in order to create a job, you must first create opportunity
Industrial or warehousing space available 62,500 square foot spec building in the industrial park - 590 14th street READY FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
New 80 acre development by Love’s Travel Center
Did you know?
• Minnesota Twins hotdogs are made in Albert Lea
• Famous Dave’s ribs are produced in Albert Lea
• Smart Balance products are manufactured in Albert Lea
• Parts for John Deere and G.E. Medical are made in Albert Lea
... and so much more!
For more information on how to start or expand your business in Albert Lea - Freeborn County, contact Dan Dorman or Ryan Nolander at 507-373-3930
2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007
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Bent Tree Wind Farm bolsters economy
10
business innovators share their results
Vineyard sprouts on I-35 Pro Trucking becomes Pro Advantage Medical center to expand yet again
9/14/10 10:23:49 AM
Department Stores - Food Court Restaurants - Cinema 7 Theater Northbridge Mall Businesses: • Albert Lea Driving School • Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce • Anytime Fitness • Book World • Certified Travel • Christopher & Banks • Cinema 7 Theatre • Classic Reflections Salon & Spa
Northbridge Mall Gift Certificates Good at over 35 stores & businesses Purchase at Leuthold’s or Mall Office
• Conger Meat Market • CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) • Doyle’s Hallmark • Dunham’s Sports • Edward Jones Troy Irvine • Electric Beach • Fashion Nails • GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Herberger’s
• JD Gifts • La Guadalupaña • Leutholds • Manpower • Maurices • Pizza Ranch • Plaza Morena • Schweser’s • Skyline Jewelers • The Image Salon • Thrivent Financial • Unicel • Vanity
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
Areas of Specializing: New Construction Residential Sales Land Sales Commercial Sales Foreclosure Sales
512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: (507) 373-4526 Fax: (507) 373-4527
1115 East Main St. 507-373-SOLD (7653) www.373SOLD.com mlembke@373sold.com
www.statebankcg.com
Member FDIC
2401 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea • 507-373-8600
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The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce "The Voice For Business" Helping Our Community Grow and Prosper
Reaching out to new business, helping existing business thrive! 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."
GeoComfort geothermal systems are the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating & air conditioning systems available. Coupled with federal tax credits, it makes 2010 the year for you to go green with Johnson Heating & Air Conditioning.
Over 500 members strong, the Chamber of Commmerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest in the area. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth. Our Chamber Bucks program returns nearly $175,000 to the local economy each year.
Contact Mark Johnson today for your personalized GeoComfort geothermal analysis and annual energy savings calculations.
Our members support many summer time events for the community, as well, from the Eddie Cochran Weekend to the Fourth of July Fireworks. Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.
701 Marshall, Albert Lea, MN 56007
507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org
We’re proud to bring healthy ingredients and innovative products to your dinner table.
Pam Farr 507-377-6845
Trevor Birch 507-377-6860
331 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
Don’t trust your geothermal system to just any contractor... partner with southern Minnesota’s and northern Iowa’s most experienced and accredited geothermal designer and installer!
FDIC
919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007
373-2431 www.venturafoods.com
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Something for Everyone! From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers From one of the largest selections around featuring award-winning pizza and wings to our familiar, fun and relaxed atmosphere, Green Mill continues to be everyone’s favorite place to meet and eat. Also, stop in and check out our happy hours featuring awesome drink and appetizer specials.
AlWAyS Full-MEnu DElivEry! 2218 E Main Street • Albert Lea 507-377-3000
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.
Add beauty & comfort to your home! 15 fireplaces on display in showroom.
professional advice • Plumbing • Heating • A/C • Water Softeners • Sewer & Drain Cleaning
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE www.greenmill.com
FREE ESTIMATES
7 YEARS IN A ROW!
373-6161
M-F 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-noon www.jimanddudes.com • 724 West Clark Street
Our Success is Building in the Upper Midwest
N EW
THERMAL IMAGING
• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Low Voltage Voted Best Electrician 2004-2010! 1410 Olsen Drive • Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507-373-6650 Fax: 507-373-4124 • www.albertleaelectric.com
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Albert Lea Medical Center
Wells Depot
Woodfire Grill
9/14/10 10:27:38 AM
IMPACT 2010
Page 48 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
same great service same great smiles
• 24 hr. Nursing Staff
Independence
when you want it.
Assistance
when you need it.
• Religious Services • Home-Cooked Nutritional Meals
• Business Loans
• Alzheimer’s-Memory Unit
• Online Banking • Home Loans
• Housekeeping and Laundry • Recreational Activities & Exciting Social Events • Spacious Apartments
• Auto Loans • Recreational Loans & more
Excellent Customer Service
• Unique Accommodations
®
serving your community since 1978
• Ag Loans
• Medication Management
Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 1615 Bridge Ave • Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 373-5600
s Reader Voted ice o h C nk Best Ba 0! for 201
437 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea 373-1481
201 Main St, Emmons 297-5461
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.
Locally owned since 1906
Member FDIC
Toll Free 1-800-657-6961 • www.securitybankmn.com
Service you can COUNT ON! 1410 W. 9th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Alamco Wood Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.
M PS O O THSANITATION N
Your locally owned, independent trash hauler
Dedicated Personal Service! to
256-4370 • PO Box 154 Clarks Grove
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 1
Commercial
Clean ups • Re-roofing 10-30 Yard Roll Off Containers
STRONG. BEAUTIFUL. RENEWABLE.
The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen petition.
L to R: JR Dorman, Wanda Dorman, Tiffany Carlson, Kelly Dempewolf, Kelvin Rehnelt
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. The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes: Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) Goose (82 acres) School Section (69 acres) Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total) 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
Complete Automotive repair we service all makes and models
• Oil changes • Tires • Radiators • Transmissions • Brakes • Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Shock Absorbers • Computerized Alignment • Mufflers • AND MUCH MORE!
505 E. Main • 373-0636
IMPACT 2010
Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 47
Brad Arends
Brad Arends is the chief executive officer for Alliance Benefit Group.
How many employees does your company employ? One hundred fifteen full time, five permanent part time, seven seasonal What does your company do? Alliance Benefit Group provides employee benefit consulting and administration services for small- to medium-size employers. Our typical client has 50 to 500 employees, but we have clients with 10 employees and clients with more than 3,000 employees. Our consulting engagements tend to be centered around two primary areas — retirement and health care. Employers hire us for retirement plan design, fiduciary/investment advisory and employee education/ advice consulting services. On the health care side, employers hire us primarily to develop long-term strategies to help them control the cost of their health insurance benefits.
Our family has grown.
Strategies generally focus on adding some aspect of health care consumerism to their plan design, an active disease management program, and aggressive wellness initiatives to drive healthy behavior among their employees and dependents. On the administration side of our practice, employers hire us to provide administrative support services for many of their employee benefit programs. Our firm grew from 20 employees to over 60 employees during the decade of the ’90s on the back of our retirement plan administrative/recordkeeping services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. During this past decade we have doubled again in employee count by not only expanding our retirement plan administrative services nationally, but also expanding our health care administrative support services for Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, COBRA, and Billing & Eligibility. We also process payroll for more than 150 employers.
Chris Anibal, Nurse Practitioner, Family Medicine
What prompted your company to grow during a turbulent time in the field of health benefits? Opportunity. As a consulting company, we don’t have a product that you can touch or put on the shelf to sell to people. Our primary job is to be good listeners. Our clients tell us their problems and issues, and they pay us to come up with solutions. The most expensive employee benefit that an employer provides its workforce today (other than a pay check) is health insurance, and the cost of that is doubling every five to seven years. That is a problem for American employers in good economic times or bad economic times. Controlling that cost by moving the plan to an alternative health insurance company no longer works long term. The strategies that we take out to our clients today center on reducing health insurance claims; and, thereby, health insurance costs since 90 percent of the cost of
Did you know you can choose your title company? Call now & SAVE MINNESOTA ABSTRACT & TITLE COMPANY
Providing title and closing service in the historic Carnegie Library • Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Refinance • Abstracting • Owners and Encumbrance Reports Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 146 W. College St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 377-1399 • Fax (507) 377-8033
www.mnabstracttitle.com
See Arends on Page 4 ➧
Jocelyn Newman, M.D., Dermatology
Michael Starner, Physician Assistant, Family Medicine
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Newman call 507-377-4805.
Sharon Johnson, Nurse Practitioner, Cardiology
Andrew Oberlin, Physician Assistant, Family Medicine
Ella Wiemerslage, Psy.D., (Dr. Ellie), Behavioral Health
Sees patients as part of the Cardiology Team.
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ellie call 507-377-6406.
Foram Mankodi, MBBS, Pediatrics
Darin Passer, M.D., General Surgery
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mankodi call 507-379-2110.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Passer call 507-379-2130.
Brie Tubbs, Physician Assistant, Orthopedics
Alaa Elkharwily, M.D., Hospitalist
www.almedcenter.org
Leslie Smith, D.O., Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Services
404 W. Fountain St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith call 507-377-4800.
Meet ALMC’s newest providers…
“The Vineyard” Ballroom
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
Sees patients as part of the Orthopedics Team.
Leo Pedretti, Physician Assistant, Orthopedics Sees patients as part of the Orthopedics Team.
18 Hole Championship Golf Course Pasta Night every Tuesday Sunday morning breakfast
www.wedgewoodcove.com
• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners • Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings • Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views • Two-sided full service bar • No room rental fee • Outdoor area by lake for wedding ceremonies Wedgewood Cove Golf Club 2200 W 9th St Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2007
Page 46 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Architects
and
Civil Engineers
IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Lance Skov
Lance Skov is a certified public accountant and partner with the firm Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda.
907 Sykes St. • Albert Lea, MN Phone: 507-373-0689 Fax: 507-373-0716
How many employees does your company employ? We have eight employees. What does your company do? It is an accounting firm that does tax returns for individuals, farmers, corporations, small business, estates, trusts and nonprofits. We also do bookkeeping and payroll services for all types of entities. Another area we work in are audits and reviews of governmental entities, nonprofits and small businesses.
109 W Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 56045 (507) 889-4311
Offices at:
220 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-5500
www.producestatebank.com
Member
FDIC
New lower prices for venison processing.
Conger Meat Market Friendly Small Town Service
100 William Ave. Conger, MN • Family Owned
Only 6.5 Miles W. of Hwy. 69 on Co. Rd. 17
(507) 265-3340
Northbridge Mall Albert Lea 377-1556
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I took an accounting class in high school and that helped me make the decision of what I wanted to major in during college. I also like the challenge of the diversification the job has with the different areas of accounting we get to work in and also working with a variety of people in the community
We managed to get seven of the 10 innovators in the same place for the group photo. The schedules of executives and business owners rarely match well. Enjoy their comments in Impact 2010.
REASONS TO SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITY BANK!
Table of contents Q&A with Ten Innovators Brad Arends Pam Sander John Miller Nancy Skophammer Andy Petersen Gladys Reinertson Steve Klingman Ron Langrell Mike Larson Lance Skov
Sports stores compete for customers
How much risk was involved in the decision? The main risk was not knowing how our clients would feel toward our move.
Checking • Savings • Loans • CD's • IRAs • HSAs Credit Cards • Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 3
Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune
What prompted you to change locations in Albert Lea? We were not actively pursuing a move, but the opportunity came for us to obtain a larger office space, which gives us the potential for future growth.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Yes, the results have proven worthy. We are very happy with the new location and have received a lot of positive feedback from our clients.
IMPACT 2010
Tiger City, Martin’s Cycling and Dunham’s find niches
Vineyard sprouts along I-35
Vintners plant grapes that can survive Iowa winters What book on business success would you recommend? A book I would recommend would be “Who moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. The book talks about change, and there is always change happening in the accounting world. Do you have any business advice for others? I would stress to go out of your way to meet your customers needs and to map out where you want to be five years from now and how you plan to get there.
What’s on your doorstep?
To subscribe, call 379-3422
Bent Tree bolsters local economy
Alliant Energy invests $400 million in first phase
Everyone loves Pitchfork Pete
Visitors come to Fleet Farm Supply to snap a picture
ALMC positions for the future
Services are moving and expanding into new places
2 5 6 12 18 19 19 22 32 46
■ WE’RE MAKING LOANS of all sizes! ■ Community involvement and financially strong ■ Responsible Lending: Lines of credit, term loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans, SBA 7A loans ■ SBA Preferred Lender ■ Business Online Banking and Cash Management ■ Experienced business and ag lenders ■ Lower fees than many competitors
8
■ Business Checking & Savings Accounts with Sweeps ■ Earn enormous interest rates with E-Checking ■ Remote Deposit coming soon!
11 15 25
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
26
Your Business Banking Team
Road first, then industry
New 777th Avenue is a gateway to a new industrial park 30
One company led to another
Pro Trucking became many and now is Pro Advantage
Other goods
Randy Kehr: Chamber of Commerce mission is varied Loans in affordable housing What’s the oldest business in Albert Lea? Dan Dorman: About the Port Authority and Greater Jobs North American Title comes to Albert Lea Southern Lock & Glass works all over Midwest R&D Automotive relies on its reputation Tim Penny: SMIF works to add jobs to Albert Lea area ITC Midwest builds a new Glenville substation Top 40 employers
35 7 20 21 31 33 34 39 42 43 44
Rhonda Allison Daniel Otten
Mark Heinemann Debra Kenison
Nancy Skophammer
Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
We represent over 50 companies
Continued from Page 2
Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main • Albert Lea Bus.: 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301 troythompsonagency@gmail.com
Check out our large selection of
Bird Feed & Feeders!
Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 (across from Nelsons) • 373-3161 Hrs. Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4
George R. Lundstrom D.D.S. 209 N. 9th Ave. • Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-377-1659–Office • 507-377-1650–Fax 507-373-4665–Home
“Excellence is our chosen path” Complete Automotive Repair
ANTILOCK
SPECIALIST
♦ Arends
IMPACT 2010
Tune ups Brakes Transmission
Oil Change Exhaust Cooling Systems
810 E. Main St, Albert Lea
377-0585
25 Years Experience
health insurance is generally attributable to claims incurred when we go to the doctor. Our strategies do not involve avoiding care; but rather engaging the employee as the actual user of the health insurance from both a financial and behavior/lifestyle standpoint. The goal is really to make the employees (and their dependents) healthier and more financially astute. In the end, there really is only two ways for the United States to control the escalating cost of health insurance — we will either have to ration care like many other countries do, or we will all have to become healthier by changing our poor behaviors/lifestyles. How much risk was involved in recent decisions? It took us five years to reach profitability on our Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Account administrative division. We started it from the ground floor with no employees and no clients. It required a lot of capital that was primarily spent on staffing. We essentially bought our way into the COBRA and Billing & Eligibility administrative space by using bank financing to make a couple acquisitions up in the Twin Cities. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? We have added more than 750 new business clients since 2004 based upon our consulting and administrative services in the health care area. Our goal now is to cross-sell our other services to them. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I worked for my father during college and law school. Exciting new things were happening in this industry when I graduated from law school. It was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor; so instead of going to work for a law firm or staying in Washington, D.C., where I had interned for a Minnesota senator, I came back and joined the family business. I have never regretted it. During that time, we had our first “big idea” that propelled our tiny company to the next level. It was new and exciting, and we were literally creating new services in the employee benefit space. I was fortunate to have a mentor (my father) who constantly stressed growth. Each of our growth spurts
Alliance Benefit Group is at 201 E. Clark St. in Albert Lea. has, in essence, been fueled by the next “big idea”; and though each was not without stress, they all have been exciting and invigorating. Today, my brother, Grant, out of our Kansas City office, is the president of our consulting division, and Steve Pulley is the president of our administrative division. We all complement each other well and make a great team. We have also built a great management team around us, many of whom have been promoted from within. What book on business success would you recommend? “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Do you have any business advice for others? Here is my top 11 list that I have learned over the years from others: 1. Be a pioneer, not a settler. It only takes one good idea to have a great business. Don’t be afraid to fail or to be first. 2. Surround yourself with great people. 3. Strive to have your clients view you as a “partner” and not a vendor. 4. If you make a mistake, admit it, fix it and learn from it. Always make your client whole. 6. Always put out an A-plus paper. B’s and C’s might cut it in school, but they don’t cut it in business. 7. Always invest back in your business for growth. If you’re not growing, a competitor will come and “eat your lunch.” 8. Promote a culture of teamwork within your organization. 9. Set goals; but once you achieve them, set them higher. 10. Give back to your community, and encourage your employees to do the same. 11. Don’t forget your family.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 45
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Alliance Benefit Group..................................... 37 Accentra............................................................. 24 ACT Theatre...................................................... 38 Addies Gifts....................................................... 28 Ag Power............................................................ 26 ALAMCO Wood Products LLC......................... 48 Albert Lea Area Schools..................................... 9 Albert Lea Art Center....................................... 28 Albert Lea Dental Clinic................................... 14 Albert Lea Electric.......................................Cover Albert Lea HRA................................................. 19 Albert Lea Public Warehouse........................... 31 Albert Lea Seed House....................................... 4 Albert Lea Steel................................................ 30 ALEDA..........................................................Cover Allens Tow & Travel.......................................... 31 ALMC................................................................... 2 American Legion............................................... 42 Americana Insurance and Investments........... 21 America’s Best Value Inn.................................. 37 Antiques of the Midwest................................... 28 Applebees........................................................... 34 Assembly of God.................................................. 6 Aurora Dental Center....................................... 30 Bantam Wind.................................................... 39 Bonnerup Funeral Home.................................. 37 Borderline Home Improvement........................ 17 Candy & Jewels Consignment Boutique......... 29 Certified Travel................................................. 18 Chamber.......................................................Cover Cheers Liquor.................................................... 34 Christianson Interiors...................................... 41 Christianson Plumbing & Heating.................. 30 Citizen’s State Bank......................................... 43 Clarks Grove Hardware.................................... 18 Collins Auto......................................................... 4 Complete Home Inspection............................... 42 Com-Tec............................................................. 43 Conger Catering................................................ 43 Conger Meat Market......................................... 46 Crescendo’s Exqisite Food & Wine................... 28 Curt’s Pharmacy............................................... 25 Diamond Joe Casino......................................... 23 Doug’s Sandblasting......................................... 38 Doyle’s Hallmark............................................... 42 Dr. Lundstrom..................................................... 4 Dr. Shoff Chiropractic....................................... 28 Emmons American Legion................................ 43 Erlandson Implement....................................... 24 Etc. Tanning & Clothing................................... 18 Expressions Salon & Spa.................................. 27 Fairlight Home Enhncement............................ 36 Farmers Mutual Insurance of Manchester...... 40 Farmers State Bank............................................ 3 Federated Insurance - Stacey Johnson............ 33 First National Bank.......................................... 44
Fisher’s Fine Jewelry........................................ 28 Fleet Farm Supply............................................ 26 Frames R Us...................................................... 28 Freeborn Construction...................................... 14 Freeborn County................................................. 7 Freeborn County Historical Museum.............. 30 Freeborn Lumber.............................................. 12 Freeborn Pride Builders................................... 40 Geno’s Plumbing & Heating............................. 38 Glenville Short Stop.......................................... 43 Grace Lutheran Church...................................... 6 Green Lea Golf Course...................................... 18 Green Mill.....................................................Cover H & R Block....................................................... 32 Hanson Tire......................................................... 1 Hart Brothers Weaponry.................................. 16 Heart of the Artichoke...................................... 28 Hillcrest Cemetary Association........................ 30 Home Federal Bank.......................................... 42 Home Solutions................................................. 21 Indoor Technologies.......................................... 32 Injection Technology Diesel Service................. 40 ITC....................................................................... 8 Jakes Pizza........................................................ 28 Jan Jerdee......................................................... 17 Jim & Dudes Plumbing & Heating.............Cover Johnson Heating & A/C...............................Cover Joshua Parks Construction.............................. 25 Joyce Mathies Dance Centre............................ 31 KIMT............................................................Cover Lake Mills Chamber......................................... 41 Lake Mills Clinic............................................... 41 Lake Mills Community School......................... 41 Lake Mills Task Force....................................... 41 Larson Allen...................................................... 17 Larson Contracting......................................Cover Larson Manufacturing...................................... 41 Lembke Construction...................................Cover Let Energy Systems.......................................... 29 Loverink Drainage............................................ 20 M&S Outdoor Equipment................................. 20 Manchester Hartland Telephone...................... 40 Manpower.......................................................... 25 Mary Go Round Shoppe.................................... 28 Massage Connections........................................ 36 Mel’s Golf Carts................................................. 31 Midwest Antiques............................................. 28 Minnesota Abstract........................................... 47 MN Corrugated Box.......................................... 24 MN Freezer Warehouse.................................... 30 Morreim Drainage............................................. 40 Mrs. Gerry Salads............................................. 22 Nelson’s Marketplace........................................ 25 New Dimension Electronics.............................. 37 New to You Consignment.................................. 27 Nick’s Grocery................................................... 44
North American Mat Company........................ 44 Northbridge Mall.........................................Cover Northwood Lumber........................................... 40 Oak Park Place.................................................. 48 Plymouth Shoe Store........................................ 27 Precision Septic Services LLC.......................... 41 Produce State Bank.......................................... 46 Pub 69................................................................ 31 R & D Auto Repair............................................ 32 Radiant Haven.................................................. 44 Reinertsons Embroidery................................... 27 ReMax - Emelie & Jim Pualson....................... 31 Riverland College.............................................. 13 Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc........................ 32 Sanderson Auto................................................. 33 Security Bank.................................................... 48 Security Insurance.............................................. 7 Select Foods....................................................... 23 Service Master.................................................. 19 Shell Rock River Watershed District................. 1 Signature Real Estate..................................Cover South Central Pet Care.................................... 19 South MN Lubes............................................... 36 Southern Lock & Glass..................................... 34 Southside Custom............................................. 38 St. John’s Lutheran Home................................ 19 State Bank of Clarks Grove.........................Cover State Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt.. 36 State Line Electric............................................ 43 Steven’s Window & Hardware.......................... 33 Syverson Ford.................................................... 10 Thompson Sanitation........................................ 48 Thorne Crest Retirement Community ............ 46 Tic Toc Digital Printing.................................... 30 Tim’s Auto and Tire........................................... 43 TNT Used Appliances....................................... 28 Total Glass and Lock......................................... 16 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union............. 20 Trading Post........................................................ 6 Trails Travel Center ........................................ 38 Troy Thompson Agency....................................... 4 Ulland Brothers................................................ 17 United Employees Credit Union...................... 14 Uptown Dental.................................................. 22 US Bank.......................................................Cover Ventura Foods..............................................Cover Wal Mart............................................................ 11 Wedgewood Cove............................................... 47 Wells Federal Bank........................................... 37 Wells Insurance Agency.................................... 44 WFS................................................................... 44 Zenk Read Trygstad.......................................... 46 Zogg Dermatology............................................... 5 Zumbro River Brand Inc................................... 33
IMPACT 2010
Page 44 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Top 40 employers
Top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to respondents who filled out a survey. Information listed as: Ranking, employer Field, employees 1. Albert Lea Medical Center Medical, 1,131 2. Albert Lea Area Schools Education, 463 3. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 398 4. Cargill Food processing, 353 5. Walmart Retailer, 320 6. Riverland Community College Education, 296 7. St. John’s Lutheran Home Senior health services, 292 8. Good Samaritan Center Senior health services, 285 9. Hy-Vee Food Store Supermarket, 285 10. Lou-Rich Inc. Contract manufacturing, 276 11. Freeborn County Government, 270 12. City of Albert Lea Government, 267 13. Streater Inc. Store fixtures, 185 14. Ventura Foods Oils, margarine, lard, 169
15. Minnesota Corrugated Box Shipping containers, 161
31. Larson Manufacturing Co. Doors and windows, 60
16. Trail’s Travel Center Truck stop, 150
32. Sorensen Bros. Inc. Road construction, 60
17. Agilis Donations processor, 145
33. Poet Biorefining Ethanol production, 60
18. Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Refrigerated foods, 135
34. The Children’s Center Child care, 54
19. Thorne Crest Retirement Center Senior health services, 130
35. Oak Park Place Senior health services, 50
20. Larson Contracting General contractor, 125
36. Pro Trucking Transportation, 45
21. Home Depot Home improvement, 105
37. U.S. Post Office Mail services, passports, 45
22. Alamco Wood Products Laminated wood products, 99
38. Almco De-burring equipment,43
23. Bridon Cordage Industrial cordage, 90
39. Cedar Valley Services Vocational training & services, 43
24. Ulland Bros. Road construction, 90
40. Crossroads Trailer Sales Semitrailers, 42
25. Alliance Benefit Group Financial services, 74
Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. 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.
26. Alliant Energy Gas and electricity, 68 27. South Minnesota Oil Petroleum products, 65 28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant, 65 29. Innovance Support services, 60 30. Interstate Motor Trucks Truck services, 60
507-889-2088
Life
Farm Health
Wells Federal Bank Building
Member FDIC
53 1st St. SW Wells, MN 56089 507-553-6644 or 888-814-7801
fnbwase ca.com | 8 8 8 - 86 3- 9390
Call Chuck or Donna for a no cost, no obilgation quote today.
Generating Growth
How many employees does your company employ? Seventy. What does your company do? It produces snacks and cereals. What prompted you to expand in Albert Lea? An excellent facility was available.
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Q&A with Ten Innovators
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 5
Pam Sander is the president of Zumbro River Brand.
