travel.............................................31 Alliance Benefit Group........................................ 43 Allweather Roof....................................................13 Almco....................................................................10 Americana Insurance Group................................21 America’s Best Value Inn.................................... 26 AmericInn.............................................................15 Antiques of the Midwest.......................................18 B&L Metalworks.................................................. 47 Best Western Plus................................................ 29 Big Toe Excavating............................................... 17 Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerc.............. 48 Bonnerup Funeral Service.........Inside Front Cover Bookkeeping Cents.............................................. 30 Borderline Siding................................................. 22 Bowman Electric................................................... 17 Brick Furniture.....................................................12 Certified Travel.....................................................21 Cheers Liquor...................................................... 50 Christianson Plumbing.......................................... 9 Church Offset Printing, Inc................................. 45 Citizen’s State Bank of Glenville......................... 37 Clarks Grove Hardware....................................... 44 Collins Auto......................................................... 32 Com-Tec............................................................... 37 Conger Catering....................................................41 Conger Meat Market.............................................41 Corporate Recognition, Inc................................. 44 Country Inn & Suites............................................. 6 Countryside RV Service........................................16 Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wine...............19 Crow Wing Kayaks................................................16 Curt’s Pharmacy.................................................. 29 Dahl Farm Supply . ............................................. 33 Dave Syverson Auto Center................................... 2 Diamond Jo Casino.............................................. 11 Doug’s Sandblasting.............................................16 Dr. Lundstrom..................................................... 40 Emmons Legion................................................... 42 EO Johnson Office Technologies........................ 22 Erlandson Implement..........................................13 Etc Tanning & Clothing....................................... 40

Exact.....................................................................10 Expressions...........................................................18 Farmers Mutual Ins. of Manchester................... 46 Farmers State Bank............................................... 3 Federated Insurance...............................................7 First National Bank............................................... 9 Fisher’s Fine Jewelers..........................................18 Fleet Farm............................................................ 38 Fountain Centers................................................. 42 Frames R Us.........................................................18 Freeborn Construction, Inc.......Inside Front Cover Freeborn County.................................................. 35 Freeborn County Historical Museum .................31 Freeborn Lumber................................................ 43 Freeborn Pride Builders...................................... 45 Geno’s Plumbing & Heating.................................. 5 Glenville Plumbing.............................................. 37 Glenville Shortstop.............................................. 37 Good Earth Village.............................................. 45 Good Samaritan Society...................................... 27 Green Lea Golf Course.......................................... 17 Green Mill.............................................................51 Greg’s Grass Service............................................ 25 Hagen & Associates Construction....................... 40 Hair Designers Inc............................................... 27 Hanna Heating & Cooling................................... 33 Hanson Tire............................................................1 Hart Brothers Weaponry......................................13 Hayward Co-op.................................................... 44 Heart of the Artichoke ........................................ 20 Hemenway Storage.............................................. 44 Hillcrest Cemetary Association............................31 Home Federal Bank............................................. 45 Huber Supply Co. Inc............................................ 9 Indoor Tech......................................................... 44 Injection Technology Diesel Service................... 46 Interstate Packaging............................................ 36 ISC Financials.......................................................14 ITC Midwest........................................................ 23 Jakes Pizza............................................................18 Jan Jerdee/Blue Cross Blue Shield......................31 Jensales Inc......................................................... 46 Jim & Dudes ..............................Inside Back Cover Johnson Heating.......................Inside Front Cover Karl’s of Wells Inc................................................ 46 KIMT..........................................Inside Front Cover King Maintenance Inc..........................................14 Lake Mills Chamber............................................ 47 Lake Mills Community School............................ 47 Lake Mills Task Force.......................................... 47 Larson Allen......................................................... 35 Larson Contracting..................................................

Larson Manufacturing......................................... 42 Larson Manufacturing - Lake Mills.................... 47 Lawn Pro...............................................................31 Lou-Rich...............................................................10 Loverink Drainage............................................... 34 M&S Outdoor......................................................... 8 Mabel House Hotel...............................................31 Manchester Hartland Telephone Co................... 46 Manpower.............................................................41 Mary Go Round....................................................18

