November/December 2010 by St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

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IN EVERY ISSUE 8

6 President’s Letter

Editor’s Note

Network Central

Top Hats

Calendar

CONTENTS

•

NETWORK

•

PROFIT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

G ROW

Business Tools 24 Entrepreneurism

Trophies, Grades, Praise, and Raises All Need to be Earned

26 Management Tool Kit

Conquer Conflict! It is in your best interest to teach employees to resolve conflict situations as soon as they arise.

28 TechStrategies

32 Profit

32 Cover Story The Church Man As he celebrates 15 years as the leader of a multi-million dollar operation, Bishop John Kinney still thinks of himself as a pastor first.

Cloud Computing You may not have heard of it, but in the next year or two, you’ll probably be using it.

29 Doing Good

Season of Giving Patients at PineCone Vision help direct staff involvement in community activities.

30 Economic Review Cost of Living

Special Section 42

Financial and Professional Services

N E T WOR K

Upfront 10 News Reel

What’s happening and who’s moving. Business news

from around Central Minnesota.

Book Review Influencer; The Power To Change Anything, by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, and Ron McMillan

P ROFIT

This Issue 38 Feature

Good for Business

Central Minn. companies say Chamber membership is good for business.

41 Special Focus Convergence and Communication

Financial institutions are combining services and communicating in new ways in order to attract – and keep – business.

46 Business Spotlight

Melody Peterson and Diane Mendel, Playhouse Child Care Centers

12 Your Voice In Government

Airborne The value of air service goes beyond simply being able to fly.

16 Regional Round-Up:

Moving and Shaking Road Block If you want to avoid road construction headaches, start planning your new route now.

ONLY ONLINE •• Minnesota Candidates for Office •• Social Media Strategy Worksheet

•• How to save $ on business trips •• How to vote in honor of a Veteran

www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

NETWORK

Main Phone | 320-251-2940

The Making of a Debate

f all the events, programs, trips, meetings, speeches, trade missions

and everything else I do for our Chamber, hands down, the most exciting, thrilling,

Automated Reservation Line | 320-251-2940, ext. 126 Program Hotline | 320-251-2940, ext. 125 www.StCloudAreaChamber.com email: information@StCloudAreaChamber.com

I feel better prepared to vote than I have ever felt before.

informational (for me), nerve-wracking and fun task is the once-every-four-years candidate for governor debate.

ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF President | Teresa Bohnen, ext. 104 Vice President | Gail Ivers, ext. 109 Director of Administration | Judy Zetterlund, ext. 106 Special Events Coordinator | Virginia Kroll, ext. 105 Communications & Workforce Development Coordinator | Jill Copeland, ext. 130

A great debate has interesting, broadbased questions, some quick-witted

Membership Sales Specialist | Wendy Franzwa, ext. 134

sparring, and spirited interchange between

Administrative Assistant | Vicki Lenneman, ext. 122

scheduling nightmare you can imagine.

the candidates. This year we integrated a

Happily, even with three candidates, this year

shorter rebuttal period after initial answers

Administrative Assistant | Cindy Swarthout , ext. 100

scheduling seemed to be pretty streamlined…

from the candidates. Wow, was that a great

at first. We set the date, September 21, in

addition. And I do have to say, the snorts,

mid-August. One candidate had some things

body language and word choices were quite

to work out before he could fully commit, but

entertaining.

It starts out with the most miserable

it was on everyone’s calendars and as soon

I did more homework for our 2010

as everything was confirmed with the final

governor’s debate than I have ever done

candidate, we were set.

before. As a result, I’m more informed about

Or so I thought.

our candidates, their policies and budget

One week before the scheduled debate,

proposals, and have a greater sense of who

Administrative Assistant | Sharon Henry, ext. 124 CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Executive Director | Julie Lunning, ext. 111 Sales Manager | Lori Cates, ext. 113 Director of Sales & Marketing | Judy Okerstrom, ext. 112 Director of Sports & Special Events | Kelly Filla, ext. 128 Director of Visitor Services | Jean Robbins , ext. 129 Receptionist | Nikki Fisher, ext. 100

our final candidate contacted me confirming

they are and how they will govern. I feel

his ability to appear. I excitedly contacted the

better prepared to vote than I have ever felt

2010-11 BOARD MEMBERS

other campaigns to tell them it was on.

before, and I’m encouraging as many people

Jim Beck | Minnesota School of Business

To my surprise, the date had not been

as I can to go to websites and read about these

Craig Broman | St. Cloud Hospital/ CentraCare Health System

penciled in. It appears that in most campaigns

men who want to lead our state. Fortunately,

Brenda Eisenschenk | InteleCONNECT, Inc.

there are lots of cooks in the kitchen and

the men running for Minnesota governor

wires get crossed. Fortunately, in the end, all

have been more accessible and have debated

of the candidates were able to accommodate

more than perhaps any election in

our date.

recent history.