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IMPACT 2010
Open by appointment Call Angie Lair at (507) 320-0053 100 W. Front St., Hayward
How much risk was involved in the decision? We were operating a similar business in Owatonna and made the decision to expand to Albert Lea for growth. We did not initially think this was an extremely risky decision, but for the first two years, it looked like we may have expanded before we needed to. So it was, in fact, a significant risk that we were undertaking expenses without revenue. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? After those two slow years, being in a position to take bigger and new projects is paying off, and our business is growing rapidly. Employee count has doubled since we bought the plant, from 35 to 70. Sales have increased from $2.3 million in 2006 when we bought the plant to $5.2 million in 2009 and an estimated $6.7 million in 2010. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? A fortunate combination of going to work for the food industry and meeting an exceptional entrepreneur who recognized that employee talent is the ultimate asset. What book on business success would you recommend? I have not read many. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins was interesting. So was one about Minnesota entrepreneurs in which I remember reading that the entrepreneur who started Jeno’s Pizza ate a worm he saw on the top of his bean sprouts when making a presentation — before the customer could see it. Do you have any business advice for others?
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Any other comments? Being in business is the most fun anyone could have. It almost should not be rewarded with salary and profit, it is so exciting to do. Oh wait, I forgot for a minute that profit is the whole idea of this capitalist system that has built the United States and has done pretty well so far. We should be training entrepreneurs in our schools. They are born, sure. But they can also be trained as my own activities prove.
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Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
We offer a complete line of Hardware, Power & Hand Tools
IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
John Miller
John Miller is the owner and president of Freeborn Lumber. How many employees does your company employ? Twenty-one.
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What does your company do? It is a lumber yard specializing in custom designs for houses, additions, outdoor living spaces, kitchens and farm buildings.
How much risk was involved in the decision? None, just where we will end up. There was an added cost of having to buy land and the added tax of being part of a larger community. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Yes, for the risk involved it has been great. The majority of our customers are closer to us. So far, even with the economy as it is, it has been a great move. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? Family business. An opportunity to own our own business. I also enjoy designing houses and additions, and this gave me the opportunity.
STAND OUT IN A CROWD AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Share your thoughts on AlbertLeaTribune.com
What book on business success would you recommend? There are so many I have read, and they all help, but it is hard to beat “The Golden Rule” by Jim Gibbons.
Do you have any business advice for others? Owning your own business is a 24-hour-a-day job. It can be very rewarding, but you need to be on your toes 100 percent of the time, and if or when you make a mistake, own up to it and fix it to the best possible way and as fast as possible. Most of all, enjoy what you are doing and your customers will enjoy it as well.
They’re back! Bowling scores appear every Sunday in the Sports section of the Albert Lea Tribune.
MAKE ALBERT LEA YOUR COMMUNITY!
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 43
ITC builds a new Glenville substation
Wednesdays 5pm-8pm Build your own burger
Fridays 6pm-8pm Steak & Chops
Emmons American Legion
By Kelli Lageson staff writer
What prompted you to move your company to Albert Lea? We were located in Freeborn, and on Sept. 7, 2007, we had a fire that forced us to rebuild. We decided to rebuild in Albert Lea because of the size of the town and closer proximity to our customers.
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IMPACT 2010
Exclusively in the print edition.
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GLENVILLE — ITC Midwest is building a new substation southeast of Glenville to enhance the electrical grid and reliability of electricity in the region. ITC Midwest Director of Communications Tom Petersen said this substation will help take the load off other substations in the area. Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune The substation will be on five acres. This substation is being built south of Glenville off County Road 65 by ITC Work started on the substation in Midwest. It will help enhance the current electrical grid. May, and it will be operational by November. The substation is being built to He also said ITC Midwest has Power & Light. help with extra energy being made had a lot of activity in Freeborn and ITC Midwest has an operating in wind farms. It will be a 161 kiMower counties since it purchased facility in Albert Lea and has headlovolt/69 kilovolt substation, which the region’s transmission lines from quarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It means it connects to the 161 kilovolt Alliant Energy in 2007. is a subsidiary of Novi, Mich.-based line and converts the electricity to a “These projects are part of our ITC Holdings Corp. lower voltage. continued commitment to invest “It will serve as a connection to in the electric transmission grid to the Hayward-Worth line,” Petersen enhance electric reliability and to said. support the connection of renewMake your wedding The Hayward-Worth transmisable resources to the grid,” said ITC reception a truly sion line is 52 years old and rated at Midwest Executive Director Doug exceptional event! 161 kilovolts. The line needed to be Collins. “We continue to see demand • Groom’s Suppers, Wedding rebuilt to support energy generation from wind farms that want to locate Anniversaries, etc. from wind turbines in the area. The in this area. These transmission up• Will do catering for any size rebuilt line will interconnect with grades will support those wind gengroup, from full sit down lines owned by Dairyland Power. eration facilities and the economic meals to sandwiches, salads The 20-mile line runs between benefits they bring to our region.” and desserts made to go. substations in Hayward and ITC Midwest acquired almost Call 507-265-3265 Kensett, Iowa, which is in Worth 7,000 miles of electric transmission Conger Inn Catering County. lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois & Party Shop “It’s an important part of the invest- and Missouri in December 2007 Conger, Minnesota ment we’re making,” Petersen said. from Alliant Energy’s Interstate
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IMPACT 2010
SMIF works to add jobs in the Albert Lea area
In today’s topsy-turvy economy, and coaching. Riverland Community one thing everyone agrees on is the College is coordinating and overseeneed for jobs. Southern Minnesota ing the three-community effort. Initiative Foundation, for the past 24 The next step in the CGI is a comyears, has invested millions of dolmunitywide “speak out event,” held lars to create and maintain jobs. on Sept. 30 at the Fairlane Building This past year SMIF invested more at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds than $1.5 million in entrepreneurfrom 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All local ial initiatives and over $800,000 in residents are encouraged to attend biobusiness projects, including small to learn more about the current imbusiness and gap funding loans. We migrant workforce and share project know that 76 new jobs were created ideas for the $15,000 grant award. — an important accomplishment A meal will be served at 5 p.m. and given the tough economy! interpreters and child care In the Albert Lea area, will be provided. we’ve had the opportunity to Randy Kehr, executive assist seven entrepreneurs director of the Albert Leawith start-up and expansion Freeborn County Chamber activities in recent years. of Commerce and one of the Together, these businesses 20 Leadership Team mememploy more than 100 people bers, said: “From an economic and are helping to bolster perspective, it continues to be the local economy. We also a good return on investment helped support the Albert to attract and retain new Tim Lea Business Development immigrants to our commuPenny Center — home to several S. Minn. Init. nity. I hope that this CGI will entrepreneurs including one help them find ways to conFoundation nect both to those who have of our loan clients Daisy Blue Naturals — during the early been here for generations, start-up days. and among themselves. Improving SMIF is also directing resources to marketability, not just job skills, is helping new immigrants prepare for crucial — especially among refugees jobs or start their own businesses. who are often under-employed.” We know that many communities He emphasized that reaching out to within the region, including Albert minority entrepreneurs remains vital Lea, are experiencing an increasto Albert Lea’s business community. ing number of new immigrants and This is the first time SMIF has minorities. SMIF believes that to used a community-cluster approach achieve an entrepreneurial culture, with a leading educational institution we need the assets and involvement — Riverland Community College — of these new populations within our playing the role of coordinator. We’re local communities. excited about the possibilities to In particular, we’re helping Albert share and leverage resources, includLea and two other communities ing financial and educational. — Austin and Owatonna — build These are just a few examples of asset-based coalitions around the how SMIF is working in the Albert value of immigrants in the workforce Lea area and across our 20-county and community. The communities region to build economic partnerships each are creating a strong vision and that produce results. We look forward purpose around capitalizing on the to more opportunities to work with assets of new immigrants and milocal partners in building a strong, nority populations to increase their prosperous and welcoming region. economic vitality. As always, I welcome your quesThis initiative — called the tions, comments and feedback. You Community Growth Initiative, or can reach me by phone 507-455-3215 CGI — provides an opportunity for or e-mail timp@smifoundation.org. Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna We also invite you to visit our webto explore, leverage and align their site for more information about our existing resources to support imresources and partnership opportumigrant workforce efforts and nities — www.smifoundation.org. minority-owned businesses. As part of the grant, SMIF is providing up to Tim Penny is the president of $15,000 to each community for comthe Southern Minnesota Initiative munity projects along with training Foundation.
IMPACT 2010
Chamber of Commerce mission is wide, varied
Our Business/Education Partnership continues to bring business operators together with educators to develop a program that enhances “Promote and develop a healthy the education of our youth and and positive business climate and aids in the development of a qualiimprove the quality of life in the Alfied workforce for the future. They bert Lea-Freeborn County Area.” recognize all aspects of education from early childhood through lifeWe are a voluntary association of long learning opportunities. They business and professional men and are participants in Career Day at women who have joined together to Southwest Middle School and with work to find the solutions to their the generous support of Riverland mutual business and comCommunity College, assist in munity issues. Chamber the visit of the entire eighth members often look beyond grade class to both the Austin the short-term solutions and and Albert Lea campuses. work to plan far into the fuThey are currently developing ture. We are, however, aware a set of “career” videos that of pressing present need. will show real life individuLast year, we participated als discussing their careers in the AARP/Blue Zones Viand the paths that they took tality Project. More than 30 to arrive at their current businesses agreed to work on Randy positions. The goal is to show creating a healthier worksite Kehr the importance of all aspects for their employees. The total of education — no matter the Chamber chosen profession. number of employees imof Commerce pacted was well over 4,000. Our Governmental AfMember businesses changed fairs Committee, comprising their cafeterias, revamped their members who volunteer their time to vending machines, and created walk- study issues and to make recommening paths both inside and outside dations to the Board of Directors, their facilities. also offers information to our memThis year, the Albert Lea-Freeborn bers and the community through our County Chamber of Commerce election forums. While not endorsing Board of Directors has authorized any candidate, the chamber feels it the establishment of a permanent is in the best interest of our memstanding committee on worksite bers and the community, at large, to wellness. Currently, the Statewide provide these events. These efforts Health Improvement Program and even reach the primary election level Pioneering Healthy Communities when local races are contested. programs are laying the groundwork Our Agriculture Committee confor healthier worksites following the tinues to increase awareness of how path laid out by the Vitality Project. the agriculture industry impacts the The Albert Lea-Freeborn County business community, and to educate/ Chamber of Commerce believes that assist our youth in the understandthese efforts will not only improve ing of the importance of the agriculthe health of our workforce and lowture industry. These volunteers orgaer health care costs for our member nize the annual Third Grade Farm businesses but improve the overall Tours, our annual Agriculture Lunch health of Freeborn County. and participate through donations in To that end, the Worksite Wellthe annual 4-H Livestock Auction at ness Committee will seek to make the Freeborn County these efforts a permanent part of the The Green Committee was esworkplace culture for the businesses tablished as a vehicle to provide anof Freeborn County through sharswers, to educate, communicate and ing of successful policy changes and steer businesses to the appropriate worksite initiatives and the gatherresources to make their businesses ing of statistical data to support these more environmentally responsible. efforts. A Chamber of Commerce Through Business Monthly and Board of Directors member and the E-Biz Weekly, information is made CEO of a local business have agreed available to our members on topics to help establish the committee and See Kehr on Page 32 ➧ have already begun their work. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is to:
THANK YOU!
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 7
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!
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SERVING FREEBORN COUNTY
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
IMPACT 2010
Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Sports stores compete for customers
By Jon Theuer staff writer With the arrival of the fall sports and recreation season, parents may have to go buy a new pair of cleats for a child’s soccer interest, purchase themselves some warmer bicycling gear or get ready for hunting season. Whatever the reason, consumers in Albert Lea have three sports stores willing to help them find the goods you seek. In the city, they have Tiger City Sports, Martin’s Cycling & Fitness and Dunham’s Sports. Though all three are sporting goods stores, all take different approaches to drawing in the customers. Tiger City Sports has been in Albert Lea for 28 years; 10 years at its current location on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Clark Street. It is owned by Gary Hillman. Along with Hillman, Jordan Flatness and Tom Jones help out at the store during business hours. Tiger City Sports specializes in team sales, embroidery, trophies, shoes, silk screening, sporting goods and clothing.
Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
Tiger City employee Tom Jones listens to a customer’s inquiry about shoes. Two of the biggest sellers at Tiger City Sports are clothing and hockey equipment. Customers will find clothing ranging from the Vikings and Twins to sweatshirts and letterman jackets for all the area schools. With hockey, Tiger City offers a wide variety of equipment. There is a wide selection of hockey sticks,
and the employees will make sure customers find the right stick. “If a 5-year-old comes in, we measure to where the stick should be,” Jones said. “Then we cut it for them. There are times when we will put the tape on the stick for them, because it’s a new dad or mom who is new to hockey and wants to know how to do it. That’s why were here, and why
we’ve been here for so long.” Jones and Flatness believe that the biggest thing the store does that separates itself from other stores is customer service. “I think one thing we do is customer service — it’s huge,” Jones said. “If somebody buys a pair of inline skates and needs to have new wheels, we can put them on. We sharpen skates. We’re basically a complete sporting goods store for any kind of a team that wants to do everything from getting outfitted to having trophies at their end-of-theyear banquet. They can do that at one location.” “Customer service is huge,” Flatness said. “With us, we meet you at the door and greet you and ask if you need any help and if you’re OK. We let you walk around and check in on you periodically.” Among the biggest sellers at Tiger City Sports is the Under Armour brand, which Jones says has been a hit in the United States. “The Under Armour explosion has been big in the United States,” Jones
See Sports on Page 9 ➧
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 electric transmission system from Alliant Energy’s Interstate Power and Light Co. in December 2007, ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability and give customers broader access to electric generating sources. We’re also connecting the clean wind energy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa, encouraging renewable energy and its economic benefits for our region. We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 41
♦ Park
Continued from Page 30 infrastructure in place to attract companies to the park. “If you don’t have the site available, you’re crossed off the list and they move to another city,” Dorman said in June. Plus, construction costs will probably rise in the future. The I-35/I-90 Business Park came
♦ Loans Continued from Page 20 and two offices service the eastern section of the nation with a southeast office in Tampa, Fla., and the northeast office in Baltimore. Over the past five years, Thorson said the company has been in growth mode and hope to keep that momentum full speed ahead in the future. “We’ve grown substantially in the past five years, doubling revenues, and we hope to do that again,” she said. Local and regional clients for AmeriNational include Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity, American Bank and the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Some of their larger clients include the District of Columbia; Florida; Baltimore; Birmingham, Ala.; and Raleigh, N.C. AmeriNational has partnered with its clients in a volatile housing market, aggressive in foreclosure prevention programs and Habitat for Humanity, she said. “Our client’s goal is to help keep those buyers in their homes,” Thorson said. “They want to preserve affordable housing stock.” In addition to its work with banks and nonprofit organizations, AmeriNational has extensive experience with state and local government
our share y
about out of a continued local desire to capitalize on interstate traffic near the cloverleaf of Interstate 90 and Interstate 35. The park is designed for warehousing, distribution or light industrial. After the land in the Hobben Industrial Park was sold to Larson Manufacturing a few years ago, that was the last big chunk of superior interstate access available for new industrial developers coming to Albert Lea, Dorman said. affordable housing programs operating with funds under Community Development Block Grant, HOME, HOPE, Neighborhood Stabilization Program, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, tax-exempt bonds and other common federal and state sources. Its Habitat for Humanity affiliate is viewed as one of its premier partners for the habitat network, Thorson said. Thorson said AmeriNational has received some new business from various stimulus funding programs to combat the volatile housing market. “The state of Florida received a ‘Hardest Hit’ program, and we’ll help them implement that,” she said. The Hardest Hit Fund, meant for five states where the housing bust hit the hardest, provides federal assistance for FHA loans. The federal government has “programs where they lend money to homebuyers for home improvement and assistance,” Thorson said. “We help deliver those loans through underwriting, preparing documents for them and helping them dispense the loans to their borrowers.” “Once that loan is made, we will service it — the borrowers will make their payments to us,” she added. The company’s website is www. amerinational.net.
news
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IMPACT 2010
Page 40 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
♦ Vineyard
Continued from Page 11 It takes five years for the vines to mature enough to produce a full crop, but a partial crop is expected next year. In the mean time, the vines must be cut back each year to make them stronger. “It’s just vines for now,” Julie said. “We’ll probably make wine next year or sell the grapes to other wineries.” Working in a vineyard is no leisurely task. The Hagen Robbs, with help from their 24-year-old son, Tyson, recently finished stringing over
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Julie Hagen Robb trains a vine to grow on the first wire. The grape vines grow incredibly fast; so someone must come out every couple of days to retrain the disobedient vines. six miles of wire to hold the vines. Julie said it takes constant weeding and tending for the vineyard to stay healthy. “I really enjoy being out in the vineyard,” Julie said. “It doesn’t feel like work at all.” Every couple of days Julie or Dan or Julie’s father, Donnie Hagen, heads out to the vineyard to ensure the vines are wrapped along the bottom wire in order to train their growth. Next year Julie said they will have to worry about pesticides, because they want to be as organic as they can. However, wine-making doesn’t come cheap. Vineyards aren’t expected to become profitable until 10 years after they start producing grapes. The Hagen Robbs also have to pay royalties to the University of Minnesota, at 50 cents for each
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vine. Not to mention the expense of six miles of wire, Julie said it was a little expensive to run the vineyard. “We’re not looking to make a whole lot of money on this,” Julie said. “It’s more of a hobby right now.” The inspiration for starting the vineyard is due in part to Julie’s uncle who owns a vineyard in Olivia. “We’ve always been interested in the wine-making process,” Julie said. They took a class from the Iowa State University Extension in Northwood titled Wine and Grapes 101 and decided to start their own vineyard. In the class they learned that location was important not just agriculturally, but economically. A highly visible location which sees a lot of traffic is ideal for a vineyard and winery, which makes their land by the casino an exceptional location. The viticulture specialist for the extension, Mike White, even taught a class on pruning at the site of the Hagen Robb’s vineyard. “Location is key for vineyards and wineries; you want people to see it,” Julie said. The Hagen Robbs bought the land from Julie’s father and had always intended to do something with the land. Now with the vineyard there, their future plans are to build a winery and perhaps a home. They hope to start their own label and are most excited for the Marquette grapes which produce award-winning wine. “I still have a lot to learn, but it’s been exciting and fun,” Julie said.
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IMPACT 2010
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 9
ing goods stores. Martin’s also has skateboards, in“So that kind of distinguishes us be- line skates and Oakley sunglasses, cause we are a full-service bike shop,” among other items. Martin said. “Also when you come Martin said that his store has into Martin’s, there’s me and there’s products with fitness in mind. Justin, who is our full-time manager, “We do a lot with fitness-minded. and he does a lot of the repairs.” We have lots of things people can Besides bicycles, Martin’s, startspend and do outside on their free ing in the early ’90s, diversified and time,” Martin said. “Whether it is started to sell hockey equipment. bicycling, playing disc golf to RollerMartin’s sells a variety of hockey blading, or even skateboarding. We equipment from helmets and pads, have BMX or freestyle bikes. We do to skates and sticks. Martin’s also cater a lot for outdoor activities.” offers a unique program in which you Martin said that customer sercan lease new or used skates for your vice is a big key to his business. If child. The point being that with kids you buy something and it doesn’t growing so fast, you can lease the fit right or have problems, they will skates instead of buying a new pair. take care of it. “The concept of the lease is with “We go the extra mile. If they have kids growing so fast, it’s at a lower an issues or problems with it, were price to lease a pair of skates then it going to take care of it for them,” would be to buy them,” Martin said. Martin said. “If they purchase a “You can lease new or used skates, bicycle, and it just doesn’t fit them and when you lease from us you’re correctly, were going to take care of guaranteed a fit for the entire seait. We’re going fit them whether they son. So if your boy or girl happens go to a bigger or smaller size.” to grow, which they can have growth While Tiger City Sports and Marspurts where they can outgrow them tin’s Cycling & Fitness have been in a month, then you can bring them in Albert Lea for 20-plus years, the back in and we can refit you to that newest sports store to come to town skate or something of equal value.” is Dunham’s Sports. Along with bikes and hockey, Dunham’s Sports moved into NorthJon Theuer/Albert Lea Tribune another product that has been bridge Mall in early 2009, taking up Scott Martin repairs a bicycle in the shop of his store, Martin’s Cycling & selling well for Martin’s is disc golf Fitness, on South Broadway Avenue. See Sports on Page 29 ➧ gear, from discs to markers to bags. the sports goods people expect in a sports goods store — footballs, basketballs, bats, baseballs, softballs, Continued from Page 8 soccer balls, gloves, shoes, sports bras, jock straps, bags and so on. said. “And we try to keep up to date At Martin’s Cycling & Fitness, with all the latest Under Amour located on South Broadway, the stuff.” primary product is, as the name Embroidering services is another Albert Lea Area Schools provides students and families with a full spectrum implies, bicycles. The store’s role as specialty at Tiger City. of services and opportunities to make their futures as bright as possible. a Trek dealership is well-known. It Jones said the store can embroider a single item or 100 items. Tiger also carries brands such as Haro and City will work with customers when Gary Fisher. But the “Fitness” part of the name they bring in a design, and if they lets people know the place has more want something else or want to Hawthorne Elementary K-6 Lakeview Elementary K-6 Sibley Elementary K-6 than bikes, bike repair and bike gear. change something, they will alter 507-379-4960 507-379-5020 507-379-5080 Owned by Scott Martin, Martin’s the design to make sure it fits the Cycling & Fitness had been a fixture customer’s idea. in the Albert Lea since the spring of “What we do is we have someone 1981. bring us artwork and if it’s not exMartin started fixing bicycles with actly what they want I can sit there his dad in their garage in Plainview and tweak it,” Jordan Flatness said. Halverson Elementary K-6 Southwest Middle School 7-8 Brookside Education “I’ll do it by hand or get it to the way when he was a kid, and it has been 507-379-4900 507-379-5240 Center his business ever since. District Administration and they want it.” Services – 379-4800 albertlea.k12.mn.us “My main business I cater to is the Tiger City Sports also sells troEarly Childhood Special Albert Lea Area Schools bicycle business,” Martin said. “We phies. The store started making Education – 379-4822 Our Mission is to: do full sale and service on bikes. We “Equip learners of all ages to Community Ed – 379-4834 trophies in the early 1980s. It has think, to achieve and to care” service any brand of bicycle. When become a big part of the business, Albert Lea High School 9-12 you come into our store, we not only according to Jones. 507-379-5340 go through the line of bikes with “If someone comes in the morning Strong Schools for a Strong Community you, we also make sure you’re fitted and orders three or four trophies, correctly. We also make sure you find by 12:30 in the afternoon they’ll be ready, completely done and engraved the right model.” Martin also believes quality assuming we have the equipment in bicycles and good customer service stock,” Jones said. separate the place from other sportOf course, Tiger City Sports has
IMPACT 2010
Page 10 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
VALUE PRICE...
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 39
PLAIN & SIMPLE
AND
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Dave Anderson, Jill Luoma and Rick Carlson stand in a service bay.
Stop in and Experience the Difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!
R&D Automotive relies on its great reputation By Linda Holst for the Tribune
Kade Vershey
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Years of experience are not in short supply at R&D Automotive Repair. Co-owners (and brother-in-laws) Dave Anderson and Rick Carlson have a combined total of 75 years mechanic experience. Both worked at local dealerships and other automotive businesses. Their “repair specialty” is transmissions. “Transmission work is what usually brings the customer here for the first time,” Carlson said. “The person may be our customer forever after that.” Overhauling a transmission can take three to four days. Time is needed to order the parts, which arrive from Iowa or Minneapolis. A new transmission can be installed in one to two days. “We try to buy parts locally,” Anderson said. Servicing transmissions is not the only type of work Anderson and Carlson provide. Engine, brake and muffler work are also on their resume of talents. “We don’t do tire or alignment work,” said Carlson. R&D Automotive Repair has
a loaner car available while the owner’s car is being serviced. “We will shuttle people to and from work,” he said. Anderson and Carlson pride themselves in having satisfied customers. They will stand behind their work and manufacturers have limited warranties on parts. “People know we worked at dealerships, so they trust we know what we are doing,” Carlson said. The nurturing of their reputation took three to four years. Both co-owners state they have a good reputation and many repeat customers. And an advantage to being a small business versus a dealership is the customer gets to talk to the mechanic, not the shop manager. The decline in car sales has been reflected in R&D Automotive Repair’s volume of work. People are keeping their present vehicles and making repairs as needed. “We have plenty of work,” said Carlson. “We have never stood around and asked where’s our next customer.” R&D Automotive Repair is located at 801 E. Main St. in Albert Lea. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Page 38 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
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On site service available Donnie Hagen; Julie Hagen Robb’s father; gently dislocates an unruly vine. Hagen used to own the land his daughter now has a vineyard on.
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Doug Evans ~ Jason Evans 2190 S. Lincoln Albert Lea, MN 56007 Ph: 507-377-1508 Fax: 507-377-0695 countrysidervservice.net
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 11
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IMPACT 2010
Gypsy July 14, 15, 16 & 17 (matinee) & July 20, 21, 22, 23, 2011
Box Office: (507) 377-4371 www.ActOnBroadway.com Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Janet Lawler/Albert Lea Tribune
Julie Hagen Robb unwinds a Marquette grape vine from the second wire. The vines must spend their first couple years trained on the first wire.
Vineyard sprouts along I-35
By Janet Lawler staff intern NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One of Iowa’s newest vineyards is located 1 1/2 miles south of the Diamond Jo Casino. Clearly visible from I-35, it spans roughly one acre, divided into 16 rows of wood and wire which sup-
port the 576 vines. It is owned and operated by Julie Hagen Robb and her husband, Dan. Their day jobs are as a Century 21 realtor and a UPS driver, respectively. Temporarily, they are calling the vineyard After All. The Hagen Robbs planted the vineyard in the spring of 2009. It
has hardy stock vines from the Winter Haven Nursery in Mankato, which were developed by the University of Minnesota and are specifically designed to survive the cold winters of the Midwest. The vineyard features seven rows of Marquette grapes and four rows of Frontenac grapes, which are both
red grapes for wine-making. It also has four rows of Brianna, a white grape used for wine, and a single row of Sommerset grapes, which are a standard table grape. “I love the look of the vineyard,” Julie said.