Massage Connections.......................................... 26 Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Lake Mills......... 47 Minnesota Abstract............................................... 5 Minnesota Corrugated Box................................. 26 Morreim Drainage............................................... 46 Mrs. Gerry’s Salads.............................................. 43 Nancy’s Café.........................................................18 Nelson’s Market Place......................................... 29 New To You...........................................................18 Nick’s Trading Post.............................................. 37 North American Mat Service............................... 38 Northbridge Mall........................Inside Back Cover Northwood Lumber............................................. 46 Northwood True Value........................................ 46 O/NE Realty........................................................ 48 Oak Park Place...................................................... 11 Panels Plus............................................................10 Plymouth Shoes....................................................18 Produce Bank........................................................12 Pub 69.................................................................... 6 Reinertson’s Embroidery.....................................18 ReMax - Emilie & Jim Paulson............................31 Riverland Community College............................ 30 Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc........................... 17 Sanderson Auto................................................... 39 Scott’s Office Products........................................... 6 Security Bank....................................................... 52 Security Insurance............................................... 33 Select Foods..........................................................51 ServiceMaster...................................................... 40 Shell Rock River Watershed...................................1 Signature’s Supper Club...................................... 46 South Central Pet Care........................................ 40 Southern Lock & Glass.........................................14 Southern Minnesota Magazine........................... 39 Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc........................ 48 Southside Custom.................................................16 St. John’s Lutheran Home.................................. 20 State Bank of Clarks Grove.........Inside Back Cover State Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt......15 Thompson Sanitation........................................... 11 T-N-T Used Appliance..........................................18 Tobacco Store...................................................... 52 Total Glass-Lock, Inc............................................16 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union................. 32 Trading Post.........................................................21 Troy Thompson Agency....................................... 30 Ulland Brothers................................................... 20 United Employees Credit Union......................... 50 Uptown Dental.................................................... 50 Ventura Foods............................Inside Back Cover Village Cooperative.............................................. 29 Wal Mart....................................Inside Front Cover Wangen Excavating............................................. 46 Weber Construction.............................................. 9 Wells Federal Bank...............................................41 Wells Insurance Agency...................................... 47 WFS...................................................................... 47 Zogg Dermatology, PLC..............Inside Back Cover Zumbro River Brand, Inc...................................... 8

IMPACT 2011

Page 50 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

507-377-5033

141 East William St. • Albert Lea, MN

Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S. Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

www.uptowndental.org

Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S.

Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.

Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

GIFT WRAP AVAILABLE

Don’t forget - FREE ice with every purchase!

1617 W. Main St. • 507.379.2364

3.75% APR on loans up to 60 months, secured by a titled vehicle, with minimum advance of $5000.

430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-1616 or 507-377-0276 Toll Free 1-877-647-8666 Member NCUA

www.unitedecu.com

IMPACT 2011

Table of Contents

Freeborn County by the numbers

10

We ask leaders of business and industry how they stay organized.

2010 census: 31,255 Above photo: Change from 2000: down 4.1 percent Freeborn County’s Median age: 44.2 population is Races: overwhelmingly White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percent white, but more Hispanic/Latino: 8.8 percent faces of color are Black: 0.7 percent arriving each year.

American Indian: 0.2 percent Played by nearly Asian: 0.8 percent all cultures on the Pacific Islander: 0.1 percent globe, soccer is Other race: 3.4 percent a popular sport Two or more races: 1.7 percent among immigrants Households: 13,177 and longtime Housing units: 14,231 locals alike in the Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089 parks of Albert Lea Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088 and the fields of its Family households: 8,555 school districts. with children: 3,249 Husband-wife family: 6,833 with children: 2,187 Male household, no wife: 605 with children: 322 Female household, no husband: 1,117 with children: 740 Non-family households: 4,622 Living alone: 3,961 Households with children: 3,542 Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278 Average household size: 2.32 Average family size: 2.85 Median household income (2000): $36,964 Median family income (2000) $45,142 Per capita income (2000) $18,325 Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percent Square miles: 722.63 County seat: Albert Lea Courthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea Courthouse phone: 507-377-5116 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109

30

Why the construction at the airport matters to your business.

4

Why did so many hotels renovate and rename themselves this year?

Other pieces: 9 Top 40 employers 22 The boutique in the barn 24 Where employment is sweet 26 Discover Dinah’s Style 34 Nursing home buys golf course 37 Neighbors by the numbers Table of Contents continues on Page 5

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 3

FSB REMOTE DEPOSIT REASONS TO SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITY BANK!

IT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO OUR COMMUNITY BANK! Simplify your routine. Thanks to FSB Remote Deposit, you can focus more of your time on your business, and not rushing to the bank to deposit your checks. Instead, you can send checks for deposit electronically, right from your desktop.

No hassles. No waiting. Just a safer, faster and easier way to deposit your checks.

Contact Rhonda Allison or Mark Heinemann today - we can stop by your business for a short 20 minute presentation!