The most stressful thing I do is moderate

I have to give Tom Horner extra credit

debates, especially when they are broadcast

for being first to share that when he thinks

live on radio. For this governor’s debate we

of St. Cloud, he thinks of the St. Cloud Area

had not one, but three radio stations that

Chamber, the only 5-Star Chamber in the

wanted to broadcast live. I am delighted

state of Minnesota.

that AM1450 KNSI, AM1240 WJON, and

Seems he did some homework, too!

audience. These are great partnerships, even

broadcast our debate to a wider Minnesota

bad as usual.

Jayne Greeney Schill | St. Cloud Area School District #742

Dr. Mark Roerick | Advantage Chiropractic

Minnesota Public Radio News wanted to

if it made my pre-debate jitters three times as

Linda Feuling | Westside Liquor Todd Fritz | InteleCONNECT, Inc.

Jodi Speicher | The Good Shepherd Community

Teresa Bohnen President

Bill Winter | St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, Board Vice Chair

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Up. In business success equals growth. You’re always climbing, striving to reach the top. Now, there may be a step back. Even a step down once in a while. That doesn’t mean you keep falling. At Bremer Bank, we’re going your way. Up. Let’s meet. Let’s get moving. Let’s keep climbing.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

NETWORK

Publisher Teresa Bohnen Managing Editor Gail Ivers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Common Ground

Editor Gail Ivers feeding Tatu the elephant in Zimbabwe. (Dec. 2008)

ithout a doubt, the best part of being the editor of Business Central is meeting new people. Or, more precisely, the opportunity it provides to learn about the lives of people I most likely would have no other reason to meet. I guess I’m a snoop at heart. This issue’s cover story (see page 32) is a perfect example. Under what other circumstance would a Lutheran girl from Willmar be able to spend several hours with the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud? And if such a meeting occurred, what are the chances I would have discovered that we had so much in common? We both like to read. We both have at least two books going at a time and while Bishop Kinney has a wider range of tastes than I do, we were still able to swap favorite authors. Who would have guessed? The best advice we have received is similar. His is: “John, don’t take yourself so seriously.” Mine is: “Gail, stop trying to control everything.” And we both struggle to follow it. We both remember the terrible loneliness of starting out for the first time. Bishop Kinney recalls the day

Gary Berg GL Berg Entertainment Jill Copeland St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

after his installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck, when he drove his closest priest friend to the airport. “I sat in my Jeep and saw the plane fly off and I felt so alone. I didn’t know anyone in Bismarck,” Bishop Kinney told me. He continues: As I sat there this big North Dakota rancher – a real tough guy, cowboy boots, the whole nine-yards – comes up to my Jeep. I’ve been weeping. I’m in distress. I have my window open and this guy leans down and apparently recognizes me because my picture was in the paper and he says “You’re the new bishop aren’t you?” Then this tough rancher reaches in the car, gently touches my hand and says, “It’s always tough when they all leave, isn’t it.” I think of that as the day of my real installation. The day they started to minister to me. I distinctly remember my parents driving away after moving me into the college dorm as a freshman. I have never felt so alone. Unfortunately no nice rancher…or upper classman…was there to provide comfort. Both Bishop Kinney and I enjoy travel. We’ve both been to Europe, Vietnam, and Africa. As we set up the photo shoot in the Bishop’s office I wanted to show the personal side of the Diocese’s leader. I picked up a wooden elephant to place on a coffee table. “Not that,” the Bishop said. “I don’t like elephants.” Ok, here we part company. Not like elephants? That’s just wrong. Until next issue,

Fred Hill St. Cloud State University Gail Ivers St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Murdoch Johnson UpFront Organization Development Consulting and Agency 128 Tracy Knofla High Impact Training Bill Towle St. Cloud Regional Airport Dawn Zimmerman The Write Advantage ADVERTISING Associate Publisher/Sales Wendy Hendricks, Hendricks Marketing

Ad Traffic & Circulation Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media ART Design & Production Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media

Cover Photo Joel Butkowski, BDI Photography ACCOUNTING

Accountant Judy Zetterlund

110 Sixth Avenue South P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com For advertising information contact Wendy Hendricks, (320) 656-3808, 110 S. 6th Ave., P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Editorial suggestions can be made in writing to: Editor, Business Central, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Submission of materials does not guarantee publication. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. © Copyright 2010 Business Central LLC Business Central is published six times a year by

Gail Ivers

the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce,

Editor

P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487

Vice President

110 Sixth Avenue South Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 Subscription rate: $18 for 1 year.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Book Review

Point of View

Your Voice in Government

It’s Made Where?