See Vineyard on Page 40 ➧
Page 12 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 37
Nancy Skophammer
Nancy Skophammer is president and chief executive officer at Farmers State Bank. How many employees does your company employ? Twenty.
What does your company do? We are an independent community bank; our focus is to serve Freeborn County businesses and individuals, not Wall Street. We raise funds by collecting deposits from local businesses and consumers via checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits (CDs). As a community bank we make loans in our county and are able to make decisions regarding loans in a timely fashion because we are locally owned. We have served our community for more than 98 years; our reputation has stood up to the judgment of previous generations and must continue to stand up to the judgment of future generations. We know our most important asset
is our reputation, and we strive to be the community bank that can meet the needs of individuals and businesses.
What prompted you to expand in Albert Lea? Many Albert Lea residents and businesses provided the catalyst for us to expand into Albert Lea. We would frequently have someone comment that if we were in Albert Lea they would be a customer. In 2004 we decided it was time to take the challenge and started looking for place to open a branch. How much risk was involved in the decision? The bank’s board tried to mitigate our risk with very cautious, conservative, comprehensive planning. Daniel Otten, our commercial lender and board member, created many risk scenarios for board review. When we felt we had developed an adequate 10-year strategic plan, we submitted it to the Minnesota
201 East Clark St. PO Box 1226 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226 Tel: 507-377-9344 800-880-401k Fax: 507-377-2051
Department of Commerce for approval, as it determines whether or not a bank can branch into another community. When the plan was approved, we set up a branch in a former veterinary clinic on the Albert Lea Seed House campus and watched the construction of the building where we are now located at 1452 W. Main St.
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Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Absolutely! We have exceeded our growth expectations each year and have remained strong during these turbulent economic times. Our mission statement, “Providing the financial services you want wherever you are,” required upgrading our technology to be able to offer the products our customers would need wherever they were and enable us to compete with the big banks on our home turf. Our Internet banking products and high interest e-checking accounts
See Skophammer on Page 29 ➧
Let the skilled designers at Freeborn Lumber Co. create a setting of warm and welcoming comfort in your home. For the kitchen, bath, home office, or any room, Freeborn Lumber Co. brings you the best in home cabinetry.
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IMPACT 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 13
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Page 36 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
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IMPACT 2010
Page 14 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 35
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Gary Kresbach, of Pro Manufacturing, grinds a part for a gazebo.
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Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea Tribune
One company led to another
By Andrew Dyrdal sports editor One Albert Lea company has evolved into four under one umbrella name. Pro Trucking Inc. started in 1985, hauling wooden shelters for Alamco Wood Products — stuff that was too wide, too heavy and needed a permit from the state and escorts to haul. Then 11 years later, the company changed. “Alamco asked, ‘Would you consider making some steel for us?’” Jim Troe, general manager of manufacturing, said. “Dan is kind of a risk taker, so we did.” Dan DeBoer and his wife, Kathy, along with Loran Shroeder, were the co-owners of Pro Trucking. But with that one request from Alamco, a second company — Pro Manufacturing — was born. The DeBoers’ company could now do two things. For example — when Laminated Wood Systems out of Seward, Neb., designed power poles for Pro Manufacturing to build steel connectors
for, they could do that and Pro Trucking could haul the power poles to Florida to be installed. But the company felt they weren’t completing the job so, to physically install the poles themselves, the DeBoers put cranes on their trucks and started Pro Crane, a third company that now also takes rooftop air conditioners off buildings and puts docks in and out of Fountain Lake and surrounding water. As Pro Trucking, Pro Manufacturing and Pro Crane grew, they couldn’t always keep up with the demand of their nationwide customers so a year and a half ago, they started Pro Transportation, a company that allows four companies to service customers even if they don’t have enough trucks. “It allows customers to make one phone call,” manager of transportation, Ray Talamantes, said. “If we don’t have enough trucks, we’ll subcontract that (freight) out.” Since Pro Trucking has around 80 employees, most of whom are selfemployed owner-operators, and Pro Manufacturing employs around 25,
specialize in building steel bridges, gazebos and connectors for laminated wooden beams, often seen in hotels and waterparks. The company makes it a priority to help fund ministry through nonprofit organizations, Shinefest and a Jamaica mission that A steel bridge lies inside the Pro Advantage man- helps the city of Accomufacturing building. The bridge will be installed pong get out of poverty. in a floodplain. Now, Pro Advantage has formed the Souththe two companies, along with Pro Transportation and Pro Crane, have ern Minnesota Manufacturing Alliance, a group of three companies that come together under one name — worked together to perform jobs they Pro Advantage. wouldn’t be able to do on their own. “We’re using synergy,” Troe said. Along with CAB Construction, “If we work together we can market of Mankato, and Metal Services, of ourselves to a customer a lot better Blooming Prairie, Pro Advantage is than each of us could individually.” working on getting SMMA off the As a single entity, Pro Advantage ground. has built and hauled assembly “We’re hoping to add a couple stands for a wind farm in Jackson, quality customers within a year,” the bridge at Katherine Island, a Troe said. “It will help when we can fish barrier at the Fountain Lake find niches in the market we can dam and the disc golf baskets at specialize.” Bancroft Bay Park — but say they
IMPACT 2010
Page 34 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 15
GIFT WRAP AVAILABLE
Don’t forget - FREE ice with every purchase! 1617 W. Main St. • 507.379.2364
LUNCH COMBOS STARTING AT $5.99 Voted Albert Lea’s best restaurant!
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Southern Lock & Glass is at 717 Marshall St. in Albert Lea.
2740 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea • 373-0380
Your commercial and residential glass and lock specialists • Commercial Garage & Entry Doors • Store Fronts • Fiberglass Doors (resist rust) • Windshield/Window Repair & Replacement • Auto Lock Work • Ignition Work • Lock-Out Service We Make Keys for Cars
Owners: Keith & Angie Flatness
507-373-9446
717 Marshall St. • Albert Lea
24 HOUR EMERGENCY LOCK & GLASS SERVICE 507-402-1618
Southern Lock & Glass works all over Midwest By Linda Holst for the Tribune
Southern Lock & Glass owners Keith and Angie Flatness have been growing their business since January 2008. Both are natives to Albert Lea, as are their three sons. Diversification has been the key to surviving the changing economic times. Keith has 30 years of experience in the lock and glass sector. He is skilled at a variety of jobs: lock and safe work, high security, garage doors and glass work. This diversity is advantageous to the business. “We always have work regardless of the time of year,” Keith said. Most of the work is out of town, locations such as Minneapolis, Brainerd, St. Cloud, Duluth, Chicago and southern Iowa. “We do mostly commercial work: school districts, courthouses and large corporations,” Keith said. Southern Lock & Glass gets its glass from Minneapolis and Chicago; its hardware comes from Minneapolis and the East Coast. This past year Keith has performed a lot work for school districts. “Schools have needed to bring their buildings up to code for handicap students, such as automatic
doors,” he said. Even though Keith is frequently out of town, Angie is at the business, 717 Marshall St. in Albert Lea, most days. Angie is busy answering phone calls and doing the bookkeeping. Residential work is a small part of the business. “We try to take care of the local customers when we can and as best as we can,” Keith said. “If we can’t help you, we will recommend someone who can.” Southern Lock & Glass will provide service work on Saturdays when customers are at home and after 5 p.m. “I will even do service work before I leave town,” he said. Auto glass repair is an offered service. “We will schedule several vehicles in one day,” he said. What does the future hold for Southern Lock & Glass? “Our two oldest sons will be working full-time,” Keith said. “We plan to expand to out of town, with the sons operating the business.” Keith and Angie have never pushed their sons to join the business. “They are the ones wanting to do it. They have been around it all their lives and they know what is involved,” he said.
Three new wind turbines grace the farm fields west of Manchester.
Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
Bent Tree bolsters local economy By Kelli Lageson staff writer The Bent Tree Wind Farm currently under construction will have a lasting impression on the county — and not just the landscape. Freeborn County will receive tax dollars in the form of wind energy production tax. The tax dollars will be split between Freeborn County and impacted townships. Freeborn County will receive 80 percent and townships will split 20 percent of the tax. County officials are anticipating the first payment in February 2012. County Administrator John Kluever estimates the tax will amount to about $600,000 to split between the county and townships. The wind farm is being built in two phases, with the second phase still in planning stages. Infrastructure currently will not support the second phase, but eventually when it is built the county and townships will split an estimated $1.2 million per year from the wind energy production tax. Property owners in the project
area with turbines on their land receive a yearly payment for each turbine. Director of the Bent Tree Wind Farm Ted Francois wouldn’t disclose the amount each landowner receives but said each landowner gets the same amount per turbine. The amount is also not based on wind production and is a flat payment each year. A November 2009 report from North Dakota State University Extension Service says: “Anecdotal reports indicate most companies are paying $4,000 to $6,000 annually per megawatt of tower capacity for fixed-compensation packages.” Despite rainy and windy weather, project directors still plan to complete the project by the end of March of next year. “Construction is well on the way,” said Ted Francois, project developer with Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy is investing more than $400 million in the first phase of the project. While the project is being built, it will bring about $40 million directly and indirectly to the community, as well as the taxes they
Two wind turbines shine in the sun on a cloudy day. In the background, a crane is at the site of a tower being constructed.
will pay each year after the building is done, Francois said. At times during construction there have been as many as 350 workers at project sites. Ames Construction of Burnsville has the contract for civil work, and Boldt Construction of Appleton, Wis., received the contract for the concrete needed for the foundations of the turbines. A cement plant has been in production on County Road 14 since late spring this year. “The first turbine will be in production by the end of the year,” Francois said. Other infrastructure has been built for this project. A substation on County Road 29 and Highway 13 is being built to receive all the power from the wind turbines. Each turbine will be connected to the substation on County Road 29 by underground cables. These cables will also connect the turbines to each other for information sharing. The cables are embedded about 60 inches into the ground. From this substation a newly
See Wind on Page 16 ➧
Page 16 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
♦ Wind
Continued from Page 15 constructed 161 kilovolt transmission line leads to another substation being built by ITC Midwest where the power generated will connect to the grid, counting as renewable energy for Wisconsin Power & Light. The new transmission line between the substation was completed in August, with 15 steel-pole foundations and 49 poles set. The ITC Midwest substation is called Freeborn Substation and is expected to be in service by the end of September. One resident living across the street from some of the turbines being built said it’s definitely a change in the landscape. “It’s entertaining to watch them build them,” Terry Gjersvik said. “It’s been really busy around here.” The massive construction project was described as a logistical nightmare by construction manager Tim Shugart. Shugart explained that orchestrating where all the employees and trucks will be takes a lot of time and logistics planning. Certain processes of the construction can’t be done at the same time for safety reasons. “There’s a tremendous amount of work to coordinate efforts,” Shugart said. Shugart talked about some goals for the completion of the wind farm. He said he hopes to have some of the turbines opera-
tional by October. Then more and more will become operational in November, December, January and February. He also said winter weather doesn’t prevent construction, but that it does slow down considerably. Because of the Minnesota climate, the turbines in the Bent Tree Wind Farm are equipped with a winter package that includes a heating system. The wind turbines cannot self-generate power. They are constructed to send power to the substation, and consequently will have to be sent a small amount of power to run electronics in the turbine. Shugart said people in the county have been nice to work with. He also said even after construction that Bent Tree Wind Farm will be a part of the county for many years. “We’ll be here as your neighbor and as part of the community,” Shugart said. “The people here are very helpful.” One of the biggest problems while making the wind farm is drainage tile being cut during construction. A crew has been following all the construction fixing tile as they go, and there are plans to come back in spring next year to check tile again. State Rep. Robin Brown said she thinks it’s good that Alliant Energy seems genuinely concerned about property owners in the wind farm area. “They seem willing to work with them,” Brown said. “I’m very pleased that they’re on budget and on schedule.”
IMPACT 2010
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 33
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Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
North American Title Co. is in the 204 S. Washington Ave. office building.
North American Title comes to Albert Lea By Linda Holst for the Tribune Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
A crane lifts a tower section during the construction of a wind turbine at the Bent Tree Wind Farm.
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IMPACT 2010
• Overhead Doors • Windows • Auto Glass • Lock Services • Custom Mirrors
When Albert Lea Abstract Co. closed its doors in June amid theft and racketeering charges against its owner, it left a gap in the local market for abstract and title work. There was only one company left in Albert Lea housing market doing the work that had been done by two competing companies. That meant there probably was room for another title company. Enter North American Title Co. The business opened a new branch in Albert Lea on Sept. 10. It is at 204. S. Washington Ave. in the Eagles Club building, right across the street from the now-shuttered Albert Lea Abstract Co.’s site. North American Title Co. is part of a national chain, with offices in 14 states and the District of Columbia, though it can serve all 50 states through a relationship with Fidelity National Agency Solutions. The states North American Title is in are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Albert Lea’s office will be the sixth branch in Minnesota. Melissa Ausen will manage the office of two employees, and Alex Grundhoffer, director of business development, is responsible for growing the business. The staff members presently are hoping to fill the present gap in the local market, though the competition,
Minnesota Abstract & Title Co., did see significant growth in the wake of Albert Lea Abstract’s closing. “Expansion of the business will be a wait and see,” Grundhoffer said. Minnesota Abstract added employees following Albert Lea Abstract’s closing, but officials with Minnesota Abstract declined to be interviewed. The primary responsibility of the office will be to give clear title of property sold, in addition to preventing a defect in ownership. Some responsibilities of the title company will be completed by other offices in the country. “We have tons of employees with over 10 years of experience,” Grundhoffer said. North American Title Co.’s clients will come from the local Realtors and bank loan officers. “Half the title transactions now come from banks because of the foreclosures,” he said. Grundhoffer assures its clients’ assets with the company will be safe. “Because the business is nationally owned, there will be more oversight, such as audits.” With the housing downturn, there have been more regulations imposed on title companies, “especially in the last six months,” he said. “Our industry is asking for more regulations pertaining to the entry of new businesses.” The health of the market is not known yet. But North American Title Co. is here to make the transition from seller to buyer as seamless as possible.
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Page 32 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc. • Custom Plastic Injection Molding • Mold, CNC Machining 1701 Margaretha Ave, Albert Lea, MN
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IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Mike Larson
Mike Larson is the president and chief executive officer of Innovance. How many employees does your company employ? Three hundred forty.
IMPACT 2010 Bent Tree Wind Farm by the numbers: Facilities: Turbines: 122 Vestas V82, 1.65mw 16-foot wide access roads: 26 miles 161kv interconnect line: 4.1 miles Acres in boundary: 19,500 Turbine weights and lengths: Blade: 15,000 pounds/131 feet Tower (base): 110,000 pounds/74 feet Tower (lower middle): 41,000 pounds/35 feet Tower (upper middle): 69,000 pounds/74 feet Tower (top): 71,000 pounds/77 feet Tower (total height): 262 feet/397 feet with a blade pointing up Tower (total weight): 372,000 pounds Nacelle: 104,000 pounds Hub: 42,000 pounds Delivery of pieces: more than 1,000 truckloads
What does your company do? 1. Lou-Rich: contract engineering and manufacturing. 2. Almco: industrial finishing and cleaning equipment andservices. 3. Panels Plus: construction equipment. 4. Exact Manufacturing: precision aluminum extrusions.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? I believe a majority of our employees are better aware of the things they can do to lead a healthier life and live longer. We have many employees who have dropped to a healthier weight, and they now exercise on a regular basis.
and science classes. I knew by tenth grade that I wanted to become an engineer and design and build products.
Do you have any business advice for others? Simplify!
♦ Kehr
life. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is honored to represent the business community and the greater Freeborn County community, as well.
ranging from energy and lighting to purchasing and transportation Our members participate in these activities in order to improve your community’s economy and quality of
Foundations: Concrete: Reinforcing steel:
515 cubic yards each (of 50 concrete trucks full) 35 tons each
Main crane: Manitowoc model 16000
weighs more than 1 million pounds/440 ton maximum lifting capacity
“Always providing quality service to the construction industry”
What book on business success would you recommend? “First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? In high school I enjoyed math
Continued from Page 7
Turbine operations: Generator cut-in speed: 8 mph Generator cut-out speed: 47 mph Blade rotational speed: 14.4 rpm
Left: Two Barnhart Crane & Rigging workers look out from a partially constructed tower. Barnhart is the contractor for construction the wind farm, but Alliant Energy subsidiary Wisconsin Light & Power owns the project. Right: A Manitowoc crane positions the hub and blades onto a nacelle at the Bent Tree Wind Farm.
What prompted you to embrace the Vitality Project? We place a high value on our employee owners and want them to be healthy, happy and secure at work and at home. How difficult was it to make changes and get results? The changes that our company had control of were relatively easy to make — such as designing walking paths, buying fruit for employees, using water mugs, redecorating our employee lunch room and providing healthy information. However, getting the vending machine suppliers to include healthy snack choices has been very difficult.
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 17
Randy Kehr is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.
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Glenville Scale 448-2047
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Page 18 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
www.greenlea.com 101 Richway Drive 373-1061 Book Your Corporate Outings Early
Voted Albert Lea's Best Course 2004-2010! • 18-Hole Public Course • Club Repair & Service • Club & Cart Rental • Pro Shop • Relaxing 19th Hole JERRY'S BAR
BREAKFAST
Sat, Sun, Holidays 7am-11:30am
LUNCH DAILY
Banquest, Receptions and Parties CALL FOR INFORMATION
Serving You With Quality Hardware Since 1903
• Interior & Exterior Paints • Plumbing & Electrical • Farm Supplies • Full line of Air Compressors • Snow Blowers • Mowers & Tillers
Clarks Grove Hardware
Clarks Grove • 256-7249
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to make your next business trip a soaring success! Also specializing in leisure travel!
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CERTIFIED TRAVEL
Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea www.certifiedtravelmn.com email: agent@certifiedtravelmn.com
M-F 9am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-2pm (closed Saturdays during the summer)
Enjoy the finest Tanning Equipment in the area
ETC Etcetera Tanning & CLOTHING
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Andy Petersen
Andy Petersen is the agency principal at Security Insurance. How many employees does your company employ? Thirteen. What does your company do? We are an independent insurance agency selling property, casualty, health and life insurance. As an independent we represent numerous different companies from across the country. What prompted you to relocate your business? We felt it was time for a change. The Eagles Building was a great location for us for a number of years — more than 30. Our lease was coming up, and we started the process of looking for a new building. All in all, we probably explored relocation for a couple of years, looking at different buildings, as well as different lots to potentially build. In the end, we decided on the old Movie Gallery building and are very happy with our decision. One of the main reasons for wanting to move was to improve the parking situation for our clients. In the old location, clients often had to park far away and in the winter it was difficult for some of them to get in. The new location provides a nice-sized parking lot and will be much improved for our clients. Also the increased visibility of being on Main Street was attractive to us as well. How much risk was involved in the decision? There was some risk involved; there is in any investment that you make. We felt that it was offering our clients a more convenient location, however. That coupled with the increased exposure we get at this location we felt it was a risk worth taking. Have results proven worthy?
You either get it or you don’t
What are the results? It is a little early to tell, but the feedback we have gotten from our clients and the community as a whole has been very positive. We are optomistic that we will look back on this process and be very glad we made the move. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I’ve always liked working with people; that was a big reason to get into the business because there is always a lot of interaction with your clients. It also provided me the opportunity to work with my family, which has been a big positive. Being able to learn the business from my dad (Larry) and uncle (Gar) was a big deciding factor, as well. It also provided me with an opportunity to move back to my hometown, which was something that was good for me as well. I thought Albert Lea was a fantastic place to grow up, and now I have the opportunity to raise my children in this community as well.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 31
Port Authority, Greater Jobs Inc. work in tandem to bring business What is ALEDA? ALEDA is an acronym for the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. Established in 2003, ALEDA is an umbrella organization made up of two separate entities: the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs Inc. The idea was to provide a single source for those in need of economic development assistance. The ALEDA mission statement is:
Because of this, we were able to help the city of Hartland obtain a state infrastructure grant to become the home of the operations and maintenance facility for the Bent Tree Wind Farm. Recently, we worked with the city of Alden on establishing a tax increment financing district to accommodate a new farm implement dealer in our area. ALEDA assistance is provided to cities and townships “To provide and promote at no cost to them. Both services and resources to Greater Jobs and the Port retain, expand, create and atAuthority are self-funded. tract businesses, increase tax Both organizations rely on base and quality employment real estate investments to Dan opportunities in Freeborn pay the bills. In addition, Dorman County.” Greater Jobs has more than ALEDA 100 members who contribute Greater Jobs Inc. is a notto the organization annually. for-profit economic development Like most decisions, establishcorporation, the roots of which date ing an independent Port Authority back to 1943 and Jobs Inc. There are board is not without critics. Speakseven members on the Greater Jobs ing about the Port Authority, a forBoard of Directors. mer City Councilor, and at the time The Albert Lea Port Authority was a candidate for mayor, was quoted authorized by the state Legislature in the Albert Lea Tribune as saying, and established in 1987. The Port “They’ve spent a lot of money,” and Authority board is made up of seven “To me, the control by the council commissioners appointed by the would be better there.” City Council. From 1987 until 2004, There is no question that the Port the Board of Commissioners comAuthority has spent a lot of money. prised the members of the Albert Since 2004, the Port Authority has Lea City Council. spent over $3.6 million to acquire The structure of the Port Authorand develop the ALEDA Industrial ity Board of Commissioners changed Park directly west of the Jobs Indusin 2004. While members of the trial Park on Margaretha Avenue. Board of Commissioners are still This is a long-term investment in appointed by the City Council, the needed industrial property, not just board is no longer made up of only one-time spending. council members. Port Authority Would direct council control of the bylaws require at least two comPort Authority be better? Let’s look missioners be members of the City at the numbers. Before the creation Council. The other five seats can be of ALEDA, the Port Authority had held by any Albert Lea resident. The boards of Greater Jobs and the Port Authority comprise the same seven members. While there is TOW & TRAVEL no requirement that this be the case, 24 HOUR having the same people serve on both boards helps create a “one-stop” shop for those in need of ALEDA assistance. ALEDA is recognized by the state of Minnesota and others as the economic development arm of not only the city of Albert Lea but all of Freeborn County. The scope of • Jump Start & Lockout Services • Flatbed • Wheel Lift • Air cushioned recovery the Port Authority is limited to just • Crane Service • Landoll Trailer the city, while Greater Jobs does 128 South Garfield • 373-3551 not have a geographic limitation.
ALLEN’S
grown stagnate. At the end of 2003, the last year before ALEDA was formed, the Port Authority had total net assets of $8.107 million. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2009, total port assets have grown to $10.413 million. This is an increase of $2.3 million or 22 percent. This $2.3 million increase in assets is after paying our expenses, which includes salary and overheard related to the Port Authority. ALEDA provides good value to the citizens in our area. The $3.6 million invested in the new ALEDA Industrial Park was paid for in cash. In many other cities, the taxpayers would have paid an increased levy for such a project. With regard to levies, state statutes allow port authorities to levy for their operational expenses. However, the Albert Lea Port Authority has never had to do that, relying instead on income from operations to pay the bills. In addition to the construction of the ALEDA Industrial Park, there are two other major projects to highlight. This summer saw the completion of our new specification building on 14th Street and Margaretha Avenue and the construction of 777th Avenue just east of Love’s truck stop on East Main Street. If you have not driven by these projects please do so. If you have any questions about the information provided above, or about ALEDA in general, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 373-3930 or at DanDorman@ growalbertlea.com. Dan Dorman is the executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.
Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978
New and Used Golf Carts Over 50 used carts for sale
Mel’s Golf Carts 132 Garfield Ave. So. Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-438-2705
To be the best, take from the best
Joyce Matthies Dance Centre
707 W. Clark, Albert Lea
377-1183
www.joycematthiesdance.com
1
$
25
TAP BEER Noon-5:30pm
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
Events Schedule: www.pub69.net Hwy 69, Twin Lakes
507-852-2200
IMPACT 2010
Page 30 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Albert Lea Steel, Inc. Service center
Your Local Wholesale Distributor of Structural Steel
1126 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007
1-507-373-5315
Steven K. Bland, DDS
1206 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN Hours: Mon.-Wed. 7:30-5:00 Thurs. by appointment
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
Call Us... 373-5350
Full service includes: • • • •
Burial vaults Grave Markers Flowers/Wreaths Perpetual Care
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea
373-3560
www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com
Minnesota Freezer Warehouse... a quality supplier of refrigerated warehouse storage. To learn more about how we might work together to improve your supply chain efficiency and response times, give us a call at
507-373-1477
Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Part of the new 777th Avenue that will lead to the new Interstate 35-Interstate 90 Business Park is already in place at the end of August. Contractors hope to complete the entire road by the end of the construction season.
Road first, then industry
By Sarah Stultz staff writer In just a few short months, commercial developers looking to build in Albert Lea will be able to get a better view of the city’s newest industrial park through the extension of 777th Avenue from East Main Street. City and state leaders, along with area economic development officials, broke ground for the road in the new 80-acre Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park in June. It is near Exit 11 of I-35, east of the Love’s truck stop. The project is moving steadily along. Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman said the street has to be completed by the end of the year because of deadlines attached to the
grant money received for the $1.8 million project. Contractor’s Edge of Mankato is completing the work, which also involves the installation of water, sewer and storm sewer. The road will start at what used to be the truck entrance of Love’s truck stop and will wind through the industrial park for about 2,600 feet. Dorman said having the road in place will allow Albert Lea to be more competitive with neighboring communities for the next business or industry that comes to the park. I-35 and I-90 provide possibilities for a distribution center, as an example. Greater Jobs Inc., a private, nonprofit development corporation created in 1943, purchased the 80-acre property in 2007. At that time, Dorman said he and the other ALEDA leaders thought it
It’s time to get comfortable®
820 East 13th Street • PO Box 88 • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1477 • Fax 507-373-2174
was important to own the large piece of land that the park will be on because they were competing for a Target frozen foods distribution center. In 2008, they showed the property to a different company from out of town. The company liked the site ahead of time, but interest went down when they saw it in person. Dorman said installing a road — along with sewer and water — would give a potential developer a better view of the property. And with the help of a $250,000 state grant and a $709,000 federal grant, that has made the project more feasible. Dorman said he’s heard people ask why the road is a priority when there’s not a business at the industrial park yet, but he tells them of the importance of having the basic
See Park on Page 41 ➧
Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village announce Building Expansion Project Check out our website for details:
www.smig.net/fchm
FURANCE SALE Special Pricing!