HARTLAND OFFICE 601 N. Broadway 507-845-2233 FREEBORN OFFICE 214 5th Street 507-863-2371 ALBERT LEA OFFICE 1452 W. Main 507-373-1945 farmersstatebankmn.com Member FDIC

IMPACT 2011

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 51

for choosing Dave Syverson the Best Place to Buy an Automobile in the 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.

VALUE PRICE...

PLAIN & SIMPLE

Stop in and Experience the difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!

Mark Christopherson Todd Edwardson

Craig Loehr

Greg Hanson

Dan Glynn

Christopher Balfe

Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way!

AND

Travis Stortroen

Doug Conn

DO IT SMART...

DO IT SIMPLE...

DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S Kade Vershey

Kevin Lee

Paul Stahnke

George Gonzalez

Dick Davis

2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!

From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers

COUPON

5.00

$

8330

OFF Any

Purchase of $25.00 or More Not valid with other offers. Good thru 10-30-11.

2218 E Main Street • Albert Lea

507-377-3000

1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 2310/2320 E. Main, Albert Lea, MN

www.greenmill.com

IMPACT 2011

Page 52 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

IMPACT 2011

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 1

• Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year • Voted #1 Reader’s Choice “Best Bank” for 2010

1410 W. 9th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

• Business Loans

Alamco Wood Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.

• Ag Loans

Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year!

• Online Banking • Home Loans • Auto Loans • Recreational Loans & more

Serving the local area since 1906

Excellent Customer Service

437 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea 373-1481 When you or your business needs an answer to a financial problem or a quick response to a loan request, our lending staff is here to assist you with their full line of competitive loan products with the exceptional customer service you deserve. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and commitment in serving the financial needs of the residents and businesses of Freeborn County through high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner, best of all, desicions are made right here locally. To learn how we can assist you, stop by Security Bank Minnesota today and visit with our experienced lending staff about our affordable lending products and services.

s Reader Voted ice o h C nk Best Ba rs! ea for 6 y

Locally owned since 1906

STRONG. BEAUTIFUL. RENEWABLE.

Member FDIC

Toll Free 1-800-657-6961 • www.securitybankmn.com

2010 ion Conser vat Award winner

The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen petition.

The Shell Rock River Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers.

The District is 246 square miles all within Freeborn County and it is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns.

HOURS: M-F 9-8 Sat 9-7 Sun 10-5

Next to Dollar Tree across from Wal-Mart 2312 Hendrickson Rd., Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-0177 We Accept All Manufacturers or Competitors Coupons

The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes:

We Accept Major Credit Cards

Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Goose (82 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) School Section (69 acres) Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total)

Huge Selection

• Premium Cigars • Roll Your Own • Pipes & Pipe Tobacco • Lighters & Cigar Accessories • Pre-paid Phone Cell Phones • Pre-paid Phone Cards All prices subject to change without notice

coupon

1

$ 50

coupon

10% Off Off Any Premium

Any Carton Purchase of

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Cigar Purchase

of $25 or More The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

coupon

1

$ 50

Off

Any Carton Purchase of

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

coupon

coupon

coupon

coupon

Select Disposable Lighters

Any Carton Purchase of

of any purchase of $25.00 or more

Any Carton Purchase of

10 for $1 $150 Off $200 Off $150 Off The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Roll Your Own Tobacco & Accessories The Tobacco Store

Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Galaxy & Winner Cigarettes The Tobacco Store Expires 10/31/11 83011AL

Recipient of the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society’s (MNTWS) prestigious Conservation Award for 2010

Current water quality monitoring program: 18 stream sites 9 lake sites 2 city stormwater sites

411 S. Broadway Ave P.O. Box 1147 Albert Lea (507) 377-5785 www.shellrock.org

Kelvin Rehnelt

Kelly Dempewolf

Tiffany Carlson

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

• Oil changes • Tires • Radiators • Transmissions • Brakes • Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Shock Absorbers • Computerized Alignment • Mufflers • AND MUCH MORE!

505 E. Main

373-0636

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS!

TURN TO THE EXPERTS!

Cut energy costs up to 50%

Call for FREE ESTIMATE S

with Carrier high efficiency furnace, heat pump and air conditioners.

Let us help plan your future.

Stop in today & see our display of quality made Bertch cabinets

Lou Rich Before

• Remodel • Expansion • Building Addition • New Facility

professional advice • Plumbing • Heating • A/C • Water Softeners • Sewer & Drain Cleaning

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

We’ll take you from concept to grand opening with maximum efficiency & superior quality

373-6161

8 YEARS IN A ROW!

M-F 8am-5pm www.jimanddudes.com • 724 West Clark Street

Lou Rich Under Construction

VOTED BEST ELECTRICIAN

2004-2011!