People to Know

Regional Roundup

UPFRONT

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N E T W OR K

PROFIT

News & people that make up the chamber network

BOOK REVIEW

Surpass Your Limits This model of behavior change provides strategies that anyone can learn and apply.

Influencer; The Power To Change Anything by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler • McGraw-Hill New York, 2008 ISBN 13:978-0-07-148499-2

nfluence methods are more than just passing laws or threatening. The goal of Influencer is to assist leaders in attempts to influence key behaviors. As the behaviors improve so might outcomes such as productivity, costs, quality, and employee satisfaction. This book consists of two parts: 1. The Power to change anything, and 2. Make change inevitable. The authors state “what most of us lack is not the courage to change things, but the skill to do so.” They go so far as to say “The

Reviewed by Fred Hill

promise of this book is that almost all the profound, pervasive, and persistent problems we face in our lives, our companies, and our world can be solved. They can be solved because these problems don’t require solutions that defy the laws of nature; they require people to act differently.” They suggest that we shouldn’t seek the wisdom of knowing when to give up, but rather find good influencers to help us expand the list of things we can change. In Part 1, we learn that instead of merely drawing on the power of persuasion to change behavior, we should explore the full array of strategies successful influencers use, such as find vital behaviors, change the way you change minds, and make change inevitable. Once everyone involved sees the need for change, then the Six Sources of Influence Model found in Part 2 can be used. The model consists of (1) Personal Motivation (2) Personal Ability (3) Social Motivation (4) Social Ability (5) Structural Motivation and (6) Structural Ability. Each of the six sources

is discussed in its own chapter. For example, the chapter on Social Motivation is “Harness Peer Pressure.” The chapter on Structural Ability is “Change the Environment.” And, the chapter on Personal Ability is “Surpass Your Limits.” Influencer is the most recent of three books by the authors, the other two being Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations. The authors and their books are part of VitalSmarts, an innovator in corporate training and organizational performance. BC Dr. Fred E. Hill is a professor of Learning Resources and Technology Services, at St. Cloud State University

Online now For more information on VitalSmarts, visit www. BusinessCentralMagazine.com.

N E WS R E E L InteleCONNECT, Inc. adds wireless division Locally owned and operated Fritz telecom broker InteleCONNECT, Inc. has launched a new wireless division with the addition of Todd Fritz. Fritz has eleven years of experience in the wireless industry and serves on the board of directors for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. Brenny wins transportation award Brenny Transportation is the first recipient of the Transportation Intermediaries Association Third Party Logistics Samaritan Award. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Brenny received recognition by Governor Pawlenty for charitable giving through St. Cloud Area Business Gives. Brenny has also been awarded the Patriotic Employer Award twice for exceptional treatment of military team members and families. Agency included in best practices study Mahowald Insurance Agency, LLC is part of a group of independent insurance agencies around the nation participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Best Practices Study Group. More than 1,200 agencies were nominated, but only 224 qualified. To be chosen, agencies had to be among the top 35-40 agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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POINT OF View

Business Central asked readers: “What is the most important quality of a great boss?”

Steven Ehlen TMC Liquidation

Mark Gramke MCI Carpet One Floor & Home

“Being flexible and honest with your employees. People have to like working with you, and for you.” “Accessibility is the most important thing. Being able to approach them and talk to them on a one-on-one level.” “Great bosses allow their staff to use their skills to the fullest extent.”

Jackie Johnson Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN

Sarah Kuhn St. Cloud Bakery

Dan Roos Minuteman Press St. Cloud

MAStER_2010_ND_BC.indd 11

“It has to be someone who is able to train, and has done everything. Ideally, someone who has started at the bottom and worked their way up, and has good conflict resolution skills.” “Patience. They also need to trust employees to represent the company well.”