Federal Tax Credit Available MINNESOTA FREEZER WAREHOUSE CO. www.mfwc-cold.com
Gladys Reinertson
Gladys Reinertson is the owner and operator of Reinertson’s Embroidery. How many employees does your company employ? Five. What does your company do? Custom embroidery for schools, business and personal use.
“Why bolt it when you can weld it!”
GOT TEETH?
IMPACT 2010
plumbing
Heating Serving The Area Since 1949! 373-1301
Expansion will include Elevator, new entrance, additional exhibit & storage space and more 1031 Bridge Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone 507-373-8003 Museum & Library Open Year Round Tues. - Fri. 10 am - 5 pm Village Open May - September
What prompted you to take your product and sell it online? We wanted to expand our business and make our products available worldwide. How much risk was involved in the decision? There was very little risk involved because the cost was very low and the potential for more business was very large. Have results proven worthy? What are the results?
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 19
Providing Care in an Environment of God's Grace St. John's Luther Home and Knutson Place Apartments
Offering… • Long-term care • Special memory care unit • Dedicated short-term stay unit • Housing with services
Yes, we have received orders from all parts of the country and worldwide.
Medicare & Medicaid certified Physical, occupational and speech therapy Religious and chaplain services Social events and outings
507-373-8226 • www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I have always enjoyed creating clothing for others, and over 40 years my business has evolved into custom embroidery. Do you have any business advice for others? Work hard, do your best to put out a quality product and have fun along the way!
Steve Klingman
Emergency Service • Complete Pet Care
Call for an appointment today.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm Located in Skyline Plaza • 373-4440
Steve Klingman is the general manager at Trail’s Travel Center. How many employees does your company employ? One hundred forty. What does your company do? We are a retail travel center for auto and truck traffic. What prompted you to embrace the Vitality Project and to change your retail space? We noticed the need to provide healthier meal options for customers and wanted to be a part of our community endeavor to embrace a healthy change in our environment.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? My father was in the retail grocery business, and I worked for him through high school. I tried different career paths but always came back to serving customers in the retail field.
How much risk was involved in the decision? Every decision that involves change carries a degree of risk. We risked that our customers wouldn’t like our healthier food options.
What books on business success would you recommend? “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Absolutely! Customers embraced the new menu and the changes in offering healthier choices. We sell more salads and fruits than fries now.
Do you have any business advice for others? 1. Always do the right thing, even if it is unpopular. 2. Try to catch people doing something right, not wrong. 3. Never, ever, ever … quit!
The Albert Lea HRA provides affordable housing in Albert Lea and Freeborn County through its Public Housing and Section 8 Voucher programs, and through the USDA apartments in Glenville. The agency also administers a foreclosure recovery first time homebuyer program, the Minnesota Cities Participation mortgage program, co-administers the Small Cities Development owner occupied rehab program, and can provide other housing resource information including Homestretch training for first time homebuyers and referrals to foreclosure prevention programs.
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
Page 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Loans in affording housing
Providing Financial Services Since 1958
610 S Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN
A national loan-service company that operates in 25 states and whose clients are mainly governmental entities is headquartered right in Albert Lea. AmeriNational Community Services Inc. specializes in loan services, financial services and affordable housing programs. It provides loan servicing, underwriting, compliance monitoring and other financial services to approximately 160 clients. According to Adrienne Thorson, chairwoman and CEO/CFO of AmeriNational, the company’s goal is to play an integral role in increasing the availability and quality of affordable housing nationwide. “Our commitment is to deliver an unparalleled breadth of expertise and services in the affordable housing arena to our clients — the cities, states and other entities engaged in affordable housing lending,” she said. A wholly owned subsidiary of St. Paul-based American Bank, AmeriNational is the approved servicer for
Rural • Residential * • • • • • • • •
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 29
♦ Sports
Continued from Page 9
By Michelle Haacke staff writer
NOW EVEN EASIER TO JOIN!
377-1863 www.tradesandlabor.com
IMPACT 2010
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
SAVE BIG MONEY
with comfortable, affordable, easy to use corn/pellet burning stoves Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea Tribune
AmericaNational staff are, left to right front, Adrienne Thorson and Dawn Lightly, back, Teresa Matheson, Kari Mattson and Amber Anderson. AmeriNational is headquartered in Albert Lea. current office in the American Bank Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Building at 217 S. Newton Ave., Home Loan Bank, Veterans AdminAlbert Lea, in 1999. The operations istration, Guaranteed Rural Houscenter is located in Downey, Calif., ing and FHA Title I and Title II. AmeriNational has been in busiSee Loans on Page 41 ➧ ness since 1975 and moved into its
Snapper Stihl Exmark Husqvarna Toro Chainsaws Sharpening Lawnmowers Trimmers Snowblowers
Tues., Wed. & Fri. 10-5:00 Thurs. 10-5, Sat. 10-3 Closed Sundays & Mondays
From small rooms to whole-house heating • Adjusts from 8,000 to 50,000 BTU • Hurry in before 30% Energy Tax credit ends
Preseason Specials Downtown • Albert Lea (507) 373-0878
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
CALL FOR ESTIMATES
LOVERINK DRAINAGE Hollandale, MN 507-473-0200
Lee Loverink, Owner
212 S Broadway, Albert Lea 507-373-9733
Renee Citsay 519 Prospect Ave, Albert Lea • 377-7705
Michael & Susan Draayer • msoutdr@ myclearwave.net
Marketing Specialist Albert Lea Tribune 507-379-3430 renee.citsay@albertleatribune.com
24,000 square feet. After Herberger’s department store, it is the secondlargest store in the shopping mall. Dunham’s offers a wide variety of sporting goods within its stores, from clothing — Under Armour and team apparel — to shoes and fitness equipment, to golf equipment and hunting supplies. It even sells kayaks and canoes. “Dunham’s philosophy is simple, and it appeals to our customers: give people their choice of the name brands they’re looking for, and offer products at the lowest prices possible,” according to the Dunham’s Sports website. “We stock a remarkable range of popular national brands, while our immense buying power makes it possible for us to combine value and quality in everything we sell.” Dunham’s prides itself on offering low prices and the reputation of having quality, selection and value. “Dunham’s has built its reputation on selection, quality and value: unsurpassed choice of national brands at low prices every day. Every one of our more than 160 stores — as well as the new dunhamssports.com — offers a complete line of sporting goods, athletic equipment, active
♦ Skophammer Continued from Page 12 have proven to be products the people of Freeborn County want and use. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? Timing and the realization that I wanted to facilitate the continuation of my family’s business. What book on business success would you recommend? “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Do you have any business ad-
♦ Langrell Continued from Page 22 3. Occasionally skip innovation — re-invent opportunity through an entire reset of the approach you are considering.
Dunham’s Sports is an anchor store at Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. sports gear and leisure apparel,” states the Dunham’s Sports website. Due to company policy, the people at the Dunham’s Sports in Albert Lea declined to be interviewed. The Tribune’s calls to Dunham’s Sports corporate headquarters in Waterford, Mich., went unreturned. The company was founded in 1937 as Dunham’s Bait & Tackle. Other Dunham’s Sports stores in Minnesota are in Fairmont, Fergus Falls, Duluth, Red Wing, Virginia, Waite Park and Wilmar. In Iowa, there are stores in Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Spencer. The company also has stores in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland. vice for others? Hire the people who will help your business evolve and meet the demands and challenges the business faces each day. As Jim Collins states in his book “Good to Great,” when you have the right people in the right seats on the bus, your business can go from good to great and your business will be positioned to succeed into the next generation. I am very fortunate to have a great group of people to work with at each of the three branches. Customers frequently provide feedback on the genuine, friendly reception they receive when they walk into the bank and the level of expertise in all facets of the organization. Any other comments? Colleges, schools, churches and hospitals now represent some of the most credible, entrepreneurial, innovative and accomplished “business” organizations in our communities. Support your local nonprofit organization with your advice, your volunteerism and your donations!
IMPACT 2010
Page 28 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
What’s the oldest business in Albert Lea?
By Ed Shannon staff writer
Fresh Floral for any occasion • Unique Home Decor & Gift Ideas • Cards • Fresh & Silk Flowers for all occasions • Much More!
Antiques of the Midwest
Featuring a wide variety of genuine antiques
216 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-2081
218 S. Washington • Albert Lea • 377-8212 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
PIZZA 228 S Broadway • Albert Lea, MN
377-0848
Antiques & Collectibles
Heart of the Artichoke
222 E. Clark St, Albert Lea
373-4258
say it with a sparkle for any occasion
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. www.crescendodining.com
507-377-2425
202 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 373-3925 • 800-339-7115 Financing Available
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea
Call 373-7350 126 W. Clark St.
106 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN
373-7911
WE DELIVER • WE DO LUNCH DELIVERIES!
Albert Lea Art Center and The Art on Broadway Gift Shop
Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies!
Clothes • Shoes Coats • Purses and quality consignments
T-N-T
Used Appliance Store Sales and Repair 121 N. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN Brock Tufte, Owner Phone: 507-373-6022
SHOFF CHIROPRACTIC MIDWEST ANTIQUES
224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313 Albert Lea, MN 56007
1000 sq. ft. of ANTIQUES and COLLECTIBLES!
artcenter@mcleodusa.net
373-3366
507-373-5665
Trying to determine the oldest existing business in Albert Lea can be quite a challenge. Through the years various ventures have been a part of life in the city and an important part of local life, then just faded away. One of the best ways to discover the name of the city’s oldest firm is to use the Tribune’s “Down Through the Years” section of the annual Progress Edition. The very first entry in this section is for the organization of Freeborn County in 1857. Next in the lineup of small ads is the Masonic Western Star Lodge No. 26 that was created just a year later and is now observing its 152nd year. This is followed by two churches, Seventh-day Adventist, a part of local life since 1865, and First Baptist Church, organized in 1866. Next on the list is Graceland Cemetery, established 143 years ago. And also observing its 143rd year is Albert Lea’s Wells Fargo Bank, which has been a part of local business life since 1867 un-
der several names. What’s now Albert Lea’s oldest existing business started in 1867 as Hall’s Bank, and during 143 years of name changes, locations, mergers and ownerships, it evolved into the present Wells Fargo Bank at the corner of South Newton Avenue and East Main Street. Hall’s Bank was organized by Francis (Frank) Hall at the corner of South Broadway Avenue and East Clark Street. He sold the bank to Horatio D. Brown in 1871 who moved the financial institution to the other end of the block at the East William Street corner that same year. In 1892 this bank was chartered as the Albert Lea National Bank. Another bank was organized by Gilbert Gulbrandson in 1878 and located at 208 S. Broadway Ave. This was the City Bank, and it relocated to 119 S. Broadway Ave. a few years later and in 1886 was chartered as the First National Bank. In 1902 the Albert Lea National Bank merged with the First National Bank and used the latter name as its new designation. Also, in
Depend on US
And Sandwiches Dining Room Piping Hot Delivery
Delivery service Until 1:30am Friday
Custom Picture Framing
When words aren’t enough...
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 21
Open 10-5, Mon-Sat
302 S. Broadway • Albert Lea
Celebrating 60 years of Serving the albert lea area with Quality Chiropractic Care.
L-R Jeff Bauman, LaMar Staloch, Lauren Nelson, Stan Thompson, Nancy Vaale, Lori Bagley, Dorothy Blum, Suzanne Dickson, Tom Sorenson
When it comes to protecting your auto, home, business, farm, crops, healthy life, and family don’t leave it to chance.
We are always available when you need us most!
Voted Best Chiropractic Office 7 Years in a Row!
Dr. Christopher Shoff
Dr. Ryan Reilly
broadway building 139 south broadway albert lea, mn • 373-7054
We’re the Insurance Guys!
Call us for your home & auto quotes www.americanainsurance.com • (507) 377-2000
Photos courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum
These two buildings say First National Bank on their sides. The one on the left was First National Bank from 1965 to the present and now says Wells Fargo. The one on the right was First National Bank from 1902 to 1965 and now says Shoff Chiropractic, though the name First National Bank remains etched into the keystone. Wells Fargo Bank is the city’s oldest existing business, starting as Hall’s Bank in 1867. 1902, a new building was built for the new First National Bank at 139 S. Broadway Ave. (This stone-faced building at the East William Street corner still has First National Bank etched in stone above the entry and is now the location for Shoff Chiropractic.) In the late 1920s the First National Bank of Albert Lea was purchased by the Northwest Bancorporation.
This firm moved the bank’s location to its present site at the corner of South Newton Avenue and East Main Street in 1964. The name was changed to First Northwesterrn National Bank in 1976, then to Norwest Bank in 1983. And in 1998 the bank changed ownership and name to the present Wells Fargo Bank. It is also home to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
IMPACT 2010
Page 22 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
Ron Langrell
Ron Langrell is the executive vice president and chief academic officer at Riverland Community College. How many employees does your college employ? Approximately 300.
What does your college do? We are a comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living in a personalized environment, delivered online, on-site, and on-campus in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Can you name some of the innovations the college has done with local business and industry? 1. Established (founded) community leadership programs in Austin, Albert Lea and Fairmont. 2. Established accredited programs across all programs of study aligned with National Skill and Industry Standards. 3. Conducted industry summits in
all employment sectors with employer and labor representatives. How much risk was involved in the decisions? Targeting improvement is predicted upon identifying and analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. Aligning with the highest industry standards in cooperation with employers is always a risky proposition. It’s hard to risk sharing where your organization needs to improve. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Riverland service has increased 40 percent in five years, out-pacing Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system two- and fouryear growth, particularly on the total enrollment, community-based enrollment, and under-represented student population measures. Riverland now has degree and program outcomes that all students must attain prior to graduation.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? In 1980, my spouse and I dedicated our working lives to higher education at the two-year level. She is a former Fortune 500 executive who most recently served as a teacher and faculty leader.
Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
This building, 525 W. Clark St. is being renovated to become a training center for Albert Lea Medical Center. It was the former home of Bonnerup Funeral Service.
What books on business success would you recommend? “Intrapreneuring” by Gifford Pinchot, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles” by Peter Drucker. Do you have any business advice for others? 1. Innovation is recombining existing resources; you have all you need before you move from “good to great.” 2. Implement change through existing structures.
See Langrell on Page 29 ➧
PAINLESS
procedures leading to great SMILES Before
Cherish your free time with Mrs. Gerry’s salads and mashed potatoes • Potato Salads • Pasta Salads • Cole Slaws • Dips • 3 Varieties of Mashed Potatoes • Desserts
• Gluten-Free/Fat-Free/ Low Fat/Low Sodium Products • Protein, Marinated and Holiday Salads • Many other prepared salads 2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave • Albert Lea
373-6384 Fax 373-5617
After
• • • • • • •
Lumineers/Veneers Sapphire Whitening Restorative Periodontal Root Canal Treatments Laughing Gas VisiLite Plus (oral cancer screening) • Laser Check-ups • Same Day Crowns
507-206-6780 2112 Viking Dr. N.W., Ste. E. Rochester, MN
Richard Cohen, D.M.D. Saria Humayun, D.D.S.
chemical dependency programs, inpatient services and detox, Fountain Centers of Albert Lea is currently located at the main ALMC campus off of Fountain Street. He said leaders have looked to create a more serene environment that provides more services on-site for their clients. Plus with the needs that are anticipated in the future, they also would like to increase the number of beds available to clients. To accomplish this goal, the organization was able to acquire 50 acres west of Minnesota Highway 13. ALMC administrators are working closely with architects Engen and Associates to design the new facility, and the project must go through local committees and committees with the Mayo Health Systems in Rochester before building can begin. If things work out according to plans, Ehn said, the new Fountain Centers campus will be built starting in 2013. It will take about 18 months to be completed.
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 27 He said the new facility would expand the current beds available from 25 adult men residential beds to 32; women residential beds would go from 13 to 16; and adolescent beds would go from 13 to 32. Beds for the detox program would go from seven possibly up to 20, Ehn said. There will be a cafeteria and gymnasium, with lots of green space around the facility to allow clients to enjoy nature. “One of the nice things about having a separate campus, it allows us to help patients and their families to have a higher level of privacy,” Waldhoff said. This will help facilitate and expedite the healing process, he added.
Former Bonnerup Funeral Service building
ALMC has accepted the donation of the former Bonnerup Funeral Service building, 525 W. Clark St., to be used as a training center for medical staff. The gift was facilitated by Naeve Health Care Foundation as a charitable contribution. Initially, the building will go through one level of renovations so it will be ready by mid-October to serve as a training center for ALMC staff as they convert to a new electronic medical record. Once the initial training is completed, the building will go through a more extensive remodeling to become a permanent training and education center. It will also house some of ALMC’s departments. The building, across the street from the large ALMC staff parking lot, has been empty since Bonnerup Funeral Service moved to its current location, 2210 E. Main St., in June 2009.
Consignment
373-0388
123 N. Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5 Sat. 10-3 Quality used clothing & accessories, infant, adult & Household decor
Reinertson’s Embroidery
Business logos •Hats •Jackets •Sweats •Jackets •Blankets •Denims
127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea
507-373-0751
Where beauty comes naturally
Expressions
Salon, Spa & Tanning
123 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-6062 Mon-Thurs 9-8 - Fri 9-5 - Sat 9-3 or by appt.
507-377-5033
141 East William St. Albert Lea, MN
Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.
www.uptowndental.org
Downtown Albert Lea Albert Lea Medical Center’s Community Health Services is being moved to the HealthReach campus on Southeast Broadway Avenue.
507-373-6793
Mon-Wed 9:30am-5:30pm, Thurs 9:30am-7:00am, Fri 9:30am-5:00pm, Sat 9:30am-3:00pm
IMPACT 2010
Page 26 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 23
Your total shopping experience. Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way! You won’t be disappointed. Thank You For Shopping Our Local Family Owned Business Since 1956!
FLEET FARM SUPPLY OF ALBERT LEA, INC. 310 Main Court, Albert Lea, MN Phone 373-7067
Open 7 days a week
This rendering of the new Fountain Centers was designed by Engan Associates Architects.
ALMC positions for its future By Sarah Stultz staff writer With a continuing goal to meet the needs of patients and better position itself during the next 10 or 15 years, Albert Lea Medical Center soon will see some big changes in several
*Stihl products not available at Hollandale location
• Farm Equipment • Mowers • Grills • Chain Saws & More
Belle Plaine • Owatonna • Waseca • Hollandale www.agpowerjd.com
areas of its services. ALMC Chief Administrative Officer Steve Waldhoff said the company continually goes through a process called facility site master-planning to provide a framework of its resource needs and to figure out how to position itself for the future. During this process, the company assesses all of its sites and resources to determine if there is adequate space for each. ALMC officials ask themselves whether they are seeing growth or contraction in their programs and where they project the programs to be in the next five or 10 years. Waldhoff said in most cases the answer is that there is not adequate space to meet the needs of patients. Thus, over the next five to seven years, he said, some critical steps will be taken to change this. “We have a number of significant projects potentially in our future,” Waldhoff said. Every program change goes through an extensive internal and external review by the Mayo Health Systems in Rochester. “What we’re looking at is trying to better position the organization so we can respond to a number of different program growth requirements,” he added. During the next five years, that will more than likely include changes to Community Health Services, Fountain Centers and other support departments including community relations, development, education and others. During the next five to 10 years,
Waldhoff said, the organization is also facing potential growth in operating rooms, laboratories, pharmacy and emergency services.
Community Health Services
Community Health Services, a combination of home health and hospice services, has grown significantly over the last few years, especially in the area of hospice, said ALMC administrator Jerry Ehn. The program has been in ALMC’s East Annex building, but by midOctober it will be moving to HealthReach, 1705 SE Broadway. The public will be invited to view the renovated space during an open house. Ehn said the space in the HealthReach campus where Community Health Services will be was not being utilized to its fullest potential. This is in the southernmost part of the building next to the dialysis unit. Ehn said this part of the building did not have a formal use for a number of years. There will be no interruption of services to patients during the transition because most of the move will probably occur over a weekend. Once the move is completed, hospital administrators will reevaluate the use of the East Annex building as part of the facility master plan.
Fountain Centers
Ehn said since probably 2003, ALMC administrators have been looking at future plans for Fountain Centers. Providing residential
2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!
IMPACT 2010
Page 24 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
John Deere Agriculture & Lawn & Garden Equipment
www.mankatoimplement.com 6 Locations
• Mankato Implement, Inc Mankato, MN
• Minnesota Lake Implement Minnesota Lake, MN
• Erlandson Implement Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-6418
• Potter Implement New Ulm, MN
• Zins Implement Nicollet, MN
• Erlandson Implement Kiester, MN (507) 294-3244
Solid. Stable. Still John Deere.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 25
Everyone loves Pitchfork Pete
By Linda Holst for the Tribune Most people in Albert Lea have been to Fleet Farm Supply since it opened its doors in 1956. Few know of how the statue of Pitchfork Pete came to be. But first, you have to know the Nelsons. Milford and Helen Nelson opened the store. Five years after opening its doors, Milford died. Helen needed an income to support herself and two sons, so the store remained open. Steve Nelson said, “My mother was working in a man’s world.” Steve and Kathy Nelson own and run Fleet Farm Supply now. Steve recounted the story of how Pitchfork Pete came to be. Unique to Fleet Farm Supply are the outside statues of a cow, horse and farmer. “My mother had the idea for the cow and horse heads outside the store,” Steve said. One day a gentleman selling advertising stopped at the store. This man had a magazine that contained a photo and article about the cow and horse displayed next to the store’s outside name. A cow standing outside had been an initial idea of the family. But more thought and discussion with the salesman lead to the idea of a farmer. “The salesman had a picture of a chef holding a pizza,” Steve said. “He said he could change the hat on the chef and change the pizza to a pitchfork.” A later drawing of the farmer solidified the idea. After the arrival of the statue, the Nelsons held a contest to name the farmer. “Pitchfork Pete” was the winning name. Pitchfork Pete’s first resting place was atop the store but was later moved off the roof to the ground. “We wanted kids to be able to
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Steve and Kathy Nelson have their picture taken with Pitchfork Pete, just like many visitors to Albert Lea do. The statue is visible from East Main Street. get inside and you will find a vast array of items. And the store does not only sell farm and hardware supplies. There is clothing from infant to adult men and women, and a large selection of non-plastic farm toys, a great find for any Christmas shopper.
“We try to cater to everyone,” Kathy said. In addition, special orders are processed for Nelson’s customers. Fleet Farm Supply is open seven days a week and is at 310 Main Court in Albert Lea.
At MANPOWER, we interview, train, assess and screen candidates EVERY DAY who are READY to begin their NEW CAREER PATH.
Turning your nightmares into Dreams
Call MANPOWER today. We are the trusted advisor in today’s changing world of work.
Joshua Parks Construction L.L.C.
New Construction & Remodeling
Cell: (507) 383-3388
Hollandale, MN Lic. 20637606
507-377-7410 www.us.manpower.com
The Best of Both Worlds! Voted
touch him and see how big he is,” Kathy said. Every once in a while, the Nelsons will see someone standing by Pitchfork Pete and having their picture taken. “We’ve heard Pitchfork Pete is listed on the Internet as one of many statues to see in Minnesota,” Kathy said. A couple years ago, some members of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” had their picture taken with Pitchfork Pete when in the area. The current recession has not affected the business. “Because we belong to a hardware and farm store chain, we can adapt to the market,” Steve said. “If you don’t adapt, you run into trouble.” Nelson likes that it still is a family business. “It’s neat. I got to work with my mother, then my brother, and now my wife. Few people get to say they get to work with their family.” From the outside, Fleet Farm Supply may look like a small store, but
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
We give you every reason to choose our services
• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted • We match prices ’s • Workman’s comp claims Albert Leally with no up front fees only loca owned • We offer the best customer Pharmacy service around • Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace
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 Sunday
1619 West Main • Albert Lea • 507-373-7357
IMPACT 2010
Page 24 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
John Deere Agriculture & Lawn & Garden Equipment
www.mankatoimplement.com 6 Locations
• Mankato Implement, Inc Mankato, MN
• Minnesota Lake Implement Minnesota Lake, MN
• Erlandson Implement Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-6418
• Potter Implement New Ulm, MN
• Zins Implement Nicollet, MN
• Erlandson Implement Kiester, MN (507) 294-3244
Solid. Stable. Still John Deere.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 25
Everyone loves Pitchfork Pete
By Linda Holst for the Tribune Most people in Albert Lea have been to Fleet Farm Supply since it opened its doors in 1956. Few know of how the statue of Pitchfork Pete came to be. But first, you have to know the Nelsons. Milford and Helen Nelson opened the store. Five years after opening its doors, Milford died. Helen needed an income to support herself and two sons, so the store remained open. Steve Nelson said, “My mother was working in a man’s world.” Steve and Kathy Nelson own and run Fleet Farm Supply now. Steve recounted the story of how Pitchfork Pete came to be. Unique to Fleet Farm Supply are the outside statues of a cow, horse and farmer. “My mother had the idea for the cow and horse heads outside the store,” Steve said. One day a gentleman selling advertising stopped at the store. This man had a magazine that contained a photo and article about the cow and horse displayed next to the store’s outside name. A cow standing outside had been an initial idea of the family. But more thought and discussion with the salesman lead to the idea of a farmer. “The salesman had a picture of a chef holding a pizza,” Steve said. “He said he could change the hat on the chef and change the pizza to a pitchfork.” A later drawing of the farmer solidified the idea. After the arrival of the statue, the Nelsons held a contest to name the farmer. “Pitchfork Pete” was the winning name. Pitchfork Pete’s first resting place was atop the store but was later moved off the roof to the ground. “We wanted kids to be able to
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Steve and Kathy Nelson have their picture taken with Pitchfork Pete, just like many visitors to Albert Lea do. The statue is visible from East Main Street. get inside and you will find a vast array of items. And the store does not only sell farm and hardware supplies. There is clothing from infant to adult men and women, and a large selection of non-plastic farm toys, a great find for any Christmas shopper.