Call us TODAY at 507-373-6650 for an onsite job estimate.

Complete Electrical Design & Installation Commercial • Industrial • Residential Farm • Specialized Service

Cover 4-5.indd 1

Electronic Repair

1410 Olsen Drive

Programming & Trouble Shooting

Albert Lea, MN 56007

PLC’s and AC/DC Drives

Phone: 507-373-6650 Fax: 507-373-4124

Low-Voltage Wiring

Complete Networking Telephone Systems • Sound Systems Fiber Optic Work

N EW

THERMAL IMAGING

9/14/11 1:48:26 PM

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce "The Voice For Business"

Our members are the fabric of our community!

• Living and working here • Building & expanding their businesses • Creating new jobs • Re-investing their money in our community • Supporting community activities & local charities • Buying here to strengthen job security • Encouraging their employees to spend their money locally

Experience the Best in Age Reversing Science

HEATING CONDITIONING

Tighten Loose Skin

CELEBRATES

100 YEARS

Lose inches

OF COMFORT.

The Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth.

Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.

507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org

AND AIR

Treatment

by Multi Polar Radio Frequency

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area."

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 56007

JOHNSON

Reduce Cellulite

Venus Freeze treatment comfortably raises the skin’s temperature level, which shrinks and breaks down fat cells by naturally increasing blood flow and enhancing hormone activity.

The increased blood flow also improves the overall skin condition in treated areas by modifying the ultra structure of collagen and elastin fibers (increasing synthesis and making them thicker and shorter) causing the skin to tighten.

This painless process is completely risk free and results are quickly measurable. No downtime required!

For more details contact

JOHNSON

Eliminate Wrinkles

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING S I N C E

TWO GREAT COMPANIES ONE GREAT HOME COMFORT SYSTEM

JOHNSON HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

2718 Ekko Avenue • Albert Lea, MN www.zoggdermatology.com • 507.373.2270

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1 9 1 2

Albert Lea • New Richland • Ellendale

We Understand Ad - Bonnerup

1430 FRANK AVENUE ALBERT LEA, MN 56007-3135 (507) 373-2264 info@johnson1912.com

JOHNSON HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING S I N C E

1 9 1 2

9/14/11 12:28:29 PM

Specialty Shops - Spa & Salons - Food Court Restaurants - Cinema 7 Theater Northbridge Mall Businesses: • Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce • Anytime Fitness • Bob’s Farm Toys • Book World • Certified Travel • Christopher & Banks • Cinema 7 Theatre • Classic Reflections Salon & Spa • Conger Meat Market

in 1991

Dennis & Brad Haugen today

• Doyle’s Hallmark • Dunham’s Sports • Edward Jones Troy Irvine • Electric Beach • Fashion Nails • GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Grandma’s Kitchen • Herberger’s • Horace Mann Sue Grieme • JD Gifts

• La Guadalupaña • Leutholds • Manpower • Maurices • Pizza Ranch • Plaza Morena • Shoe Sensation • Skyline Jewelers • The Image Salon • Thrivent Financial

SHOP LOCALLY!

Find us on Facebook!

Northbridge Mall Gift Certificates Good at over 25 stores & businesses Purchase at Doyle’s or Mall Office

• • • • • • •

We’re proud to bring healthy ingredients and innovative products to your dinner table.

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

373-2431 • www.venturafoods.com

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Aggregates Hauling Snow Removal Demolition BMP Installations Ditch Cleaning Road Grading

• Site Development • Wind Energy Development • Water/Sewer Installation • Soil Conservation • Erosion/Sediment Control

FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION Licensed & Bonded

County Rd 46 East • Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4434

www.statebankcg.com

I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN Shopping Hours: M-F 10-9; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 Leasing or event information: 377-3185 www.northbridgemall.com

Member FDIC

2401 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea • 507-373-8600

9/14/11 9:48:21 AM

• Crossroads I-90 & I-35 • Trained Labor Force

• Small/Large Sites • Buildings Available

For your personal tour call Dan Dorman or Ryan Nolander at 507-373-3930.

2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007

www.growalbertlea.com

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Home of “Minnesota Twins” Hotdogs, “Famous Dave’s” Ribs, Parts for John Deere & G.E. Medical, plus so much more!

Get organized! movers & shakers

8

We speak with

The sweetest jobs in Albert Lea Hart Bros. is more than just guns t is d a h Hotels rebrand W n an i g n i fly t of the and renovate ou ? t r o airp

9/14/11 9:47:48 AM