Very proficient with care and service. Dr. Engelking is an excellent doctor and I recommend her toMulti-Specialty all of my family and Friends. She is Primary Care and Services kind and understands my concerns and listens to my thoughts. The staff is very efficient and friendly. Front desk does a great job explaining questions regarding insurance. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Nurses & doctors answer all questions. We really like it here. Good job of making me feel comfortable and at ease. Everyone is very friendly and makes you feel comfortable when performing exams and tests. Knowledgeable doctors Kind & friendly. A general concern for patients. The nursing staff in the lab are great with needles. Well everything I go through here I think you are doing very well. Very efficient, friendly and time conscious. The staff are very kind and helpful. I was new to this clinic in spring of 2005. From the first day I saw Dr. Zook, he was the best. I’ve never had the care anywhere else as I’ve gotten here and I have multiple health problems. You are always friendly when I come in. They remember you, you don’t just feel like you are just another patient. Easy access to appointments I’m a new patient and have only seen Dr. Duckworth once, but my visit with her was very comfortable. She is easy to talk to & will listen to your concerns. This is very important to women! Everything is so wonderful. The staff/facility is always so clean & friendly. Great customer service J Taking care of this patient very well. Answering the phone. Giving me plenty of time for my appointment. Great staff- very friendly. Up to date facilities. Consideration for patient. I was greeted- awesome. Listening to patient’s concerns and follow up is excellent. Maintaining a culture of care, concern & respect for patient as people. Taking time to find appointments to work with your schedule. Finding someone that can help you (like foot doctor or other health problems). Love the doctor and nurse. Very caring and supportive.Genuinely care for patients. Very comfortable environment. All things were done well. Your nurses and other staff are second to none. I very much appreciate knowing my doctor and nurse & that I ‘m able to call & get help over the phone We work hard to be responsive and accessible at times.Friendliness, professional , know their jobs I have confidence – because toldI’m us not that’s important in staff members. Theyyou’ve know mejust a numberto on a patient you. One way we strive to meet your needs is I can call file. I appreciate the care I receive from them and know byquestions offering Express Care our two StEverything Cloud is done when I have and they’ll haveatthe answer. well here!locations. From theEvenings decorations in weekends. the office toSeven the personality of all and days the workers- Ialove it here! It is great that the staff know us when we week. Because sometimes when you call & are always willing to answer questions. The nurses & doctors need to see a doctor, you just can’t wait. know and love their patients. Very personable staff. Quick to call me back with concerns/results, etc. I am treated as an equal, intelligent human being. Friendly. Listening to patient concerns and helping. You took care of all problems and didn’t make me come back another day. South Northwest You listen and care. They go the extra mile and we appreciate that. 1301 33rd Street South 251 County Road 120 Great doctors who are caring and knowledgeable that explain what is (320) 240-2170 (320) 529-4741 happening and how to make it better… Getting reminder card when leaving for nextMonday appointment. Getting same day. pm I love the personal – Friday: 2:30inpm – 9:30 calls from my doctor. It makes me feel like a person Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and not a number. This is a very good Sunday: clinic- always meet 10:00 tries am –to 5:00 pmthe patient’s needs. Have seen Dr. Lemke for 27 years- very highly respected! He is a good example for other doctors. I have even called him at his home when I was in Hawaii and he was willing to help meet the need immediately. Shocked the people in Hawaii. However, that is just an example of the quality and caring doctor he is. Everything! We so appreciate all the great service we always receive here. Everyone is so professional. Friendly and helpful, all the time. This clinic & its’ staff is a very real blessing to my family & this community. Thank you all for a great job, well done! Best clinic & physician I have ever had in my life! I really appreciate the way I was greeted, instead of being looked at like I was incapable of being here because I’m only 17. I thought all staff was friendly. That’s really nice to seen when you don’t feel good. Thank you very much for the great visit. You continually maintain a small town/ home town feel. www.stcloudmedical.com You know all our family by first name and are genuinely interested in and concerned for our health. Staff is helpful & works well with me to get an appointment when needed. My visits are N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m 11

[The] staff is helpful, and works with me to get an appointment when needed.

Express Care at Both Locations

althcare personally e h r u o y g Takin

10/10/10 10:02 PM

UPFRONT

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NETWORK

CMCF announces new board members The Central Minnesota Community Foundation has two new board members each serving three-year terms. They are Devinder Malhotra and Brad Wheelock. Gary Marsden, Brian Myres, Ken Behm, and Colette Carlson were re-elected. HealthPartners adds staff Jessica Kumar, MD joins HealthPartners Kumar Central Minnesota Clinics as family medicine provider. Phillip Lee joins HealthPartners as Lee senior marketing consultant, bringing broad expertise in consumer marketing and medical and dental clinics. Pat Sniezek, certified nurse practitioner, joins HealthPartners HealthStations at Coborn’s Superstores in Sartell and Sauk Rapids. Initiative Foundation accredited, hires officer The Initiative Bauer Foundation has become one of only 200 nationally accredited community foundations in the nation. The accreditation was earned by documenting services, investments, grant-making, and administration with The Council on Foundations. Mary Bauer joins the Initiative Foundation as CommonWealth Officer. Her responsibilities include growing CommonWealth, a social giving club. Bauer’s experience includes development positions with St. Cloud School District, College of Saint Benedict, Alzheimer’s Association, and Quiet Oaks Hospice House.