“We try to cater to everyone,” Kathy said. In addition, special orders are processed for Nelson’s customers. Fleet Farm Supply is open seven days a week and is at 310 Main Court in Albert Lea.
At MANPOWER, we interview, train, assess and screen candidates EVERY DAY who are READY to begin their NEW CAREER PATH.
Turning your nightmares into Dreams
Call MANPOWER today. We are the trusted advisor in today’s changing world of work.
Joshua Parks Construction L.L.C.
New Construction & Remodeling
Cell: (507) 383-3388
Hollandale, MN Lic. 20637606
507-377-7410 www.us.manpower.com
The Best of Both Worlds! Voted
touch him and see how big he is,” Kathy said. Every once in a while, the Nelsons will see someone standing by Pitchfork Pete and having their picture taken. “We’ve heard Pitchfork Pete is listed on the Internet as one of many statues to see in Minnesota,” Kathy said. A couple years ago, some members of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” had their picture taken with Pitchfork Pete when in the area. The current recession has not affected the business. “Because we belong to a hardware and farm store chain, we can adapt to the market,” Steve said. “If you don’t adapt, you run into trouble.” Nelson likes that it still is a family business. “It’s neat. I got to work with my mother, then my brother, and now my wife. Few people get to say they get to work with their family.” From the outside, Fleet Farm Supply may look like a small store, but
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
We give you every reason to choose our services
• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted • We match prices ’s • Workman’s comp claims Albert Leally with no up front fees only loca owned • We offer the best customer Pharmacy service around • Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace
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 Sunday
1619 West Main • Albert Lea • 507-373-7357
IMPACT 2010
Page 26 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 23
Your total shopping experience. Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way! You won’t be disappointed. Thank You For Shopping Our Local Family Owned Business Since 1956!
FLEET FARM SUPPLY OF ALBERT LEA, INC. 310 Main Court, Albert Lea, MN Phone 373-7067
Open 7 days a week
This rendering of the new Fountain Centers was designed by Engan Associates Architects.
ALMC positions for its future By Sarah Stultz staff writer With a continuing goal to meet the needs of patients and better position itself during the next 10 or 15 years, Albert Lea Medical Center soon will see some big changes in several
*Stihl products not available at Hollandale location
• Farm Equipment • Mowers • Grills • Chain Saws & More
Belle Plaine • Owatonna • Waseca • Hollandale www.agpowerjd.com
areas of its services. ALMC Chief Administrative Officer Steve Waldhoff said the company continually goes through a process called facility site master-planning to provide a framework of its resource needs and to figure out how to position itself for the future. During this process, the company assesses all of its sites and resources to determine if there is adequate space for each. ALMC officials ask themselves whether they are seeing growth or contraction in their programs and where they project the programs to be in the next five or 10 years. Waldhoff said in most cases the answer is that there is not adequate space to meet the needs of patients. Thus, over the next five to seven years, he said, some critical steps will be taken to change this. “We have a number of significant projects potentially in our future,” Waldhoff said. Every program change goes through an extensive internal and external review by the Mayo Health Systems in Rochester. “What we’re looking at is trying to better position the organization so we can respond to a number of different program growth requirements,” he added. During the next five years, that will more than likely include changes to Community Health Services, Fountain Centers and other support departments including community relations, development, education and others. During the next five to 10 years,
Waldhoff said, the organization is also facing potential growth in operating rooms, laboratories, pharmacy and emergency services.
Community Health Services
Community Health Services, a combination of home health and hospice services, has grown significantly over the last few years, especially in the area of hospice, said ALMC administrator Jerry Ehn. The program has been in ALMC’s East Annex building, but by midOctober it will be moving to HealthReach, 1705 SE Broadway. The public will be invited to view the renovated space during an open house. Ehn said the space in the HealthReach campus where Community Health Services will be was not being utilized to its fullest potential. This is in the southernmost part of the building next to the dialysis unit. Ehn said this part of the building did not have a formal use for a number of years. There will be no interruption of services to patients during the transition because most of the move will probably occur over a weekend. Once the move is completed, hospital administrators will reevaluate the use of the East Annex building as part of the facility master plan.
Fountain Centers
Ehn said since probably 2003, ALMC administrators have been looking at future plans for Fountain Centers. Providing residential
2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!
IMPACT 2010
Page 22 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
Ron Langrell
Ron Langrell is the executive vice president and chief academic officer at Riverland Community College. How many employees does your college employ? Approximately 300.
What does your college do? We are a comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living in a personalized environment, delivered online, on-site, and on-campus in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Can you name some of the innovations the college has done with local business and industry? 1. Established (founded) community leadership programs in Austin, Albert Lea and Fairmont. 2. Established accredited programs across all programs of study aligned with National Skill and Industry Standards. 3. Conducted industry summits in
all employment sectors with employer and labor representatives. How much risk was involved in the decisions? Targeting improvement is predicted upon identifying and analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. Aligning with the highest industry standards in cooperation with employers is always a risky proposition. It’s hard to risk sharing where your organization needs to improve. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Riverland service has increased 40 percent in five years, out-pacing Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system two- and fouryear growth, particularly on the total enrollment, community-based enrollment, and under-represented student population measures. Riverland now has degree and program outcomes that all students must attain prior to graduation.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? In 1980, my spouse and I dedicated our working lives to higher education at the two-year level. She is a former Fortune 500 executive who most recently served as a teacher and faculty leader.
Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
This building, 525 W. Clark St. is being renovated to become a training center for Albert Lea Medical Center. It was the former home of Bonnerup Funeral Service.
What books on business success would you recommend? “Intrapreneuring” by Gifford Pinchot, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles” by Peter Drucker. Do you have any business advice for others? 1. Innovation is recombining existing resources; you have all you need before you move from “good to great.” 2. Implement change through existing structures.
See Langrell on Page 29 ➧
PAINLESS
procedures leading to great SMILES Before
Cherish your free time with Mrs. Gerry’s salads and mashed potatoes • Potato Salads • Pasta Salads • Cole Slaws • Dips • 3 Varieties of Mashed Potatoes • Desserts
• Gluten-Free/Fat-Free/ Low Fat/Low Sodium Products • Protein, Marinated and Holiday Salads • Many other prepared salads 2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave • Albert Lea
373-6384 Fax 373-5617
After
• • • • • • •
Lumineers/Veneers Sapphire Whitening Restorative Periodontal Root Canal Treatments Laughing Gas VisiLite Plus (oral cancer screening) • Laser Check-ups • Same Day Crowns
507-206-6780 2112 Viking Dr. N.W., Ste. E. Rochester, MN
Richard Cohen, D.M.D. Saria Humayun, D.D.S.
chemical dependency programs, inpatient services and detox, Fountain Centers of Albert Lea is currently located at the main ALMC campus off of Fountain Street. He said leaders have looked to create a more serene environment that provides more services on-site for their clients. Plus with the needs that are anticipated in the future, they also would like to increase the number of beds available to clients. To accomplish this goal, the organization was able to acquire 50 acres west of Minnesota Highway 13. ALMC administrators are working closely with architects Engen and Associates to design the new facility, and the project must go through local committees and committees with the Mayo Health Systems in Rochester before building can begin. If things work out according to plans, Ehn said, the new Fountain Centers campus will be built starting in 2013. It will take about 18 months to be completed.
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 27 He said the new facility would expand the current beds available from 25 adult men residential beds to 32; women residential beds would go from 13 to 16; and adolescent beds would go from 13 to 32. Beds for the detox program would go from seven possibly up to 20, Ehn said. There will be a cafeteria and gymnasium, with lots of green space around the facility to allow clients to enjoy nature. “One of the nice things about having a separate campus, it allows us to help patients and their families to have a higher level of privacy,” Waldhoff said. This will help facilitate and expedite the healing process, he added.
Former Bonnerup Funeral Service building
ALMC has accepted the donation of the former Bonnerup Funeral Service building, 525 W. Clark St., to be used as a training center for medical staff. The gift was facilitated by Naeve Health Care Foundation as a charitable contribution. Initially, the building will go through one level of renovations so it will be ready by mid-October to serve as a training center for ALMC staff as they convert to a new electronic medical record. Once the initial training is completed, the building will go through a more extensive remodeling to become a permanent training and education center. It will also house some of ALMC’s departments. The building, across the street from the large ALMC staff parking lot, has been empty since Bonnerup Funeral Service moved to its current location, 2210 E. Main St., in June 2009.
Consignment
373-0388
123 N. Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5 Sat. 10-3 Quality used clothing & accessories, infant, adult & Household decor
Reinertson’s Embroidery
Business logos •Hats •Jackets •Sweats •Jackets •Blankets •Denims
127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea
507-373-0751
Where beauty comes naturally
Expressions
Salon, Spa & Tanning
123 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-6062 Mon-Thurs 9-8 - Fri 9-5 - Sat 9-3 or by appt.
507-377-5033
141 East William St. Albert Lea, MN
Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.
www.uptowndental.org
Downtown Albert Lea Albert Lea Medical Center’s Community Health Services is being moved to the HealthReach campus on Southeast Broadway Avenue.
507-373-6793
Mon-Wed 9:30am-5:30pm, Thurs 9:30am-7:00am, Fri 9:30am-5:00pm, Sat 9:30am-3:00pm
IMPACT 2010
Page 28 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
What’s the oldest business in Albert Lea?
By Ed Shannon staff writer
Fresh Floral for any occasion • Unique Home Decor & Gift Ideas • Cards • Fresh & Silk Flowers for all occasions • Much More!
Antiques of the Midwest
Featuring a wide variety of genuine antiques
216 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-2081
218 S. Washington • Albert Lea • 377-8212 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
PIZZA 228 S Broadway • Albert Lea, MN
377-0848
Antiques & Collectibles
Heart of the Artichoke
222 E. Clark St, Albert Lea
373-4258
say it with a sparkle for any occasion
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. www.crescendodining.com
507-377-2425
202 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 373-3925 • 800-339-7115 Financing Available
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea
Call 373-7350 126 W. Clark St.
106 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN
373-7911
WE DELIVER • WE DO LUNCH DELIVERIES!
Albert Lea Art Center and The Art on Broadway Gift Shop
Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies!
Clothes • Shoes Coats • Purses and quality consignments
T-N-T
Used Appliance Store Sales and Repair 121 N. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN Brock Tufte, Owner Phone: 507-373-6022
SHOFF CHIROPRACTIC MIDWEST ANTIQUES
224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313 Albert Lea, MN 56007
1000 sq. ft. of ANTIQUES and COLLECTIBLES!
artcenter@mcleodusa.net
373-3366
507-373-5665
Trying to determine the oldest existing business in Albert Lea can be quite a challenge. Through the years various ventures have been a part of life in the city and an important part of local life, then just faded away. One of the best ways to discover the name of the city’s oldest firm is to use the Tribune’s “Down Through the Years” section of the annual Progress Edition. The very first entry in this section is for the organization of Freeborn County in 1857. Next in the lineup of small ads is the Masonic Western Star Lodge No. 26 that was created just a year later and is now observing its 152nd year. This is followed by two churches, Seventh-day Adventist, a part of local life since 1865, and First Baptist Church, organized in 1866. Next on the list is Graceland Cemetery, established 143 years ago. And also observing its 143rd year is Albert Lea’s Wells Fargo Bank, which has been a part of local business life since 1867 un-
der several names. What’s now Albert Lea’s oldest existing business started in 1867 as Hall’s Bank, and during 143 years of name changes, locations, mergers and ownerships, it evolved into the present Wells Fargo Bank at the corner of South Newton Avenue and East Main Street. Hall’s Bank was organized by Francis (Frank) Hall at the corner of South Broadway Avenue and East Clark Street. He sold the bank to Horatio D. Brown in 1871 who moved the financial institution to the other end of the block at the East William Street corner that same year. In 1892 this bank was chartered as the Albert Lea National Bank. Another bank was organized by Gilbert Gulbrandson in 1878 and located at 208 S. Broadway Ave. This was the City Bank, and it relocated to 119 S. Broadway Ave. a few years later and in 1886 was chartered as the First National Bank. In 1902 the Albert Lea National Bank merged with the First National Bank and used the latter name as its new designation. Also, in
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 21
Open 10-5, Mon-Sat
302 S. Broadway • Albert Lea
Celebrating 60 years of Serving the albert lea area with Quality Chiropractic Care.
L-R Jeff Bauman, LaMar Staloch, Lauren Nelson, Stan Thompson, Nancy Vaale, Lori Bagley, Dorothy Blum, Suzanne Dickson, Tom Sorenson
When it comes to protecting your auto, home, business, farm, crops, healthy life, and family don’t leave it to chance.
We are always available when you need us most!
Voted Best Chiropractic Office 7 Years in a Row!
Dr. Christopher Shoff
Dr. Ryan Reilly
broadway building 139 south broadway albert lea, mn • 373-7054
We’re the Insurance Guys!
Call us for your home & auto quotes www.americanainsurance.com • (507) 377-2000
Photos courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum
These two buildings say First National Bank on their sides. The one on the left was First National Bank from 1965 to the present and now says Wells Fargo. The one on the right was First National Bank from 1902 to 1965 and now says Shoff Chiropractic, though the name First National Bank remains etched into the keystone. Wells Fargo Bank is the city’s oldest existing business, starting as Hall’s Bank in 1867. 1902, a new building was built for the new First National Bank at 139 S. Broadway Ave. (This stone-faced building at the East William Street corner still has First National Bank etched in stone above the entry and is now the location for Shoff Chiropractic.) In the late 1920s the First National Bank of Albert Lea was purchased by the Northwest Bancorporation.
This firm moved the bank’s location to its present site at the corner of South Newton Avenue and East Main Street in 1964. The name was changed to First Northwesterrn National Bank in 1976, then to Norwest Bank in 1983. And in 1998 the bank changed ownership and name to the present Wells Fargo Bank. It is also home to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Page 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Loans in affording housing
Providing Financial Services Since 1958
610 S Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN
A national loan-service company that operates in 25 states and whose clients are mainly governmental entities is headquartered right in Albert Lea. AmeriNational Community Services Inc. specializes in loan services, financial services and affordable housing programs. It provides loan servicing, underwriting, compliance monitoring and other financial services to approximately 160 clients. According to Adrienne Thorson, chairwoman and CEO/CFO of AmeriNational, the company’s goal is to play an integral role in increasing the availability and quality of affordable housing nationwide. “Our commitment is to deliver an unparalleled breadth of expertise and services in the affordable housing arena to our clients — the cities, states and other entities engaged in affordable housing lending,” she said. A wholly owned subsidiary of St. Paul-based American Bank, AmeriNational is the approved servicer for
Rural • Residential * • • • • • • • •
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 29
♦ Sports
Continued from Page 9
By Michelle Haacke staff writer
NOW EVEN EASIER TO JOIN!
377-1863 www.tradesandlabor.com
IMPACT 2010
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
SAVE BIG MONEY
with comfortable, affordable, easy to use corn/pellet burning stoves Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea Tribune
AmericaNational staff are, left to right front, Adrienne Thorson and Dawn Lightly, back, Teresa Matheson, Kari Mattson and Amber Anderson. AmeriNational is headquartered in Albert Lea. current office in the American Bank Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Building at 217 S. Newton Ave., Home Loan Bank, Veterans AdminAlbert Lea, in 1999. The operations istration, Guaranteed Rural Houscenter is located in Downey, Calif., ing and FHA Title I and Title II. AmeriNational has been in busiSee Loans on Page 41 ➧ ness since 1975 and moved into its
Snapper Stihl Exmark Husqvarna Toro Chainsaws Sharpening Lawnmowers Trimmers Snowblowers
Tues., Wed. & Fri. 10-5:00 Thurs. 10-5, Sat. 10-3 Closed Sundays & Mondays
From small rooms to whole-house heating • Adjusts from 8,000 to 50,000 BTU • Hurry in before 30% Energy Tax credit ends
Preseason Specials Downtown • Albert Lea (507) 373-0878
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
CALL FOR ESTIMATES
LOVERINK DRAINAGE Hollandale, MN 507-473-0200
Lee Loverink, Owner
212 S Broadway, Albert Lea 507-373-9733
Renee Citsay 519 Prospect Ave, Albert Lea • 377-7705
Michael & Susan Draayer • msoutdr@ myclearwave.net
Marketing Specialist Albert Lea Tribune 507-379-3430 renee.citsay@albertleatribune.com
24,000 square feet. After Herberger’s department store, it is the secondlargest store in the shopping mall. Dunham’s offers a wide variety of sporting goods within its stores, from clothing — Under Armour and team apparel — to shoes and fitness equipment, to golf equipment and hunting supplies. It even sells kayaks and canoes. “Dunham’s philosophy is simple, and it appeals to our customers: give people their choice of the name brands they’re looking for, and offer products at the lowest prices possible,” according to the Dunham’s Sports website. “We stock a remarkable range of popular national brands, while our immense buying power makes it possible for us to combine value and quality in everything we sell.” Dunham’s prides itself on offering low prices and the reputation of having quality, selection and value. “Dunham’s has built its reputation on selection, quality and value: unsurpassed choice of national brands at low prices every day. Every one of our more than 160 stores — as well as the new dunhamssports.com — offers a complete line of sporting goods, athletic equipment, active
♦ Skophammer Continued from Page 12 have proven to be products the people of Freeborn County want and use. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? Timing and the realization that I wanted to facilitate the continuation of my family’s business. What book on business success would you recommend? “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Do you have any business ad-
♦ Langrell Continued from Page 22 3. Occasionally skip innovation — re-invent opportunity through an entire reset of the approach you are considering.
Dunham’s Sports is an anchor store at Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. sports gear and leisure apparel,” states the Dunham’s Sports website. Due to company policy, the people at the Dunham’s Sports in Albert Lea declined to be interviewed. The Tribune’s calls to Dunham’s Sports corporate headquarters in Waterford, Mich., went unreturned. The company was founded in 1937 as Dunham’s Bait & Tackle. Other Dunham’s Sports stores in Minnesota are in Fairmont, Fergus Falls, Duluth, Red Wing, Virginia, Waite Park and Wilmar. In Iowa, there are stores in Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Spencer. The company also has stores in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland. vice for others? Hire the people who will help your business evolve and meet the demands and challenges the business faces each day. As Jim Collins states in his book “Good to Great,” when you have the right people in the right seats on the bus, your business can go from good to great and your business will be positioned to succeed into the next generation. I am very fortunate to have a great group of people to work with at each of the three branches. Customers frequently provide feedback on the genuine, friendly reception they receive when they walk into the bank and the level of expertise in all facets of the organization. Any other comments? Colleges, schools, churches and hospitals now represent some of the most credible, entrepreneurial, innovative and accomplished “business” organizations in our communities. Support your local nonprofit organization with your advice, your volunteerism and your donations!
IMPACT 2010
Page 30 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Albert Lea Steel, Inc. Service center
Your Local Wholesale Distributor of Structural Steel
1126 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007
1-507-373-5315
Steven K. Bland, DDS
1206 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN Hours: Mon.-Wed. 7:30-5:00 Thurs. by appointment
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
• Family Dentistry • Family Dentistry
Call Us... 373-5350
Full service includes: • • • •
Burial vaults Grave Markers Flowers/Wreaths Perpetual Care
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea
373-3560
www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com
Minnesota Freezer Warehouse... a quality supplier of refrigerated warehouse storage. To learn more about how we might work together to improve your supply chain efficiency and response times, give us a call at
507-373-1477
Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Part of the new 777th Avenue that will lead to the new Interstate 35-Interstate 90 Business Park is already in place at the end of August. Contractors hope to complete the entire road by the end of the construction season.
Road first, then industry
By Sarah Stultz staff writer In just a few short months, commercial developers looking to build in Albert Lea will be able to get a better view of the city’s newest industrial park through the extension of 777th Avenue from East Main Street. City and state leaders, along with area economic development officials, broke ground for the road in the new 80-acre Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park in June. It is near Exit 11 of I-35, east of the Love’s truck stop. The project is moving steadily along. Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman said the street has to be completed by the end of the year because of deadlines attached to the
grant money received for the $1.8 million project. Contractor’s Edge of Mankato is completing the work, which also involves the installation of water, sewer and storm sewer. The road will start at what used to be the truck entrance of Love’s truck stop and will wind through the industrial park for about 2,600 feet. Dorman said having the road in place will allow Albert Lea to be more competitive with neighboring communities for the next business or industry that comes to the park. I-35 and I-90 provide possibilities for a distribution center, as an example. Greater Jobs Inc., a private, nonprofit development corporation created in 1943, purchased the 80-acre property in 2007. At that time, Dorman said he and the other ALEDA leaders thought it
It’s time to get comfortable®
820 East 13th Street • PO Box 88 • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1477 • Fax 507-373-2174
was important to own the large piece of land that the park will be on because they were competing for a Target frozen foods distribution center. In 2008, they showed the property to a different company from out of town. The company liked the site ahead of time, but interest went down when they saw it in person. Dorman said installing a road — along with sewer and water — would give a potential developer a better view of the property. And with the help of a $250,000 state grant and a $709,000 federal grant, that has made the project more feasible. Dorman said he’s heard people ask why the road is a priority when there’s not a business at the industrial park yet, but he tells them of the importance of having the basic
See Park on Page 41 ➧
Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village announce Building Expansion Project Check out our website for details:
www.smig.net/fchm
FURANCE SALE Special Pricing!
Federal Tax Credit Available MINNESOTA FREEZER WAREHOUSE CO. www.mfwc-cold.com
Gladys Reinertson
Gladys Reinertson is the owner and operator of Reinertson’s Embroidery. How many employees does your company employ? Five. What does your company do? Custom embroidery for schools, business and personal use.
“Why bolt it when you can weld it!”
GOT TEETH?
IMPACT 2010
plumbing
Heating Serving The Area Since 1949! 373-1301
Expansion will include Elevator, new entrance, additional exhibit & storage space and more 1031 Bridge Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone 507-373-8003 Museum & Library Open Year Round Tues. - Fri. 10 am - 5 pm Village Open May - September
What prompted you to take your product and sell it online? We wanted to expand our business and make our products available worldwide. How much risk was involved in the decision? There was very little risk involved because the cost was very low and the potential for more business was very large. Have results proven worthy? What are the results?
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 19
Providing Care in an Environment of God's Grace St. John's Luther Home and Knutson Place Apartments
Offering… • Long-term care • Special memory care unit • Dedicated short-term stay unit • Housing with services
Yes, we have received orders from all parts of the country and worldwide.
Medicare & Medicaid certified Physical, occupational and speech therapy Religious and chaplain services Social events and outings
507-373-8226 • www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I have always enjoyed creating clothing for others, and over 40 years my business has evolved into custom embroidery. Do you have any business advice for others? Work hard, do your best to put out a quality product and have fun along the way!
Steve Klingman
Emergency Service • Complete Pet Care
Call for an appointment today.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm Located in Skyline Plaza • 373-4440
Steve Klingman is the general manager at Trail’s Travel Center. How many employees does your company employ? One hundred forty. What does your company do? We are a retail travel center for auto and truck traffic. What prompted you to embrace the Vitality Project and to change your retail space? We noticed the need to provide healthier meal options for customers and wanted to be a part of our community endeavor to embrace a healthy change in our environment.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? My father was in the retail grocery business, and I worked for him through high school. I tried different career paths but always came back to serving customers in the retail field.
How much risk was involved in the decision? Every decision that involves change carries a degree of risk. We risked that our customers wouldn’t like our healthier food options.
What books on business success would you recommend? “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Absolutely! Customers embraced the new menu and the changes in offering healthier choices. We sell more salads and fruits than fries now.
Do you have any business advice for others? 1. Always do the right thing, even if it is unpopular. 2. Try to catch people doing something right, not wrong. 3. Never, ever, ever … quit!
The Albert Lea HRA provides affordable housing in Albert Lea and Freeborn County through its Public Housing and Section 8 Voucher programs, and through the USDA apartments in Glenville. The agency also administers a foreclosure recovery first time homebuyer program, the Minnesota Cities Participation mortgage program, co-administers the Small Cities Development owner occupied rehab program, and can provide other housing resource information including Homestretch training for first time homebuyers and referrals to foreclosure prevention programs.
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
Page 18 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
www.greenlea.com 101 Richway Drive 373-1061 Book Your Corporate Outings Early
Voted Albert Lea's Best Course 2004-2010! • 18-Hole Public Course • Club Repair & Service • Club & Cart Rental • Pro Shop • Relaxing 19th Hole JERRY'S BAR
BREAKFAST
Sat, Sun, Holidays 7am-11:30am
LUNCH DAILY
Banquest, Receptions and Parties CALL FOR INFORMATION
Serving You With Quality Hardware Since 1903
• Interior & Exterior Paints • Plumbing & Electrical • Farm Supplies • Full line of Air Compressors • Snow Blowers • Mowers & Tillers
Clarks Grove Hardware
Clarks Grove • 256-7249
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to make your next business trip a soaring success! Also specializing in leisure travel!