YOUR VOICe IN GOVERNMENT

Airborne The value of air service goes beyond simply being able to fly somewhere conveniently from your local airport. It has an economic impact as well.

By Bill Towle

Area studies show that there is great demand for air service in the St. Cloud region.

t was bad news for Central Minnesota when Delta announced they were stopping regional air service to St. Cloud (STC) at the end of 2009. Since then airport staff have been working hard to attract a commercial air carrier back to Central Minnesota. Area studies show that there is great demand for air service in the St. Cloud region. STC efforts are focusing on obtaining a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help provide a financial incentive needed to attract an air carrier here. The incentive is necessary because there is no historical data about demand between STC and Chicago.

The FAA’s Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) is designed for exactly this purpose – to help underserved communities attract air service. In this case, a financial incentive is used to reduce the financial risk to an airline entering a new market. A Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics study estimated the annual economic value of one regional jet flight per day into an airport at over $4,000,000. In Central Minnesota, local businesses rely on commercial air service so they can continue to base their businesses here. Without it, businesses and families might have to move

UP IN AIR If air service is important to you or your business, visit the St. Cloud Regional Airport’s web site at www.stcloudairport. com to find out more about this or how you can help. Air service will play an important role in the growth of Central Minnesota.

to a community closer to a commercial service airport. Moreover, those same businesses rely on air service to lure the best and the brightest employees to Central Minnesota. Local economist King Banaian wrote in the March 2010 Quarterly Report that the loss of commercial air service in a region the size of St. Cloud is likely to be harmful to the growth of the area’s economy. He points out that the unemployment rate in Hagerstown, Maryland, a city approximately the same distance from Baltimore that St. Cloud is from the Twin Cities, went from 3.7 percent to 9 percent. He also mentions that a 2003 study found a 10 percent increase in enplanements (those getting on a commercial air carrier) correlated to a 1 percent increase in service sector jobs and a 2007 study found enplanements lead to significant population and employment growth. There is no doubt that commercial air service has an impact on a community. BC Bill Towle is director of the St. Cloud Regional Airport

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Photos courtesy of Microbiologics

N E WS R E E L

IT’s Made WHERE?

Made in St. Cloud, Minn.

Photos courtesy of Microbiologics

Microbiology QC Slides come with one or two droplets of an organism, or a single smear containing a designated organism population and are used for quality control of microscopic examinations.

LYFO DISK® is a lyophilized pellet containing a single strain of a microorganism and is the most economical reference stock culture option. Pellets are used by microbiology labs for culture purposes and quality control applications.

A KWIK-STIK™ device features a single microorganism strain in a lyophilized pellet, a reservoir of hydrating fluid, and an inoculating swab.

Microbiologics produces lyophilized ( freeze dried) microorganism preparations that are packaged in a variety of formats and used for quality control testing in the following industries: •• clinical •• pharmaceutical •• cosmetic

•• dietary supplement •• food •• water

•• environmental •• education

Microbiologics 217 Osseo Ave N St. Cloud, MN 56303-4455 www.microbiologics.com

TIMELINE 1971 Founded as a lab testing facility for environmental and public health threats 1976 Company began manufacturing microorganism preparations 1985 Expanded distribution to international markets 2009 Received the MN Governor’s International Trade Award 2010 138 distribution partners throughout the world

A Tradition of Building Success W for More Than 50 Years

We invite you to experience Our unique in-house capabilities, knowledge of municipal processes, timetested subcontractors and expansive client list prove Rice Building Systems to be the leader in design/build construction.

You can depend on Rice Building Systems to handle everything from concept and design through to the completion of your project. We also provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is guaranteed for years to come.

BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.

Building Relationships Since 1953

1019 Industrial Drive South, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 • 320.252.0404 www.ricebuildingsystems.com

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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UPFRONT

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NETWORK

N E WS R E E L G.L. Berg introduces new image, employee G.L. Berg has adopted a new Taylor look and name. The name expands to G.L. Berg Entertainment, Performing Artists, & Speakers. Kevin Taylor joins the staff of G.L. Berg. Taylor will represent artists in Minneapolis/St. Paul for festivals, colleges and university events. Schlenner Wenner staff earns master’s degree Michael Grage, Grage CPA, MBT, recently completed his Master’s in Business Taxation through Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Grage has worked at Schlenner Wenner & Co. the past seven years focusing on income tax, gift tax, and trusts and estate planning for individuals and small businesses. Bakke receives national recognition Modern Healthcare magazine announces that Christine Bakke, Gorecki Care Center administrator at St. Benedict’s Senior Community, received the 2010 Up & Comers Award. Bakke is one of 12 national recipients featured in the Sept. 13 edition of the magazine. Microbiologics appoints CEO Brad Goskowicz has been named CEO of Microbiologics, Inc. Previously, Goskowicz served as president and chief marketing officer for the company. He has held positions with Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Thoratec, and Myocor. CentraCare #1 Best Place to Work The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has recognized CentraCare Health System as the #1 Best Place to Work. For the second consecutive year, the company leads the large company category.

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Connections Bernie Perryman’s involvement in the Chamber has helped her put a face on C & L Distributing

or Bernie Perryman, C&L Distributing, membership in the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is all about making connections. Perryman took over as chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in September. “I have met so many people through the Chamber that I probably would not have met otherwise,” Perryman said. “Just a small example… by going to Washington, D.C. with the Chamber I met Dave Borgert from CentraCare and now I have a connection to health care. I met Jim Beck, Minnesota School of Business, and now I have a connection to education. I met Dolora Musech, Batteries Plus, and

now I have a connection to the retail sector. The Chamber is full of ways to develop these connections and give you relationships that you can call on for information and advice.” Perryman has served on the Chamber’s Board for three years and is a regular participant in the annual trip to Washington, D.C. But she recognizes that that’s not the only benefit of membership. “The Chamber has helped me put a face on C&L,” she says. “My involvement has helped people know who we are and how we are involved in the community. We support a lot of organizations. We’re not just a beer distributor, we’re a deeper part of the community.” You’ll find C&L represented throughout the Chamber. They provide space for the monthly Sauk Rapids Chamber meetings and the St. Cloud Area Leadership kick-off; they sponsor many programs, including the Star Studded Celebration and the Business Awards Luncheon; and they are the major sponsor of the Chamber’s Golf Open. “You don’t have to sponsor things to have an impact,” Perryman stressed. “We’re

“I have met so many people through the Chamber that I probably would not have met otherwise.” — Bernie Perryman

fortunate we’re in a position to do that, but participation is just as important – maybe more important. We wouldn’t have a Chamber Open without the volunteers on the committee.” And, of course, volunteering goes back to making connections. “Being involved in the Chamber deepens your relationships with people,” she said. “If you’re a small business and you don’t get involved, how do you know all the things that are available to you? Make an attempt to find out. This Chamber can really help your business, but how do you know if you don’t jump into it? I challenge every member to be active, even if just for a year or two. You’ll get your money’s worth and more.” BC

IN THE NEWS

PineCone Vision docs pass national exam Drs. Nicholas Colatrella and Stacy Hinkemeyer of PineCone Vision Center passed the Advanced Competency in Medical Optometry National Board Examination. Only five percent of optometrists nationwide pass the exam. Of 35,000 practicing optometrists, only ten percent choose to pursue voluntary training through residency programs and less than 1,000 pass the examination.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Planning for the Future In preparation for becoming chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Bernie Perryman, C&L Distributing, created the following goals: Continue to strengthen the bond and relationships between Board and committee volunteers that was fostered over the last year. Maintain the St. Cloud Area Chamber as the best business association in Central Minn. and communicate the value we provide in everything we do. Begin preparation for the Chamber’s 2012 reaccreditation.

Following the Nov. 2010 elections, work through the Chamber’s Government Affairs Division to build new relationships and quickly educate the elected officials on Chamber issues. Actively participate in determining and implementing the optimum structure for aggressive economic development in our community. Determine the Chamber’s role in that strategy and successfully carry it out.

Structure and implement the strongest trip to Washington, D.C. we’ve ever had. QUICK NOTE: Perryman hopes to have 25 people on the trip in April 2011. To learn more, contact Teresa Bohnen at 320-656-3804.