373-8830 • 888-339-9954
CERTIFIED TRAVEL
Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea www.certifiedtravelmn.com email: agent@certifiedtravelmn.com
M-F 9am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-2pm (closed Saturdays during the summer)
Enjoy the finest Tanning Equipment in the area
ETC Etcetera Tanning & CLOTHING
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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We Buy & Sell Gently Used
• Children’s & Maternity Clothing • Trendy Purses & Womens Apparel • Baby Gear, Shoes Toys & ETC.
IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Andy Petersen
Andy Petersen is the agency principal at Security Insurance. How many employees does your company employ? Thirteen. What does your company do? We are an independent insurance agency selling property, casualty, health and life insurance. As an independent we represent numerous different companies from across the country. What prompted you to relocate your business? We felt it was time for a change. The Eagles Building was a great location for us for a number of years — more than 30. Our lease was coming up, and we started the process of looking for a new building. All in all, we probably explored relocation for a couple of years, looking at different buildings, as well as different lots to potentially build. In the end, we decided on the old Movie Gallery building and are very happy with our decision. One of the main reasons for wanting to move was to improve the parking situation for our clients. In the old location, clients often had to park far away and in the winter it was difficult for some of them to get in. The new location provides a nice-sized parking lot and will be much improved for our clients. Also the increased visibility of being on Main Street was attractive to us as well. How much risk was involved in the decision? There was some risk involved; there is in any investment that you make. We felt that it was offering our clients a more convenient location, however. That coupled with the increased exposure we get at this location we felt it was a risk worth taking. Have results proven worthy?
You either get it or you don’t
What are the results? It is a little early to tell, but the feedback we have gotten from our clients and the community as a whole has been very positive. We are optomistic that we will look back on this process and be very glad we made the move. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I’ve always liked working with people; that was a big reason to get into the business because there is always a lot of interaction with your clients. It also provided me the opportunity to work with my family, which has been a big positive. Being able to learn the business from my dad (Larry) and uncle (Gar) was a big deciding factor, as well. It also provided me with an opportunity to move back to my hometown, which was something that was good for me as well. I thought Albert Lea was a fantastic place to grow up, and now I have the opportunity to raise my children in this community as well.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 31
Port Authority, Greater Jobs Inc. work in tandem to bring business What is ALEDA? ALEDA is an acronym for the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. Established in 2003, ALEDA is an umbrella organization made up of two separate entities: the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs Inc. The idea was to provide a single source for those in need of economic development assistance. The ALEDA mission statement is:
Because of this, we were able to help the city of Hartland obtain a state infrastructure grant to become the home of the operations and maintenance facility for the Bent Tree Wind Farm. Recently, we worked with the city of Alden on establishing a tax increment financing district to accommodate a new farm implement dealer in our area. ALEDA assistance is provided to cities and townships “To provide and promote at no cost to them. Both services and resources to Greater Jobs and the Port retain, expand, create and atAuthority are self-funded. tract businesses, increase tax Both organizations rely on base and quality employment real estate investments to Dan opportunities in Freeborn pay the bills. In addition, Dorman County.” Greater Jobs has more than ALEDA 100 members who contribute Greater Jobs Inc. is a notto the organization annually. for-profit economic development Like most decisions, establishcorporation, the roots of which date ing an independent Port Authority back to 1943 and Jobs Inc. There are board is not without critics. Speakseven members on the Greater Jobs ing about the Port Authority, a forBoard of Directors. mer City Councilor, and at the time The Albert Lea Port Authority was a candidate for mayor, was quoted authorized by the state Legislature in the Albert Lea Tribune as saying, and established in 1987. The Port “They’ve spent a lot of money,” and Authority board is made up of seven “To me, the control by the council commissioners appointed by the would be better there.” City Council. From 1987 until 2004, There is no question that the Port the Board of Commissioners comAuthority has spent a lot of money. prised the members of the Albert Since 2004, the Port Authority has Lea City Council. spent over $3.6 million to acquire The structure of the Port Authorand develop the ALEDA Industrial ity Board of Commissioners changed Park directly west of the Jobs Indusin 2004. While members of the trial Park on Margaretha Avenue. Board of Commissioners are still This is a long-term investment in appointed by the City Council, the needed industrial property, not just board is no longer made up of only one-time spending. council members. Port Authority Would direct council control of the bylaws require at least two comPort Authority be better? Let’s look missioners be members of the City at the numbers. Before the creation Council. The other five seats can be of ALEDA, the Port Authority had held by any Albert Lea resident. The boards of Greater Jobs and the Port Authority comprise the same seven members. While there is TOW & TRAVEL no requirement that this be the case, 24 HOUR having the same people serve on both boards helps create a “one-stop” shop for those in need of ALEDA assistance. ALEDA is recognized by the state of Minnesota and others as the economic development arm of not only the city of Albert Lea but all of Freeborn County. The scope of • Jump Start & Lockout Services • Flatbed • Wheel Lift • Air cushioned recovery the Port Authority is limited to just • Crane Service • Landoll Trailer the city, while Greater Jobs does 128 South Garfield • 373-3551 not have a geographic limitation.
ALLEN’S
grown stagnate. At the end of 2003, the last year before ALEDA was formed, the Port Authority had total net assets of $8.107 million. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2009, total port assets have grown to $10.413 million. This is an increase of $2.3 million or 22 percent. This $2.3 million increase in assets is after paying our expenses, which includes salary and overheard related to the Port Authority. ALEDA provides good value to the citizens in our area. The $3.6 million invested in the new ALEDA Industrial Park was paid for in cash. In many other cities, the taxpayers would have paid an increased levy for such a project. With regard to levies, state statutes allow port authorities to levy for their operational expenses. However, the Albert Lea Port Authority has never had to do that, relying instead on income from operations to pay the bills. In addition to the construction of the ALEDA Industrial Park, there are two other major projects to highlight. This summer saw the completion of our new specification building on 14th Street and Margaretha Avenue and the construction of 777th Avenue just east of Love’s truck stop on East Main Street. If you have not driven by these projects please do so. If you have any questions about the information provided above, or about ALEDA in general, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 373-3930 or at DanDorman@ growalbertlea.com. Dan Dorman is the executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.
Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978
New and Used Golf Carts Over 50 used carts for sale
Mel’s Golf Carts 132 Garfield Ave. So. Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-438-2705
To be the best, take from the best
Joyce Matthies Dance Centre
707 W. Clark, Albert Lea
377-1183
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1
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Events Schedule: www.pub69.net Hwy 69, Twin Lakes
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Page 32 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc. • Custom Plastic Injection Molding • Mold, CNC Machining 1701 Margaretha Ave, Albert Lea, MN
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IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Mike Larson
Mike Larson is the president and chief executive officer of Innovance. How many employees does your company employ? Three hundred forty.
IMPACT 2010 Bent Tree Wind Farm by the numbers: Facilities: Turbines: 122 Vestas V82, 1.65mw 16-foot wide access roads: 26 miles 161kv interconnect line: 4.1 miles Acres in boundary: 19,500 Turbine weights and lengths: Blade: 15,000 pounds/131 feet Tower (base): 110,000 pounds/74 feet Tower (lower middle): 41,000 pounds/35 feet Tower (upper middle): 69,000 pounds/74 feet Tower (top): 71,000 pounds/77 feet Tower (total height): 262 feet/397 feet with a blade pointing up Tower (total weight): 372,000 pounds Nacelle: 104,000 pounds Hub: 42,000 pounds Delivery of pieces: more than 1,000 truckloads
What does your company do? 1. Lou-Rich: contract engineering and manufacturing. 2. Almco: industrial finishing and cleaning equipment andservices. 3. Panels Plus: construction equipment. 4. Exact Manufacturing: precision aluminum extrusions.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? I believe a majority of our employees are better aware of the things they can do to lead a healthier life and live longer. We have many employees who have dropped to a healthier weight, and they now exercise on a regular basis.
and science classes. I knew by tenth grade that I wanted to become an engineer and design and build products.
Do you have any business advice for others? Simplify!
♦ Kehr
life. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is honored to represent the business community and the greater Freeborn County community, as well.
ranging from energy and lighting to purchasing and transportation Our members participate in these activities in order to improve your community’s economy and quality of
Foundations: Concrete: Reinforcing steel:
515 cubic yards each (of 50 concrete trucks full) 35 tons each
Main crane: Manitowoc model 16000
weighs more than 1 million pounds/440 ton maximum lifting capacity
“Always providing quality service to the construction industry”
What book on business success would you recommend? “First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? In high school I enjoyed math
Continued from Page 7
Turbine operations: Generator cut-in speed: 8 mph Generator cut-out speed: 47 mph Blade rotational speed: 14.4 rpm
Left: Two Barnhart Crane & Rigging workers look out from a partially constructed tower. Barnhart is the contractor for construction the wind farm, but Alliant Energy subsidiary Wisconsin Light & Power owns the project. Right: A Manitowoc crane positions the hub and blades onto a nacelle at the Bent Tree Wind Farm.
What prompted you to embrace the Vitality Project? We place a high value on our employee owners and want them to be healthy, happy and secure at work and at home. How difficult was it to make changes and get results? The changes that our company had control of were relatively easy to make — such as designing walking paths, buying fruit for employees, using water mugs, redecorating our employee lunch room and providing healthy information. However, getting the vending machine suppliers to include healthy snack choices has been very difficult.
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 17
Randy Kehr is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.
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Page 16 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
♦ Wind
Continued from Page 15 constructed 161 kilovolt transmission line leads to another substation being built by ITC Midwest where the power generated will connect to the grid, counting as renewable energy for Wisconsin Power & Light. The new transmission line between the substation was completed in August, with 15 steel-pole foundations and 49 poles set. The ITC Midwest substation is called Freeborn Substation and is expected to be in service by the end of September. One resident living across the street from some of the turbines being built said it’s definitely a change in the landscape. “It’s entertaining to watch them build them,” Terry Gjersvik said. “It’s been really busy around here.” The massive construction project was described as a logistical nightmare by construction manager Tim Shugart. Shugart explained that orchestrating where all the employees and trucks will be takes a lot of time and logistics planning. Certain processes of the construction can’t be done at the same time for safety reasons. “There’s a tremendous amount of work to coordinate efforts,” Shugart said. Shugart talked about some goals for the completion of the wind farm. He said he hopes to have some of the turbines opera-
tional by October. Then more and more will become operational in November, December, January and February. He also said winter weather doesn’t prevent construction, but that it does slow down considerably. Because of the Minnesota climate, the turbines in the Bent Tree Wind Farm are equipped with a winter package that includes a heating system. The wind turbines cannot self-generate power. They are constructed to send power to the substation, and consequently will have to be sent a small amount of power to run electronics in the turbine. Shugart said people in the county have been nice to work with. He also said even after construction that Bent Tree Wind Farm will be a part of the county for many years. “We’ll be here as your neighbor and as part of the community,” Shugart said. “The people here are very helpful.” One of the biggest problems while making the wind farm is drainage tile being cut during construction. A crew has been following all the construction fixing tile as they go, and there are plans to come back in spring next year to check tile again. State Rep. Robin Brown said she thinks it’s good that Alliant Energy seems genuinely concerned about property owners in the wind farm area. “They seem willing to work with them,” Brown said. “I’m very pleased that they’re on budget and on schedule.”
IMPACT 2010
We carry: • Browning Shotguns • Browning Rifles • Browning Knives
NOW TWO LOCATIONS! 18322 US Hwy 69 S Albert Lea • 377-0201 840 12th Street NW Mason City, IA • 641-903-0024 Kemlin Hart, Owner
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 33
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The FEDERATED Insurance Companies Home Office: 121 E. Park Sq. Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com
Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
North American Title Co. is in the 204 S. Washington Ave. office building.
North American Title comes to Albert Lea By Linda Holst for the Tribune Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
A crane lifts a tower section during the construction of a wind turbine at the Bent Tree Wind Farm.
It's the Season! The Area's Only Authorized Browning Dealer
IMPACT 2010
• Overhead Doors • Windows • Auto Glass • Lock Services • Custom Mirrors
When Albert Lea Abstract Co. closed its doors in June amid theft and racketeering charges against its owner, it left a gap in the local market for abstract and title work. There was only one company left in Albert Lea housing market doing the work that had been done by two competing companies. That meant there probably was room for another title company. Enter North American Title Co. The business opened a new branch in Albert Lea on Sept. 10. It is at 204. S. Washington Ave. in the Eagles Club building, right across the street from the now-shuttered Albert Lea Abstract Co.’s site. North American Title Co. is part of a national chain, with offices in 14 states and the District of Columbia, though it can serve all 50 states through a relationship with Fidelity National Agency Solutions. The states North American Title is in are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Albert Lea’s office will be the sixth branch in Minnesota. Melissa Ausen will manage the office of two employees, and Alex Grundhoffer, director of business development, is responsible for growing the business. The staff members presently are hoping to fill the present gap in the local market, though the competition,
Minnesota Abstract & Title Co., did see significant growth in the wake of Albert Lea Abstract’s closing. “Expansion of the business will be a wait and see,” Grundhoffer said. Minnesota Abstract added employees following Albert Lea Abstract’s closing, but officials with Minnesota Abstract declined to be interviewed. The primary responsibility of the office will be to give clear title of property sold, in addition to preventing a defect in ownership. Some responsibilities of the title company will be completed by other offices in the country. “We have tons of employees with over 10 years of experience,” Grundhoffer said. North American Title Co.’s clients will come from the local Realtors and bank loan officers. “Half the title transactions now come from banks because of the foreclosures,” he said. Grundhoffer assures its clients’ assets with the company will be safe. “Because the business is nationally owned, there will be more oversight, such as audits.” With the housing downturn, there have been more regulations imposed on title companies, “especially in the last six months,” he said. “Our industry is asking for more regulations pertaining to the entry of new businesses.” The health of the market is not known yet. But North American Title Co. is here to make the transition from seller to buyer as seamless as possible.
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Contract Manufacturing of Snacks and Cereals.
Serving the community for 25 years. • Auto service & repair • Trailer service • RV sales & service • Snow plow sales & service
377-3320
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IMPACT 2010
Page 34 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 15
GIFT WRAP AVAILABLE
Don’t forget - FREE ice with every purchase! 1617 W. Main St. • 507.379.2364
LUNCH COMBOS STARTING AT $5.99 Voted Albert Lea’s best restaurant!
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Southern Lock & Glass is at 717 Marshall St. in Albert Lea.
2740 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea • 373-0380
Your commercial and residential glass and lock specialists • Commercial Garage & Entry Doors • Store Fronts • Fiberglass Doors (resist rust) • Windshield/Window Repair & Replacement • Auto Lock Work • Ignition Work • Lock-Out Service We Make Keys for Cars
Owners: Keith & Angie Flatness
507-373-9446
717 Marshall St. • Albert Lea
24 HOUR EMERGENCY LOCK & GLASS SERVICE 507-402-1618
Southern Lock & Glass works all over Midwest By Linda Holst for the Tribune
Southern Lock & Glass owners Keith and Angie Flatness have been growing their business since January 2008. Both are natives to Albert Lea, as are their three sons. Diversification has been the key to surviving the changing economic times. Keith has 30 years of experience in the lock and glass sector. He is skilled at a variety of jobs: lock and safe work, high security, garage doors and glass work. This diversity is advantageous to the business. “We always have work regardless of the time of year,” Keith said. Most of the work is out of town, locations such as Minneapolis, Brainerd, St. Cloud, Duluth, Chicago and southern Iowa. “We do mostly commercial work: school districts, courthouses and large corporations,” Keith said. Southern Lock & Glass gets its glass from Minneapolis and Chicago; its hardware comes from Minneapolis and the East Coast. This past year Keith has performed a lot work for school districts. “Schools have needed to bring their buildings up to code for handicap students, such as automatic
doors,” he said. Even though Keith is frequently out of town, Angie is at the business, 717 Marshall St. in Albert Lea, most days. Angie is busy answering phone calls and doing the bookkeeping. Residential work is a small part of the business. “We try to take care of the local customers when we can and as best as we can,” Keith said. “If we can’t help you, we will recommend someone who can.” Southern Lock & Glass will provide service work on Saturdays when customers are at home and after 5 p.m. “I will even do service work before I leave town,” he said. Auto glass repair is an offered service. “We will schedule several vehicles in one day,” he said. What does the future hold for Southern Lock & Glass? “Our two oldest sons will be working full-time,” Keith said. “We plan to expand to out of town, with the sons operating the business.” Keith and Angie have never pushed their sons to join the business. “They are the ones wanting to do it. They have been around it all their lives and they know what is involved,” he said.
Three new wind turbines grace the farm fields west of Manchester.
Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
Bent Tree bolsters local economy By Kelli Lageson staff writer The Bent Tree Wind Farm currently under construction will have a lasting impression on the county — and not just the landscape. Freeborn County will receive tax dollars in the form of wind energy production tax. The tax dollars will be split between Freeborn County and impacted townships. Freeborn County will receive 80 percent and townships will split 20 percent of the tax. County officials are anticipating the first payment in February 2012. County Administrator John Kluever estimates the tax will amount to about $600,000 to split between the county and townships. The wind farm is being built in two phases, with the second phase still in planning stages. Infrastructure currently will not support the second phase, but eventually when it is built the county and townships will split an estimated $1.2 million per year from the wind energy production tax. Property owners in the project
area with turbines on their land receive a yearly payment for each turbine. Director of the Bent Tree Wind Farm Ted Francois wouldn’t disclose the amount each landowner receives but said each landowner gets the same amount per turbine. The amount is also not based on wind production and is a flat payment each year. A November 2009 report from North Dakota State University Extension Service says: “Anecdotal reports indicate most companies are paying $4,000 to $6,000 annually per megawatt of tower capacity for fixed-compensation packages.” Despite rainy and windy weather, project directors still plan to complete the project by the end of March of next year. “Construction is well on the way,” said Ted Francois, project developer with Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy is investing more than $400 million in the first phase of the project. While the project is being built, it will bring about $40 million directly and indirectly to the community, as well as the taxes they
Two wind turbines shine in the sun on a cloudy day. In the background, a crane is at the site of a tower being constructed.
will pay each year after the building is done, Francois said. At times during construction there have been as many as 350 workers at project sites. Ames Construction of Burnsville has the contract for civil work, and Boldt Construction of Appleton, Wis., received the contract for the concrete needed for the foundations of the turbines. A cement plant has been in production on County Road 14 since late spring this year. “The first turbine will be in production by the end of the year,” Francois said. Other infrastructure has been built for this project. A substation on County Road 29 and Highway 13 is being built to receive all the power from the wind turbines. Each turbine will be connected to the substation on County Road 29 by underground cables. These cables will also connect the turbines to each other for information sharing. The cables are embedded about 60 inches into the ground. From this substation a newly
See Wind on Page 16 ➧
IMPACT 2010
Page 14 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 35
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Gary Kresbach, of Pro Manufacturing, grinds a part for a gazebo.
• • • • • • • •
Aggregates Hauling Snow Removal Demolition BMP Installations Ditch Cleaning Road Grading Site Development
• Road Construction • Water/Sewer Installation • Soil Conservation • Erosion/Sediment Control
FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION County Rd 46 East • Albert Lea, MN
Licensed & Bonded
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Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea Tribune
One company led to another
By Andrew Dyrdal sports editor One Albert Lea company has evolved into four under one umbrella name. Pro Trucking Inc. started in 1985, hauling wooden shelters for Alamco Wood Products — stuff that was too wide, too heavy and needed a permit from the state and escorts to haul. Then 11 years later, the company changed. “Alamco asked, ‘Would you consider making some steel for us?’” Jim Troe, general manager of manufacturing, said. “Dan is kind of a risk taker, so we did.” Dan DeBoer and his wife, Kathy, along with Loran Shroeder, were the co-owners of Pro Trucking. But with that one request from Alamco, a second company — Pro Manufacturing — was born. The DeBoers’ company could now do two things. For example — when Laminated Wood Systems out of Seward, Neb., designed power poles for Pro Manufacturing to build steel connectors
for, they could do that and Pro Trucking could haul the power poles to Florida to be installed. But the company felt they weren’t completing the job so, to physically install the poles themselves, the DeBoers put cranes on their trucks and started Pro Crane, a third company that now also takes rooftop air conditioners off buildings and puts docks in and out of Fountain Lake and surrounding water. As Pro Trucking, Pro Manufacturing and Pro Crane grew, they couldn’t always keep up with the demand of their nationwide customers so a year and a half ago, they started Pro Transportation, a company that allows four companies to service customers even if they don’t have enough trucks. “It allows customers to make one phone call,” manager of transportation, Ray Talamantes, said. “If we don’t have enough trucks, we’ll subcontract that (freight) out.” Since Pro Trucking has around 80 employees, most of whom are selfemployed owner-operators, and Pro Manufacturing employs around 25,
specialize in building steel bridges, gazebos and connectors for laminated wooden beams, often seen in hotels and waterparks. The company makes it a priority to help fund ministry through nonprofit organizations, Shinefest and a Jamaica mission that A steel bridge lies inside the Pro Advantage man- helps the city of Accomufacturing building. The bridge will be installed pong get out of poverty. in a floodplain. Now, Pro Advantage has formed the Souththe two companies, along with Pro Transportation and Pro Crane, have ern Minnesota Manufacturing Alliance, a group of three companies that come together under one name — worked together to perform jobs they Pro Advantage. wouldn’t be able to do on their own. “We’re using synergy,” Troe said. Along with CAB Construction, “If we work together we can market of Mankato, and Metal Services, of ourselves to a customer a lot better Blooming Prairie, Pro Advantage is than each of us could individually.” working on getting SMMA off the As a single entity, Pro Advantage ground. has built and hauled assembly “We’re hoping to add a couple stands for a wind farm in Jackson, quality customers within a year,” the bridge at Katherine Island, a Troe said. “It will help when we can fish barrier at the Fountain Lake find niches in the market we can dam and the disc golf baskets at specialize.” Bancroft Bay Park — but say they
Affordable Ways to Enhance Your Home & Property with Nature
IMPACT 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 13
Think College. Think Riverland.
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COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Cisco Certified Network Associate Computer Technology Computer Systems Networking Microsoft Systems Administrator Microsoft Systems Engineer Web Developer Web Page Design & Web Master
LIBERAL ARTS
Page 36 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
SERVICE CAREERS Cosmetology Human Services Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Massage Therapist TRANSPORTATION CAREERS Automotive Service Technology Collision Repair Technology Diesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle Mechanics Truck Driving
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Page 12 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 37
Nancy Skophammer
Nancy Skophammer is president and chief executive officer at Farmers State Bank. How many employees does your company employ? Twenty.
What does your company do? We are an independent community bank; our focus is to serve Freeborn County businesses and individuals, not Wall Street. We raise funds by collecting deposits from local businesses and consumers via checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits (CDs). As a community bank we make loans in our county and are able to make decisions regarding loans in a timely fashion because we are locally owned. We have served our community for more than 98 years; our reputation has stood up to the judgment of previous generations and must continue to stand up to the judgment of future generations. We know our most important asset
is our reputation, and we strive to be the community bank that can meet the needs of individuals and businesses.
What prompted you to expand in Albert Lea? Many Albert Lea residents and businesses provided the catalyst for us to expand into Albert Lea. We would frequently have someone comment that if we were in Albert Lea they would be a customer. In 2004 we decided it was time to take the challenge and started looking for place to open a branch. How much risk was involved in the decision? The bank’s board tried to mitigate our risk with very cautious, conservative, comprehensive planning. Daniel Otten, our commercial lender and board member, created many risk scenarios for board review. When we felt we had developed an adequate 10-year strategic plan, we submitted it to the Minnesota
201 East Clark St. PO Box 1226 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226 Tel: 507-377-9344 800-880-401k Fax: 507-377-2051
Department of Commerce for approval, as it determines whether or not a bank can branch into another community. When the plan was approved, we set up a branch in a former veterinary clinic on the Albert Lea Seed House campus and watched the construction of the building where we are now located at 1452 W. Main St.
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Employee benefit consulting and administration firm specializing in:
2306 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-6471 Toll free 866-373-6471 • www.abvialbertlea.com
• • • •
Investment Consulting Retirement Plans Health & Welfare Benefits Corporate Wellness Consulting • Health Savings Accounts • Section 125 • Payroll Processing & Tax Filing • Cobra • Billing & Eligibility
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Absolutely! We have exceeded our growth expectations each year and have remained strong during these turbulent economic times. Our mission statement, “Providing the financial services you want wherever you are,” required upgrading our technology to be able to offer the products our customers would need wherever they were and enable us to compete with the big banks on our home turf. Our Internet banking products and high interest e-checking accounts
See Skophammer on Page 29 ➧
Let the skilled designers at Freeborn Lumber Co. create a setting of warm and welcoming comfort in your home. For the kitchen, bath, home office, or any room, Freeborn Lumber Co. brings you the best in home cabinetry.
971 Plaza St., Albert Lea, MN www.freebornlumber.com
Robyn Wacholz
Assistant Vice President, Albert Lea Location 1811 14th St. NE • Austin • 507-433-2122 1-800-752-3053 www.newdimensionelectronics.net
Matt Zebro
Vice President Commercial Lending Wells Location
507.377.4284 Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm Thurs. Until 8:00 pm
2630 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea 56007 – 507-373-7227 www.wellsfederal.com
IMPACT 2010
Page 38 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING
Now doing RV service & winterizing
Toy box conversions and Horse Trailer conversions
377-1508 Jerry Redig Certified 35 years exp.
S C
Countryside RV Service
Over 85 Years Experience!
Full service mechanical shop • Oil Changes • Tune Ups • Brake work & more 1401 SE Broadway, Albert Lea, MN
507-373-4164
On site service available Donnie Hagen; Julie Hagen Robb’s father; gently dislocates an unruly vine. Hagen used to own the land his daughter now has a vineyard on.
outhside ustom
Body repair - rod & custom shop 8:00 to 5:30 pm Mon.-Fri.