Bernie Perryman C & L Distributing 1020 Industrial Drive S • PO Box 457 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-0457 (320) 251-7375 • bperryman@budtime.com

Simply Effortless. Winter is just around the corner, and its time to begin planning your corporate holiday party. Large or small, Blackberry Ridge has seating, accommodations, and food and beverage packages to fit your needs. Our team will help plan all aspects of your party, making your experience at Blackberry one to remember. Reserve your date today by calling 320-257-4653.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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UPFRONT

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NETWORK

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Road Block

If you want to avoid road construction headaches, start planning your new route now. The long-awaited construction of the West Metro Corridor will begin

he short explanation is that 54th Avenue will connect with County Rd 134 near the water tower eventually connecting to Pine Cone Road. But the final version will look much different than today’s 54th Avenue and Veteran’s Drive intersection. If you’re headed east or west on Veteran’s Drive you’ll be traveling on six lanes, instead of four and crossing the Sauk River on a new six lane bridge. If you head north on 54th Ave. instead of coming to a ‘T’ you will now be able to travel north across Veteran’s Drive, cross a new bridge and connect with County Rd. 134. Meanwhile, in Sartell, 50th Avenue by the CentraCare facility will be extended south, connecting with County Road 134, thus completing the West Metro Corridor. If you typically take Country Rd 120 to Highway 15, you may want to reconsider.

Stearns County has been working on a safety improvement plan for County Rd 120 from Highway 15 east to 50th Avenue. They plan to begin the program in 2011 by creating turn lanes and median closures. To help with access to businesses in the area, a new road to be known as 23rd Ave., will be built north of, and parallel to, County Rd 120. All of this is in preparation for the real show, set to begin in 2012, when the Highway 15 - County Rd 120 interchange is rebuilt. The plans call for County Rd 120 to remain at-grade and Highway 15 to go underneath it. Of course, changes can always occur, but the right-of-way has been acquired and the plans drawn, so local officials are fairly confident that we’ll see detour signs as planned. Still, it may be wise not to hold your breath. After all, St. Joseph is waiting for their County Rd 2 – I-94 connection to be started and for the right of way to be acquired for the realignment of County Rd 2 to intersect with Country Rds 75 and 3. The start date for that was 2008. BC

Waiting for the Dough Sauk Rapids officials are waiting. They have signed a letter of intent to sell the current city hall to Walgreens, but they don’t close until the end of December, so they can’t really make a move yet. The plan is for the police department to move into the fire hall and for the administrative staff to move into the public works facility in January 2011, but until the deal is signed, they wait. They’ve been prepared for awhile now to help redevelop the corner south of Coborn’s and west of Burger King. The property is for sale, there has been some interest expressed, but no action. The City has money in the bank to redo the streetscape and help with the redevelopment, but so far, no takers. “It’s really slow out there,” says Todd Schultz, community development director for Sauk Rapids. “We have people who want to move on projects, they have approved plans, but they just can’t get the money.”

Compiled by Gail Ivers

Walkable City

Trail enthusiasts may soon be able to enjoy an extended trip on the Beaver Island Trail. The City of St. Cloud has formally approved the extension of the trail from the St. Cloud Civic Center to Hester Park. Unfortunately, the complexities of building a trail along the Mississippi River, both environmental and grading, have proved challenging. And then there’s the funding gap… If they can work through the money issues, work is scheduled to begin in 2011.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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What’s Next

In the Works St. Cloud Culligan Water expansion on east St. Germain Salvation Army chapel addition on Highway 10

Bridge of Harmony relocation to Washington Memorial Drive and West St. Germain Stride Academy at 33rd St. S

Sartell

Waite Park

1st United Methodist Church on Pine Cone Road

Stearns County Household Hazardous Waste Facility south of County Rd 138 near the new county government building

34 unit assisted living complex There’s plenty more happening in Sartell. See ‘Open for Business’ page on 31.

First State Bank of St. Joseph on 44th Ave.

Holiday Pantry at 5th Ave. S

Ashley Furniture expansion and relocation to the former Sportsmen’s Warehouse building

Pawn America Super Store at 25th Ave. (former Media Play space)

Sauk Rapids

White Castle opening at 33rd Ave. (former Hooter’s space)

St. Cloud Civic Center expansion on 4th Ave. S

Ridgeview Place expansion

Ulta opening in the former World Market space in Rivertown Village

MicroBiologics expansion on Cooper Ave.