Doug Evans ~ Jason Evans 2190 S. Lincoln Albert Lea, MN 56007 Ph: 507-377-1508 Fax: 507-377-0695 countrysidervservice.net
Alone Together
October 7, 8, 9 & October 13, 14, 15, 16, 2010
The Gin Game
Feb. 17, 18, 19 & Feb. 23, 24, 25, 26, 2011
Forever, Patsy Cline
May 5, 6, 7, 8 (matinee) and May 11, 12, 13, 14, 2010 Get up to ith 0 Off w $3,000.0 nergy E Alliant te. cy Reba n ie c ffi E te a b e r Bryant it. tax cred 220 Elizabeth ave, albert lea, mn 373-2828
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 11
Countryside RV Service
• Offices • Apartment buildings • New & existing commercial const. • New homes • Farm & industrial equipment • Shop work
377-1508
IMPACT 2010
Gypsy July 14, 15, 16 & 17 (matinee) & July 20, 21, 22, 23, 2011
Box Office: (507) 377-4371 www.ActOnBroadway.com Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Janet Lawler/Albert Lea Tribune
Julie Hagen Robb unwinds a Marquette grape vine from the second wire. The vines must spend their first couple years trained on the first wire.
Vineyard sprouts along I-35
By Janet Lawler staff intern NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One of Iowa’s newest vineyards is located 1 1/2 miles south of the Diamond Jo Casino. Clearly visible from I-35, it spans roughly one acre, divided into 16 rows of wood and wire which sup-
port the 576 vines. It is owned and operated by Julie Hagen Robb and her husband, Dan. Their day jobs are as a Century 21 realtor and a UPS driver, respectively. Temporarily, they are calling the vineyard After All. The Hagen Robbs planted the vineyard in the spring of 2009. It
has hardy stock vines from the Winter Haven Nursery in Mankato, which were developed by the University of Minnesota and are specifically designed to survive the cold winters of the Midwest. The vineyard features seven rows of Marquette grapes and four rows of Frontenac grapes, which are both
red grapes for wine-making. It also has four rows of Brianna, a white grape used for wine, and a single row of Sommerset grapes, which are a standard table grape. “I love the look of the vineyard,” Julie said.
See Vineyard on Page 40 ➧
IMPACT 2010
Page 10 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
VALUE PRICE...
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 39
PLAIN & SIMPLE
AND
Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea Tribune
Dave Anderson, Jill Luoma and Rick Carlson stand in a service bay.
Stop in and Experience the Difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!
R&D Automotive relies on its great reputation By Linda Holst for the Tribune
Kade Vershey
Travis Stortroen
Paul Stahnke
Doug Conn
Hayes Piker
Todd Taylor
Craig Loehr
George Gonzalez
Hank Komoszewski
Jason Hulburt
Greg Hanson
Dalton Hanson
Christopher Balfe
DO IT SMART... DO IT SIMPLE... DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S
1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 2310/2320 E. Main Albert Lea, MN
Years of experience are not in short supply at R&D Automotive Repair. Co-owners (and brother-in-laws) Dave Anderson and Rick Carlson have a combined total of 75 years mechanic experience. Both worked at local dealerships and other automotive businesses. Their “repair specialty” is transmissions. “Transmission work is what usually brings the customer here for the first time,” Carlson said. “The person may be our customer forever after that.” Overhauling a transmission can take three to four days. Time is needed to order the parts, which arrive from Iowa or Minneapolis. A new transmission can be installed in one to two days. “We try to buy parts locally,” Anderson said. Servicing transmissions is not the only type of work Anderson and Carlson provide. Engine, brake and muffler work are also on their resume of talents. “We don’t do tire or alignment work,” said Carlson. R&D Automotive Repair has
a loaner car available while the owner’s car is being serviced. “We will shuttle people to and from work,” he said. Anderson and Carlson pride themselves in having satisfied customers. They will stand behind their work and manufacturers have limited warranties on parts. “People know we worked at dealerships, so they trust we know what we are doing,” Carlson said. The nurturing of their reputation took three to four years. Both co-owners state they have a good reputation and many repeat customers. And an advantage to being a small business versus a dealership is the customer gets to talk to the mechanic, not the shop manager. The decline in car sales has been reflected in R&D Automotive Repair’s volume of work. People are keeping their present vehicles and making repairs as needed. “We have plenty of work,” said Carlson. “We have never stood around and asked where’s our next customer.” R&D Automotive Repair is located at 801 E. Main St. in Albert Lea. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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IMPACT 2010
Page 40 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
♦ Vineyard
Continued from Page 11 It takes five years for the vines to mature enough to produce a full crop, but a partial crop is expected next year. In the mean time, the vines must be cut back each year to make them stronger. “It’s just vines for now,” Julie said. “We’ll probably make wine next year or sell the grapes to other wineries.” Working in a vineyard is no leisurely task. The Hagen Robbs, with help from their 24-year-old son, Tyson, recently finished stringing over
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Julie Hagen Robb trains a vine to grow on the first wire. The grape vines grow incredibly fast; so someone must come out every couple of days to retrain the disobedient vines. six miles of wire to hold the vines. Julie said it takes constant weeding and tending for the vineyard to stay healthy. “I really enjoy being out in the vineyard,” Julie said. “It doesn’t feel like work at all.” Every couple of days Julie or Dan or Julie’s father, Donnie Hagen, heads out to the vineyard to ensure the vines are wrapped along the bottom wire in order to train their growth. Next year Julie said they will have to worry about pesticides, because they want to be as organic as they can. However, wine-making doesn’t come cheap. Vineyards aren’t expected to become profitable until 10 years after they start producing grapes. The Hagen Robbs also have to pay royalties to the University of Minnesota, at 50 cents for each
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vine. Not to mention the expense of six miles of wire, Julie said it was a little expensive to run the vineyard. “We’re not looking to make a whole lot of money on this,” Julie said. “It’s more of a hobby right now.” The inspiration for starting the vineyard is due in part to Julie’s uncle who owns a vineyard in Olivia. “We’ve always been interested in the wine-making process,” Julie said. They took a class from the Iowa State University Extension in Northwood titled Wine and Grapes 101 and decided to start their own vineyard. In the class they learned that location was important not just agriculturally, but economically. A highly visible location which sees a lot of traffic is ideal for a vineyard and winery, which makes their land by the casino an exceptional location. The viticulture specialist for the extension, Mike White, even taught a class on pruning at the site of the Hagen Robb’s vineyard. “Location is key for vineyards and wineries; you want people to see it,” Julie said. The Hagen Robbs bought the land from Julie’s father and had always intended to do something with the land. Now with the vineyard there, their future plans are to build a winery and perhaps a home. They hope to start their own label and are most excited for the Marquette grapes which produce award-winning wine. “I still have a lot to learn, but it’s been exciting and fun,” Julie said.
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IMPACT 2010
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 9
ing goods stores. Martin’s also has skateboards, in“So that kind of distinguishes us be- line skates and Oakley sunglasses, cause we are a full-service bike shop,” among other items. Martin said. “Also when you come Martin said that his store has into Martin’s, there’s me and there’s products with fitness in mind. Justin, who is our full-time manager, “We do a lot with fitness-minded. and he does a lot of the repairs.” We have lots of things people can Besides bicycles, Martin’s, startspend and do outside on their free ing in the early ’90s, diversified and time,” Martin said. “Whether it is started to sell hockey equipment. bicycling, playing disc golf to RollerMartin’s sells a variety of hockey blading, or even skateboarding. We equipment from helmets and pads, have BMX or freestyle bikes. We do to skates and sticks. Martin’s also cater a lot for outdoor activities.” offers a unique program in which you Martin said that customer sercan lease new or used skates for your vice is a big key to his business. If child. The point being that with kids you buy something and it doesn’t growing so fast, you can lease the fit right or have problems, they will skates instead of buying a new pair. take care of it. “The concept of the lease is with “We go the extra mile. If they have kids growing so fast, it’s at a lower an issues or problems with it, were price to lease a pair of skates then it going to take care of it for them,” would be to buy them,” Martin said. Martin said. “If they purchase a “You can lease new or used skates, bicycle, and it just doesn’t fit them and when you lease from us you’re correctly, were going to take care of guaranteed a fit for the entire seait. We’re going fit them whether they son. So if your boy or girl happens go to a bigger or smaller size.” to grow, which they can have growth While Tiger City Sports and Marspurts where they can outgrow them tin’s Cycling & Fitness have been in a month, then you can bring them in Albert Lea for 20-plus years, the back in and we can refit you to that newest sports store to come to town skate or something of equal value.” is Dunham’s Sports. Along with bikes and hockey, Dunham’s Sports moved into NorthJon Theuer/Albert Lea Tribune another product that has been bridge Mall in early 2009, taking up Scott Martin repairs a bicycle in the shop of his store, Martin’s Cycling & selling well for Martin’s is disc golf Fitness, on South Broadway Avenue. See Sports on Page 29 ➧ gear, from discs to markers to bags. the sports goods people expect in a sports goods store — footballs, basketballs, bats, baseballs, softballs, Continued from Page 8 soccer balls, gloves, shoes, sports bras, jock straps, bags and so on. said. “And we try to keep up to date At Martin’s Cycling & Fitness, with all the latest Under Amour located on South Broadway, the stuff.” primary product is, as the name Embroidering services is another Albert Lea Area Schools provides students and families with a full spectrum implies, bicycles. The store’s role as specialty at Tiger City. of services and opportunities to make their futures as bright as possible. a Trek dealership is well-known. It Jones said the store can embroider a single item or 100 items. Tiger also carries brands such as Haro and City will work with customers when Gary Fisher. But the “Fitness” part of the name they bring in a design, and if they lets people know the place has more want something else or want to Hawthorne Elementary K-6 Lakeview Elementary K-6 Sibley Elementary K-6 than bikes, bike repair and bike gear. change something, they will alter 507-379-4960 507-379-5020 507-379-5080 Owned by Scott Martin, Martin’s the design to make sure it fits the Cycling & Fitness had been a fixture customer’s idea. in the Albert Lea since the spring of “What we do is we have someone 1981. bring us artwork and if it’s not exMartin started fixing bicycles with actly what they want I can sit there his dad in their garage in Plainview and tweak it,” Jordan Flatness said. Halverson Elementary K-6 Southwest Middle School 7-8 Brookside Education “I’ll do it by hand or get it to the way when he was a kid, and it has been 507-379-4900 507-379-5240 Center his business ever since. District Administration and they want it.” Services – 379-4800 albertlea.k12.mn.us “My main business I cater to is the Tiger City Sports also sells troEarly Childhood Special Albert Lea Area Schools bicycle business,” Martin said. “We phies. The store started making Education – 379-4822 Our Mission is to: do full sale and service on bikes. We “Equip learners of all ages to Community Ed – 379-4834 trophies in the early 1980s. It has think, to achieve and to care” service any brand of bicycle. When become a big part of the business, Albert Lea High School 9-12 you come into our store, we not only according to Jones. 507-379-5340 go through the line of bikes with “If someone comes in the morning Strong Schools for a Strong Community you, we also make sure you’re fitted and orders three or four trophies, correctly. We also make sure you find by 12:30 in the afternoon they’ll be ready, completely done and engraved the right model.” Martin also believes quality assuming we have the equipment in bicycles and good customer service stock,” Jones said. separate the place from other sportOf course, Tiger City Sports has
IMPACT 2010
Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Sports stores compete for customers
By Jon Theuer staff writer With the arrival of the fall sports and recreation season, parents may have to go buy a new pair of cleats for a child’s soccer interest, purchase themselves some warmer bicycling gear or get ready for hunting season. Whatever the reason, consumers in Albert Lea have three sports stores willing to help them find the goods you seek. In the city, they have Tiger City Sports, Martin’s Cycling & Fitness and Dunham’s Sports. Though all three are sporting goods stores, all take different approaches to drawing in the customers. Tiger City Sports has been in Albert Lea for 28 years; 10 years at its current location on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Clark Street. It is owned by Gary Hillman. Along with Hillman, Jordan Flatness and Tom Jones help out at the store during business hours. Tiger City Sports specializes in team sales, embroidery, trophies, shoes, silk screening, sporting goods and clothing.
Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
Tiger City employee Tom Jones listens to a customer’s inquiry about shoes. Two of the biggest sellers at Tiger City Sports are clothing and hockey equipment. Customers will find clothing ranging from the Vikings and Twins to sweatshirts and letterman jackets for all the area schools. With hockey, Tiger City offers a wide variety of equipment. There is a wide selection of hockey sticks,
and the employees will make sure customers find the right stick. “If a 5-year-old comes in, we measure to where the stick should be,” Jones said. “Then we cut it for them. There are times when we will put the tape on the stick for them, because it’s a new dad or mom who is new to hockey and wants to know how to do it. That’s why were here, and why
we’ve been here for so long.” Jones and Flatness believe that the biggest thing the store does that separates itself from other stores is customer service. “I think one thing we do is customer service — it’s huge,” Jones said. “If somebody buys a pair of inline skates and needs to have new wheels, we can put them on. We sharpen skates. We’re basically a complete sporting goods store for any kind of a team that wants to do everything from getting outfitted to having trophies at their end-of-theyear banquet. They can do that at one location.” “Customer service is huge,” Flatness said. “With us, we meet you at the door and greet you and ask if you need any help and if you’re OK. We let you walk around and check in on you periodically.” Among the biggest sellers at Tiger City Sports is the Under Armour brand, which Jones says has been a hit in the United States. “The Under Armour explosion has been big in the United States,” Jones
See Sports on Page 9 ➧
we’re your energy superhighway…
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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 electric transmission system from Alliant Energy’s Interstate Power and Light Co. in December 2007, ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability and give customers broader access to electric generating sources. We’re also connecting the clean wind energy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa, encouraging renewable energy and its economic benefits for our region. We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 41
♦ Park
Continued from Page 30 infrastructure in place to attract companies to the park. “If you don’t have the site available, you’re crossed off the list and they move to another city,” Dorman said in June. Plus, construction costs will probably rise in the future. The I-35/I-90 Business Park came
♦ Loans Continued from Page 20 and two offices service the eastern section of the nation with a southeast office in Tampa, Fla., and the northeast office in Baltimore. Over the past five years, Thorson said the company has been in growth mode and hope to keep that momentum full speed ahead in the future. “We’ve grown substantially in the past five years, doubling revenues, and we hope to do that again,” she said. Local and regional clients for AmeriNational include Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity, American Bank and the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Some of their larger clients include the District of Columbia; Florida; Baltimore; Birmingham, Ala.; and Raleigh, N.C. AmeriNational has partnered with its clients in a volatile housing market, aggressive in foreclosure prevention programs and Habitat for Humanity, she said. “Our client’s goal is to help keep those buyers in their homes,” Thorson said. “They want to preserve affordable housing stock.” In addition to its work with banks and nonprofit organizations, AmeriNational has extensive experience with state and local government
our share y
about out of a continued local desire to capitalize on interstate traffic near the cloverleaf of Interstate 90 and Interstate 35. The park is designed for warehousing, distribution or light industrial. After the land in the Hobben Industrial Park was sold to Larson Manufacturing a few years ago, that was the last big chunk of superior interstate access available for new industrial developers coming to Albert Lea, Dorman said. affordable housing programs operating with funds under Community Development Block Grant, HOME, HOPE, Neighborhood Stabilization Program, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, tax-exempt bonds and other common federal and state sources. Its Habitat for Humanity affiliate is viewed as one of its premier partners for the habitat network, Thorson said. Thorson said AmeriNational has received some new business from various stimulus funding programs to combat the volatile housing market. “The state of Florida received a ‘Hardest Hit’ program, and we’ll help them implement that,” she said. The Hardest Hit Fund, meant for five states where the housing bust hit the hardest, provides federal assistance for FHA loans. The federal government has “programs where they lend money to homebuyers for home improvement and assistance,” Thorson said. “We help deliver those loans through underwriting, preparing documents for them and helping them dispense the loans to their borrowers.” “Once that loan is made, we will service it — the borrowers will make their payments to us,” she added. The company’s website is www. amerinational.net.
news
Please send all of your church, community and calendar items to Lifestyles@ AlbertLeaTribune.com
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Page 42 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 When you need to find out everything about the home you live in, rent out, or are thinking about buying or selling.
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IMPACT 2010
SMIF works to add jobs in the Albert Lea area
In today’s topsy-turvy economy, and coaching. Riverland Community one thing everyone agrees on is the College is coordinating and overseeneed for jobs. Southern Minnesota ing the three-community effort. Initiative Foundation, for the past 24 The next step in the CGI is a comyears, has invested millions of dolmunitywide “speak out event,” held lars to create and maintain jobs. on Sept. 30 at the Fairlane Building This past year SMIF invested more at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds than $1.5 million in entrepreneurfrom 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All local ial initiatives and over $800,000 in residents are encouraged to attend biobusiness projects, including small to learn more about the current imbusiness and gap funding loans. We migrant workforce and share project know that 76 new jobs were created ideas for the $15,000 grant award. — an important accomplishment A meal will be served at 5 p.m. and given the tough economy! interpreters and child care In the Albert Lea area, will be provided. we’ve had the opportunity to Randy Kehr, executive assist seven entrepreneurs director of the Albert Leawith start-up and expansion Freeborn County Chamber activities in recent years. of Commerce and one of the Together, these businesses 20 Leadership Team mememploy more than 100 people bers, said: “From an economic and are helping to bolster perspective, it continues to be the local economy. We also a good return on investment helped support the Albert to attract and retain new Tim Lea Business Development immigrants to our commuPenny Center — home to several S. Minn. Init. nity. I hope that this CGI will entrepreneurs including one help them find ways to conFoundation nect both to those who have of our loan clients Daisy Blue Naturals — during the early been here for generations, start-up days. and among themselves. Improving SMIF is also directing resources to marketability, not just job skills, is helping new immigrants prepare for crucial — especially among refugees jobs or start their own businesses. who are often under-employed.” We know that many communities He emphasized that reaching out to within the region, including Albert minority entrepreneurs remains vital Lea, are experiencing an increasto Albert Lea’s business community. ing number of new immigrants and This is the first time SMIF has minorities. SMIF believes that to used a community-cluster approach achieve an entrepreneurial culture, with a leading educational institution we need the assets and involvement — Riverland Community College — of these new populations within our playing the role of coordinator. We’re local communities. excited about the possibilities to In particular, we’re helping Albert share and leverage resources, includLea and two other communities ing financial and educational. — Austin and Owatonna — build These are just a few examples of asset-based coalitions around the how SMIF is working in the Albert value of immigrants in the workforce Lea area and across our 20-county and community. The communities region to build economic partnerships each are creating a strong vision and that produce results. We look forward purpose around capitalizing on the to more opportunities to work with assets of new immigrants and milocal partners in building a strong, nority populations to increase their prosperous and welcoming region. economic vitality. As always, I welcome your quesThis initiative — called the tions, comments and feedback. You Community Growth Initiative, or can reach me by phone 507-455-3215 CGI — provides an opportunity for or e-mail timp@smifoundation.org. Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna We also invite you to visit our webto explore, leverage and align their site for more information about our existing resources to support imresources and partnership opportumigrant workforce efforts and nities — www.smifoundation.org. minority-owned businesses. As part of the grant, SMIF is providing up to Tim Penny is the president of $15,000 to each community for comthe Southern Minnesota Initiative munity projects along with training Foundation.
IMPACT 2010
Chamber of Commerce mission is wide, varied
Our Business/Education Partnership continues to bring business operators together with educators to develop a program that enhances “Promote and develop a healthy the education of our youth and and positive business climate and aids in the development of a qualiimprove the quality of life in the Alfied workforce for the future. They bert Lea-Freeborn County Area.” recognize all aspects of education from early childhood through lifeWe are a voluntary association of long learning opportunities. They business and professional men and are participants in Career Day at women who have joined together to Southwest Middle School and with work to find the solutions to their the generous support of Riverland mutual business and comCommunity College, assist in munity issues. Chamber the visit of the entire eighth members often look beyond grade class to both the Austin the short-term solutions and and Albert Lea campuses. work to plan far into the fuThey are currently developing ture. We are, however, aware a set of “career” videos that of pressing present need. will show real life individuLast year, we participated als discussing their careers in the AARP/Blue Zones Viand the paths that they took tality Project. More than 30 to arrive at their current businesses agreed to work on Randy positions. The goal is to show creating a healthier worksite Kehr the importance of all aspects for their employees. The total of education — no matter the Chamber chosen profession. number of employees imof Commerce pacted was well over 4,000. Our Governmental AfMember businesses changed fairs Committee, comprising their cafeterias, revamped their members who volunteer their time to vending machines, and created walk- study issues and to make recommening paths both inside and outside dations to the Board of Directors, their facilities. also offers information to our memThis year, the Albert Lea-Freeborn bers and the community through our County Chamber of Commerce election forums. While not endorsing Board of Directors has authorized any candidate, the chamber feels it the establishment of a permanent is in the best interest of our memstanding committee on worksite bers and the community, at large, to wellness. Currently, the Statewide provide these events. These efforts Health Improvement Program and even reach the primary election level Pioneering Healthy Communities when local races are contested. programs are laying the groundwork Our Agriculture Committee confor healthier worksites following the tinues to increase awareness of how path laid out by the Vitality Project. the agriculture industry impacts the The Albert Lea-Freeborn County business community, and to educate/ Chamber of Commerce believes that assist our youth in the understandthese efforts will not only improve ing of the importance of the agriculthe health of our workforce and lowture industry. These volunteers orgaer health care costs for our member nize the annual Third Grade Farm businesses but improve the overall Tours, our annual Agriculture Lunch health of Freeborn County. and participate through donations in To that end, the Worksite Wellthe annual 4-H Livestock Auction at ness Committee will seek to make the Freeborn County these efforts a permanent part of the The Green Committee was esworkplace culture for the businesses tablished as a vehicle to provide anof Freeborn County through sharswers, to educate, communicate and ing of successful policy changes and steer businesses to the appropriate worksite initiatives and the gatherresources to make their businesses ing of statistical data to support these more environmentally responsible. efforts. A Chamber of Commerce Through Business Monthly and Board of Directors member and the E-Biz Weekly, information is made CEO of a local business have agreed available to our members on topics to help establish the committee and See Kehr on Page 32 ➧ have already begun their work. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is to:
THANK YOU!
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 7
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!
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SERVING FREEBORN COUNTY
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
Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
We offer a complete line of Hardware, Power & Hand Tools
IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
John Miller
John Miller is the owner and president of Freeborn Lumber. How many employees does your company employ? Twenty-one.
GORDONSVILLE, MN 507-448-3302
10 MINUTES SO. OF ALBERT LEA • OPEN DAILY 8-6 PM SAT. 8-3
918 Garfield Ave. 373-6496
Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am
Sunday School 9:45 am Wednesday Worship 5:30 pm
Pastors: Todd Walsh & Andrea Myers
Assembly of God Church
Sunday School Sunday Worship (Nursery Provided)
Wed. Family Night
8:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
(Adult Bible Study, The Momentum Youth Ministry for Teens, Children's Ministry)
Pastor: Lee Freshour 1540 South Shore Drive (507) 373-7989 Albert Lea, MN
What does your company do? It is a lumber yard specializing in custom designs for houses, additions, outdoor living spaces, kitchens and farm buildings.
How much risk was involved in the decision? None, just where we will end up. There was an added cost of having to buy land and the added tax of being part of a larger community. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Yes, for the risk involved it has been great. The majority of our customers are closer to us. So far, even with the economy as it is, it has been a great move. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? Family business. An opportunity to own our own business. I also enjoy designing houses and additions, and this gave me the opportunity.
STAND OUT IN A CROWD AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Share your thoughts on AlbertLeaTribune.com
What book on business success would you recommend? There are so many I have read, and they all help, but it is hard to beat “The Golden Rule” by Jim Gibbons.
Do you have any business advice for others? Owning your own business is a 24-hour-a-day job. It can be very rewarding, but you need to be on your toes 100 percent of the time, and if or when you make a mistake, own up to it and fix it to the best possible way and as fast as possible. Most of all, enjoy what you are doing and your customers will enjoy it as well.
They’re back! Bowling scores appear every Sunday in the Sports section of the Albert Lea Tribune.
MAKE ALBERT LEA YOUR COMMUNITY!
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 43
ITC builds a new Glenville substation
Wednesdays 5pm-8pm Build your own burger
Fridays 6pm-8pm Steak & Chops
Emmons American Legion
By Kelli Lageson staff writer
What prompted you to move your company to Albert Lea? We were located in Freeborn, and on Sept. 7, 2007, we had a fire that forced us to rebuild. We decided to rebuild in Albert Lea because of the size of the town and closer proximity to our customers.
Grace Lutheran Church
IMPACT 2010
Exclusively in the print edition.
507-297-5600
GLENVILLE — ITC Midwest is building a new substation southeast of Glenville to enhance the electrical grid and reliability of electricity in the region. ITC Midwest Director of Communications Tom Petersen said this substation will help take the load off other substations in the area. Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune The substation will be on five acres. This substation is being built south of Glenville off County Road 65 by ITC Work started on the substation in Midwest. It will help enhance the current electrical grid. May, and it will be operational by November. The substation is being built to He also said ITC Midwest has Power & Light. help with extra energy being made had a lot of activity in Freeborn and ITC Midwest has an operating in wind farms. It will be a 161 kiMower counties since it purchased facility in Albert Lea and has headlovolt/69 kilovolt substation, which the region’s transmission lines from quarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It means it connects to the 161 kilovolt Alliant Energy in 2007. is a subsidiary of Novi, Mich.-based line and converts the electricity to a “These projects are part of our ITC Holdings Corp. lower voltage. continued commitment to invest “It will serve as a connection to in the electric transmission grid to the Hayward-Worth line,” Petersen enhance electric reliability and to said. support the connection of renewMake your wedding The Hayward-Worth transmisable resources to the grid,” said ITC reception a truly sion line is 52 years old and rated at Midwest Executive Director Doug exceptional event! 161 kilovolts. The line needed to be Collins. “We continue to see demand • Groom’s Suppers, Wedding rebuilt to support energy generation from wind farms that want to locate Anniversaries, etc. from wind turbines in the area. The in this area. These transmission up• Will do catering for any size rebuilt line will interconnect with grades will support those wind gengroup, from full sit down lines owned by Dairyland Power. eration facilities and the economic meals to sandwiches, salads The 20-mile line runs between benefits they bring to our region.” and desserts made to go. substations in Hayward and ITC Midwest acquired almost Call 507-265-3265 Kensett, Iowa, which is in Worth 7,000 miles of electric transmission Conger Inn Catering County. lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois & Party Shop “It’s an important part of the invest- and Missouri in December 2007 Conger, Minnesota ment we’re making,” Petersen said. from Alliant Energy’s Interstate
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IMPACT 2010
Page 44 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Top 40 employers
Top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to respondents who filled out a survey. Information listed as: Ranking, employer Field, employees 1. Albert Lea Medical Center Medical, 1,131 2. Albert Lea Area Schools Education, 463 3. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 398 4. Cargill Food processing, 353 5. Walmart Retailer, 320 6. Riverland Community College Education, 296 7. St. John’s Lutheran Home Senior health services, 292 8. Good Samaritan Center Senior health services, 285 9. Hy-Vee Food Store Supermarket, 285 10. Lou-Rich Inc. Contract manufacturing, 276 11. Freeborn County Government, 270 12. City of Albert Lea Government, 267 13. Streater Inc. Store fixtures, 185 14. Ventura Foods Oils, margarine, lard, 169
15. Minnesota Corrugated Box Shipping containers, 161
31. Larson Manufacturing Co. Doors and windows, 60
16. Trail’s Travel Center Truck stop, 150
32. Sorensen Bros. Inc. Road construction, 60
17. Agilis Donations processor, 145
33. Poet Biorefining Ethanol production, 60
18. Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Refrigerated foods, 135
34. The Children’s Center Child care, 54
19. Thorne Crest Retirement Center Senior health services, 130
35. Oak Park Place Senior health services, 50
20. Larson Contracting General contractor, 125
36. Pro Trucking Transportation, 45
21. Home Depot Home improvement, 105
37. U.S. Post Office Mail services, passports, 45
22. Alamco Wood Products Laminated wood products, 99
38. Almco De-burring equipment,43
23. Bridon Cordage Industrial cordage, 90
39. Cedar Valley Services Vocational training & services, 43
24. Ulland Bros. Road construction, 90
40. Crossroads Trailer Sales Semitrailers, 42
25. Alliance Benefit Group Financial services, 74
Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. 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.
26. Alliant Energy Gas and electricity, 68 27. South Minnesota Oil Petroleum products, 65 28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant, 65 29. Innovance Support services, 60 30. Interstate Motor Trucks Truck services, 60
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How many employees does your company employ? Seventy. What does your company do? It produces snacks and cereals. What prompted you to expand in Albert Lea? An excellent facility was available.
Auto
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Custom Processing & Retail Meats TODD & CHERYL ENDERSON Owners PO Box 308, Hayward, MN 56043 (507) 373-8966
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Q&A with Ten Innovators
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 5
Pam Sander is the president of Zumbro River Brand.
NORTH AMERICAN MAT COMPANY 304 Central Ave. N, Hollandale, MN
IMPACT 2010
Open by appointment Call Angie Lair at (507) 320-0053 100 W. Front St., Hayward
How much risk was involved in the decision? We were operating a similar business in Owatonna and made the decision to expand to Albert Lea for growth. We did not initially think this was an extremely risky decision, but for the first two years, it looked like we may have expanded before we needed to. So it was, in fact, a significant risk that we were undertaking expenses without revenue. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? After those two slow years, being in a position to take bigger and new projects is paying off, and our business is growing rapidly. Employee count has doubled since we bought the plant, from 35 to 70. Sales have increased from $2.3 million in 2006 when we bought the plant to $5.2 million in 2009 and an estimated $6.7 million in 2010. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? A fortunate combination of going to work for the food industry and meeting an exceptional entrepreneur who recognized that employee talent is the ultimate asset. What book on business success would you recommend? I have not read many. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins was interesting. So was one about Minnesota entrepreneurs in which I remember reading that the entrepreneur who started Jeno’s Pizza ate a worm he saw on the top of his bean sprouts when making a presentation — before the customer could see it. Do you have any business advice for others?
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Any other comments? Being in business is the most fun anyone could have. It almost should not be rewarded with salary and profit, it is so exciting to do. Oh wait, I forgot for a minute that profit is the whole idea of this capitalist system that has built the United States and has done pretty well so far. We should be training entrepreneurs in our schools. They are born, sure. But they can also be trained as my own activities prove.
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Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
We represent over 50 companies
Continued from Page 2
Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main • Albert Lea Bus.: 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301 troythompsonagency@gmail.com
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507-377-1659–Office • 507-377-1650–Fax 507-373-4665–Home
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IMPACT 2010
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health insurance is generally attributable to claims incurred when we go to the doctor. Our strategies do not involve avoiding care; but rather engaging the employee as the actual user of the health insurance from both a financial and behavior/lifestyle standpoint. The goal is really to make the employees (and their dependents) healthier and more financially astute. In the end, there really is only two ways for the United States to control the escalating cost of health insurance — we will either have to ration care like many other countries do, or we will all have to become healthier by changing our poor behaviors/lifestyles. How much risk was involved in recent decisions? It took us five years to reach profitability on our Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Account administrative division. We started it from the ground floor with no employees and no clients. It required a lot of capital that was primarily spent on staffing. We essentially bought our way into the COBRA and Billing & Eligibility administrative space by using bank financing to make a couple acquisitions up in the Twin Cities. Have results proven worthy? What are the results? We have added more than 750 new business clients since 2004 based upon our consulting and administrative services in the health care area. Our goal now is to cross-sell our other services to them. In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I worked for my father during college and law school. Exciting new things were happening in this industry when I graduated from law school. It was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor; so instead of going to work for a law firm or staying in Washington, D.C., where I had interned for a Minnesota senator, I came back and joined the family business. I have never regretted it. During that time, we had our first “big idea” that propelled our tiny company to the next level. It was new and exciting, and we were literally creating new services in the employee benefit space. I was fortunate to have a mentor (my father) who constantly stressed growth. Each of our growth spurts
Alliance Benefit Group is at 201 E. Clark St. in Albert Lea. has, in essence, been fueled by the next “big idea”; and though each was not without stress, they all have been exciting and invigorating. Today, my brother, Grant, out of our Kansas City office, is the president of our consulting division, and Steve Pulley is the president of our administrative division. We all complement each other well and make a great team. We have also built a great management team around us, many of whom have been promoted from within. What book on business success would you recommend? “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Do you have any business advice for others? Here is my top 11 list that I have learned over the years from others: 1. Be a pioneer, not a settler. It only takes one good idea to have a great business. Don’t be afraid to fail or to be first. 2. Surround yourself with great people. 3. Strive to have your clients view you as a “partner” and not a vendor. 4. If you make a mistake, admit it, fix it and learn from it. Always make your client whole. 6. Always put out an A-plus paper. B’s and C’s might cut it in school, but they don’t cut it in business. 7. Always invest back in your business for growth. If you’re not growing, a competitor will come and “eat your lunch.” 8. Promote a culture of teamwork within your organization. 9. Set goals; but once you achieve them, set them higher. 10. Give back to your community, and encourage your employees to do the same. 11. Don’t forget your family.
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 45
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Alliance Benefit Group..................................... 37 Accentra............................................................. 24 ACT Theatre...................................................... 38 Addies Gifts....................................................... 28 Ag Power............................................................ 26 ALAMCO Wood Products LLC......................... 48 Albert Lea Area Schools..................................... 9 Albert Lea Art Center....................................... 28 Albert Lea Dental Clinic................................... 14 Albert Lea Electric.......................................Cover Albert Lea HRA................................................. 19 Albert Lea Public Warehouse........................... 31 Albert Lea Seed House....................................... 4 Albert Lea Steel................................................ 30 ALEDA..........................................................Cover Allens Tow & Travel.......................................... 31 ALMC................................................................... 2 American Legion............................................... 42 Americana Insurance and Investments........... 21 America’s Best Value Inn.................................. 37 Antiques of the Midwest................................... 28 Applebees........................................................... 34 Assembly of God.................................................. 6 Aurora Dental Center....................................... 30 Bantam Wind.................................................... 39 Bonnerup Funeral Home.................................. 37 Borderline Home Improvement........................ 17 Candy & Jewels Consignment Boutique......... 29 Certified Travel................................................. 18 Chamber.......................................................Cover Cheers Liquor.................................................... 34 Christianson Interiors...................................... 41 Christianson Plumbing & Heating.................. 30 Citizen’s State Bank......................................... 43 Clarks Grove Hardware.................................... 18 Collins Auto......................................................... 4 Complete Home Inspection............................... 42 Com-Tec............................................................. 43 Conger Catering................................................ 43 Conger Meat Market......................................... 46 Crescendo’s Exqisite Food & Wine................... 28 Curt’s Pharmacy............................................... 25 Diamond Joe Casino......................................... 23 Doug’s Sandblasting......................................... 38 Doyle’s Hallmark............................................... 42 Dr. Lundstrom..................................................... 4 Dr. Shoff Chiropractic....................................... 28 Emmons American Legion................................ 43 Erlandson Implement....................................... 24 Etc. Tanning & Clothing................................... 18 Expressions Salon & Spa.................................. 27 Fairlight Home Enhncement............................ 36 Farmers Mutual Insurance of Manchester...... 40 Farmers State Bank............................................ 3 Federated Insurance - Stacey Johnson............ 33 First National Bank.......................................... 44
Fisher’s Fine Jewelry........................................ 28 Fleet Farm Supply............................................ 26 Frames R Us...................................................... 28 Freeborn Construction...................................... 14 Freeborn County................................................. 7 Freeborn County Historical Museum.............. 30 Freeborn Lumber.............................................. 12 Freeborn Pride Builders................................... 40 Geno’s Plumbing & Heating............................. 38 Glenville Short Stop.......................................... 43 Grace Lutheran Church...................................... 6 Green Lea Golf Course...................................... 18 Green Mill.....................................................Cover H & R Block....................................................... 32 Hanson Tire......................................................... 1 Hart Brothers Weaponry.................................. 16 Heart of the Artichoke...................................... 28 Hillcrest Cemetary Association........................ 30 Home Federal Bank.......................................... 42 Home Solutions................................................. 21 Indoor Technologies.......................................... 32 Injection Technology Diesel Service................. 40 ITC....................................................................... 8 Jakes Pizza........................................................ 28 Jan Jerdee......................................................... 17 Jim & Dudes Plumbing & Heating.............Cover Johnson Heating & A/C...............................Cover Joshua Parks Construction.............................. 25 Joyce Mathies Dance Centre............................ 31 KIMT............................................................Cover Lake Mills Chamber......................................... 41 Lake Mills Clinic............................................... 41 Lake Mills Community School......................... 41 Lake Mills Task Force....................................... 41 Larson Allen...................................................... 17 Larson Contracting......................................Cover Larson Manufacturing...................................... 41 Lembke Construction...................................Cover Let Energy Systems.......................................... 29 Loverink Drainage............................................ 20 M&S Outdoor Equipment................................. 20 Manchester Hartland Telephone...................... 40 Manpower.......................................................... 25 Mary Go Round Shoppe.................................... 28 Massage Connections........................................ 36 Mel’s Golf Carts................................................. 31 Midwest Antiques............................................. 28 Minnesota Abstract........................................... 47 MN Corrugated Box.......................................... 24 MN Freezer Warehouse.................................... 30 Morreim Drainage............................................. 40 Mrs. Gerry Salads............................................. 22 Nelson’s Marketplace........................................ 25 New Dimension Electronics.............................. 37 New to You Consignment.................................. 27 Nick’s Grocery................................................... 44
North American Mat Company........................ 44 Northbridge Mall.........................................Cover Northwood Lumber........................................... 40 Oak Park Place.................................................. 48 Plymouth Shoe Store........................................ 27 Precision Septic Services LLC.......................... 41 Produce State Bank.......................................... 46 Pub 69................................................................ 31 R & D Auto Repair............................................ 32 Radiant Haven.................................................. 44 Reinertsons Embroidery................................... 27 ReMax - Emelie & Jim Pualson....................... 31 Riverland College.............................................. 13 Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc........................ 32 Sanderson Auto................................................. 33 Security Bank.................................................... 48 Security Insurance.............................................. 7 Select Foods....................................................... 23 Service Master.................................................. 19 Shell Rock River Watershed District................. 1 Signature Real Estate..................................Cover South Central Pet Care.................................... 19 South MN Lubes............................................... 36 Southern Lock & Glass..................................... 34 Southside Custom............................................. 38 St. John’s Lutheran Home................................ 19 State Bank of Clarks Grove.........................Cover State Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt.. 36 State Line Electric............................................ 43 Steven’s Window & Hardware.......................... 33 Syverson Ford.................................................... 10 Thompson Sanitation........................................ 48 Thorne Crest Retirement Community ............ 46 Tic Toc Digital Printing.................................... 30 Tim’s Auto and Tire........................................... 43 TNT Used Appliances....................................... 28 Total Glass and Lock......................................... 16 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union............. 20 Trading Post........................................................ 6 Trails Travel Center ........................................ 38 Troy Thompson Agency....................................... 4 Ulland Brothers................................................ 17 United Employees Credit Union...................... 14 Uptown Dental.................................................. 22 US Bank.......................................................Cover Ventura Foods..............................................Cover Wal Mart............................................................ 11 Wedgewood Cove............................................... 47 Wells Federal Bank........................................... 37 Wells Insurance Agency.................................... 44 WFS................................................................... 44 Zenk Read Trygstad.......................................... 46 Zogg Dermatology............................................... 5 Zumbro River Brand Inc................................... 33
Page 46 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Architects
and
Civil Engineers
IMPACT 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
Lance Skov
Lance Skov is a certified public accountant and partner with the firm Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda.
907 Sykes St. • Albert Lea, MN Phone: 507-373-0689 Fax: 507-373-0716
How many employees does your company employ? We have eight employees. What does your company do? It is an accounting firm that does tax returns for individuals, farmers, corporations, small business, estates, trusts and nonprofits. We also do bookkeeping and payroll services for all types of entities. Another area we work in are audits and reviews of governmental entities, nonprofits and small businesses.
109 W Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 56045 (507) 889-4311
Offices at:
220 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-5500
www.producestatebank.com
Member
FDIC
New lower prices for venison processing.
Conger Meat Market Friendly Small Town Service
100 William Ave. Conger, MN • Family Owned
Only 6.5 Miles W. of Hwy. 69 on Co. Rd. 17
(507) 265-3340
Northbridge Mall Albert Lea 377-1556
In your career, what made you decide to go into your field? I took an accounting class in high school and that helped me make the decision of what I wanted to major in during college. I also like the challenge of the diversification the job has with the different areas of accounting we get to work in and also working with a variety of people in the community
We managed to get seven of the 10 innovators in the same place for the group photo. The schedules of executives and business owners rarely match well. Enjoy their comments in Impact 2010.
REASONS TO SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITY BANK!
Table of contents Q&A with Ten Innovators Brad Arends Pam Sander John Miller Nancy Skophammer Andy Petersen Gladys Reinertson Steve Klingman Ron Langrell Mike Larson Lance Skov
Sports stores compete for customers
How much risk was involved in the decision? The main risk was not knowing how our clients would feel toward our move.
Checking • Savings • Loans • CD's • IRAs • HSAs Credit Cards • Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 3
Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune
What prompted you to change locations in Albert Lea? We were not actively pursuing a move, but the opportunity came for us to obtain a larger office space, which gives us the potential for future growth.
Have results proven worthy? What are the results? Yes, the results have proven worthy. We are very happy with the new location and have received a lot of positive feedback from our clients.
IMPACT 2010
Tiger City, Martin’s Cycling and Dunham’s find niches
Vineyard sprouts along I-35
Vintners plant grapes that can survive Iowa winters What book on business success would you recommend? A book I would recommend would be “Who moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. The book talks about change, and there is always change happening in the accounting world. Do you have any business advice for others? I would stress to go out of your way to meet your customers needs and to map out where you want to be five years from now and how you plan to get there.
What’s on your doorstep?
To subscribe, call 379-3422
Bent Tree bolsters local economy
Alliant Energy invests $400 million in first phase
Everyone loves Pitchfork Pete
Visitors come to Fleet Farm Supply to snap a picture
ALMC positions for the future
Services are moving and expanding into new places
2 5 6 12 18 19 19 22 32 46
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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
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Your Business Banking Team
Road first, then industry
New 777th Avenue is a gateway to a new industrial park 30
One company led to another
Pro Trucking became many and now is Pro Advantage
Other goods
Randy Kehr: Chamber of Commerce mission is varied Loans in affordable housing What’s the oldest business in Albert Lea? Dan Dorman: About the Port Authority and Greater Jobs North American Title comes to Albert Lea Southern Lock & Glass works all over Midwest R&D Automotive relies on its reputation Tim Penny: SMIF works to add jobs to Albert Lea area ITC Midwest builds a new Glenville substation Top 40 employers
35 7 20 21 31 33 34 39 42 43 44
Rhonda Allison Daniel Otten
Mark Heinemann Debra Kenison
Nancy Skophammer
IMPACT 2010
Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
Q&A with Ten Innovators
IMPACT 2010
Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 47
Brad Arends
Brad Arends is the chief executive officer for Alliance Benefit Group.
How many employees does your company employ? One hundred fifteen full time, five permanent part time, seven seasonal What does your company do? Alliance Benefit Group provides employee benefit consulting and administration services for small- to medium-size employers. Our typical client has 50 to 500 employees, but we have clients with 10 employees and clients with more than 3,000 employees. Our consulting engagements tend to be centered around two primary areas — retirement and health care. Employers hire us for retirement plan design, fiduciary/investment advisory and employee education/ advice consulting services. On the health care side, employers hire us primarily to develop long-term strategies to help them control the cost of their health insurance benefits.
Our family has grown.
Strategies generally focus on adding some aspect of health care consumerism to their plan design, an active disease management program, and aggressive wellness initiatives to drive healthy behavior among their employees and dependents. On the administration side of our practice, employers hire us to provide administrative support services for many of their employee benefit programs. Our firm grew from 20 employees to over 60 employees during the decade of the ’90s on the back of our retirement plan administrative/recordkeeping services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. During this past decade we have doubled again in employee count by not only expanding our retirement plan administrative services nationally, but also expanding our health care administrative support services for Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, COBRA, and Billing & Eligibility. We also process payroll for more than 150 employers.
Chris Anibal, Nurse Practitioner, Family Medicine
What prompted your company to grow during a turbulent time in the field of health benefits? Opportunity. As a consulting company, we don’t have a product that you can touch or put on the shelf to sell to people. Our primary job is to be good listeners. Our clients tell us their problems and issues, and they pay us to come up with solutions. The most expensive employee benefit that an employer provides its workforce today (other than a pay check) is health insurance, and the cost of that is doubling every five to seven years. That is a problem for American employers in good economic times or bad economic times. Controlling that cost by moving the plan to an alternative health insurance company no longer works long term. The strategies that we take out to our clients today center on reducing health insurance claims; and, thereby, health insurance costs since 90 percent of the cost of
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Providing title and closing service in the historic Carnegie Library • Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Refinance • Abstracting • Owners and Encumbrance Reports Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 146 W. College St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 377-1399 • Fax (507) 377-8033
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See Arends on Page 4 ➧
Jocelyn Newman, M.D., Dermatology
Michael Starner, Physician Assistant, Family Medicine
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Newman call 507-377-4805.
Sharon Johnson, Nurse Practitioner, Cardiology
Andrew Oberlin, Physician Assistant, Family Medicine
Ella Wiemerslage, Psy.D., (Dr. Ellie), Behavioral Health
Sees patients as part of the Cardiology Team.
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ellie call 507-377-6406.
Foram Mankodi, MBBS, Pediatrics
Darin Passer, M.D., General Surgery
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mankodi call 507-379-2110.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Passer call 507-379-2130.
Brie Tubbs, Physician Assistant, Orthopedics
Alaa Elkharwily, M.D., Hospitalist
www.almedcenter.org
Leslie Smith, D.O., Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Services
404 W. Fountain St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith call 507-377-4800.
Meet ALMC’s newest providers…
“The Vineyard” Ballroom
Sees patients as part of the Family Medicine Team.
Sees patients as part of the Orthopedics Team.
Leo Pedretti, Physician Assistant, Orthopedics Sees patients as part of the Orthopedics Team.
18 Hole Championship Golf Course Pasta Night every Tuesday Sunday morning breakfast
www.wedgewoodcove.com
• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners • Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings • Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views • Two-sided full service bar • No room rental fee • Outdoor area by lake for wedding ceremonies Wedgewood Cove Golf Club 2200 W 9th St Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2007
IMPACT 2010
Page 48 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010
IMPACT 2010
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• Religious Services • Home-Cooked Nutritional Meals
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Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 1615 Bridge Ave • Albert Lea, MN 56007
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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.
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Service you can COUNT ON! 1410 W. 9th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Alamco Wood Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.
M PS O O THSANITATION N
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Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 24, 2010 — Page 1
Commercial
Clean ups • Re-roofing 10-30 Yard Roll Off Containers
STRONG. BEAUTIFUL. RENEWABLE.
The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen petition.
L to R: JR Dorman, Wanda Dorman, Tiffany Carlson, Kelly Dempewolf, Kelvin Rehnelt
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. The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes: Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) Goose (82 acres) School Section (69 acres) Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total) 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
Complete Automotive repair we service all makes and models
• Oil changes • Tires • Radiators • Transmissions • Brakes • Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Shock Absorbers • Computerized Alignment • Mufflers • AND MUCH MORE!
505 E. Main • 373-0636
Something for Everyone! From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers From one of the largest selections around featuring award-winning pizza and wings to our familiar, fun and relaxed atmosphere, Green Mill continues to be everyone’s favorite place to meet and eat. Also, stop in and check out our happy hours featuring awesome drink and appetizer specials.
AlWAyS Full-MEnu DElivEry! 2218 E Main Street • Albert Lea 507-377-3000
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.
Add beauty & comfort to your home! 15 fireplaces on display in showroom.
professional advice • Plumbing • Heating • A/C • Water Softeners • Sewer & Drain Cleaning
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE www.greenmill.com
FREE ESTIMATES
7 YEARS IN A ROW!
373-6161
M-F 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-noon www.jimanddudes.com • 724 West Clark Street
Our Success is Building in the Upper Midwest
N EW
THERMAL IMAGING
• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Low Voltage Voted Best Electrician 2004-2010! 1410 Olsen Drive • Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507-373-6650 Fax: 507-373-4124 • www.albertleaelectric.com
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Albert Lea Medical Center
Wells Depot
Woodfire Grill
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The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce "The Voice For Business" Helping Our Community Grow and Prosper
Reaching out to new business, helping existing business thrive! 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."
GeoComfort geothermal systems are the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating & air conditioning systems available. Coupled with federal tax credits, it makes 2010 the year for you to go green with Johnson Heating & Air Conditioning.
Over 500 members strong, the Chamber of Commmerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest in the area. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth. Our Chamber Bucks program returns nearly $175,000 to the local economy each year.
Contact Mark Johnson today for your personalized GeoComfort geothermal analysis and annual energy savings calculations.
Our members support many summer time events for the community, as well, from the Eddie Cochran Weekend to the Fourth of July Fireworks. Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.
701 Marshall, Albert Lea, MN 56007
507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org
We’re proud to bring healthy ingredients and innovative products to your dinner table.
Pam Farr 507-377-6845
Trevor Birch 507-377-6860
331 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
Don’t trust your geothermal system to just any contractor... partner with southern Minnesota’s and northern Iowa’s most experienced and accredited geothermal designer and installer!
FDIC
919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007
373-2431 www.venturafoods.com
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Department Stores - Food Court Restaurants - Cinema 7 Theater Northbridge Mall Businesses: • Albert Lea Driving School • Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce • Anytime Fitness • Book World • Certified Travel • Christopher & Banks • Cinema 7 Theatre • Classic Reflections Salon & Spa
Northbridge Mall Gift Certificates Good at over 35 stores & businesses Purchase at Leuthold’s or Mall Office
• Conger Meat Market • CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) • Doyle’s Hallmark • Dunham’s Sports • Edward Jones Troy Irvine • Electric Beach • Fashion Nails • GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Herberger’s
• JD Gifts • La Guadalupaña • Leutholds • Manpower • Maurices • Pizza Ranch • Plaza Morena • Schweser’s • Skyline Jewelers • The Image Salon • Thrivent Financial • Unicel • Vanity
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
Areas of Specializing: New Construction Residential Sales Land Sales Commercial Sales Foreclosure Sales
512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: (507) 373-4526 Fax: (507) 373-4527
1115 East Main St. 507-373-SOLD (7653) www.373SOLD.com mlembke@373sold.com
www.statebankcg.com
Member FDIC
2401 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea • 507-373-8600
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in order to create a job, you must first create opportunity
Industrial or warehousing space available 62,500 square foot spec building in the industrial park - 590 14th street READY FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
New 80 acre development by Love’s Travel Center
Did you know?
• Minnesota Twins hotdogs are made in Albert Lea
• Famous Dave’s ribs are produced in Albert Lea
• Smart Balance products are manufactured in Albert Lea
• Parts for John Deere and G.E. Medical are made in Albert Lea
... and so much more!
For more information on how to start or expand your business in Albert Lea - Freeborn County, contact Dan Dorman or Ryan Nolander at 507-373-3930
2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007
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Bent Tree Wind Farm bolsters economy
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business innovators share their results
Vineyard sprouts on I-35 Pro Trucking becomes Pro Advantage Medical center to expand yet again
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