Arby’s renovating at both sites

Texas Road House restaurant building east of Home Depot near Grizzly’s

Good Shepherd expansion and remodeling

Remodeling of the former Array Services building

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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R END

UPFRONT

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NETWORK CENTRAL IN

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NETWORK E

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Business After Hours at St. Cloud Orthopedic Associates

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Erin Rysavy, St. Cloud Orthopedics (L) and Sandy Hansen, Rock Solid Motion

Carolyn Bous, MacKenzie’s (L), Charlie Pearson, Shred Right/Rohn Industries Recycling; Colleen Zoffka and Grayce Berg, GB & Co.

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Jeanette Stack , St. Cloud Surgical Center (L) and Julie Forsberg, Forsberg Investments & Insurance

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Lisa Maurer, Bremer (L), Tara Tollefson, The Buzz Co., and Darwin Bonn, (retired) Peters Body Shop

PROFIT

At the White House

Keith Schupp, Winkelman Building Corp (L), Laura Supan, U S Bank, Jay Vogel, Winkelman Building, and Jane Vogel, Edina Realty

2010 Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year Byron Bjorklund, Short Stop Custom Catering, was in Washington, D.C. for the 2010 Small Business Awards summit. This photo was taken in the White House Rose Garden. Bjorklund was also the 2009 St. Cloud Area Small Business Owner of the Year.

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Business After Hours at S&T Office Products hosts

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Sheri Wahlin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minn. and Mike Wahlin

Matt Ryan, Edina Realty

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Jim Gammell, James M. Gammell Ushers

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Lunchtime Learning: “Improving Sales”

Gina Bartell, Woodbury Financial Services (L) and Sheri Moran, Spirit 92.9

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Bruce Miles, Big River Group; Sherri Engelbrekt, Holiday Inn & Suites; Wendy Franzwa, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce U

S APP

Greg Mavencamp, Wright Aero, Deb Krump, AFLAC District Office, and Cindy Swarthout, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Kirsten Freeman, 360 Chiropractic, (L) and Jennine Klosterman, St. John’s Prep. School.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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NETWORK

TOP HATS | New Members

~Including Overnight Recovery Unit ~

Lexis Nexis, 1010 Saint Germain Street W, Suite 200, St. Cloud. Pictured: Tauna Quimby, Greg Bethke, Becki Wilken and Shannon Templin.

Subway-Hwy. 10, 838 Saint Germain Street E, St. Cloud. Pictured: Dan Bates, Sarah Belknap and Rick Berg.

Subway-Sauk Rapids, 401 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Diane Kodet, Laciana Ginyard and Amanda Reiners.

Subway-Sartell, 320 Evergreen Drive, Sartell. Pictured: Dan Bates, Kathy Clarkson, Matt Moeller and Joe Kraft.

Subway-Downtown, 30 5th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jason Bernick, Amy Lappegaard, Rick Berg and Diane Ohmann.

Rock On Companies, aggregate trucking company, repair, wholesale, landscaping products, 3100 7th Street S, Waite Park. Pictured: Jason Bernick, Krystal Vierkant and Mike Schoenecker.

A Simple Design, print and social media marketing – promotional graphics, 1801 8th Ave. SE, St. Cloud. Pictured: Nathan Pingry, Cory Josephs, Jayne Greeney Schill, Ryan Ott and Brent Corrigan.

Pioneer Place on Fifth, professional theatre and concert venue, 22 5th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Kris Nelson, Dan Barth, Mark Barth and Dan Bates.

Wild Marsh Sporting Clays, outdoor shooting sports, sporting clays, skeet, trap, 5-stand, pistol and rifle ranges, 13481 County Road 3 SE, Clear Lake. Pictured: Dan Bates, Debbie Mortensen and Luke Cesnik.

sbaSTRATEGIES, certified lender service provider, audits, training and loan packaging, Oakwood Professional Center, 1637 4th Ave. N, Suite 105, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Dan Bates, Lisa Gambrino, Kimberly Lahr and Shannon Templin.

Celebrating 39 Years of Excellence in Caring for You! Accredited by Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.

St. Cloud Surgical Center 1526 Northway Drive • St. Cloud • 251-8385 • 800-349-7272 www.stcsurgicalcenter.com

You have

questions

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answers.

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ask Bob at TheKingof Bling.net Bob Lien Certfied Gemologist Appraiser & Blogger

robertsfinejewelry

320.253.8750

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at the corner of Hwy 15 and 3rd St.

 20

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TOP HATS | New Locations, New Ownership and Expansions

AFLAC District Office, 1407 33rd Street S, Suite 107, St. Cloud. Pictured: Tauna Quimby, Todd Burrer, Deb Krump, Ron Dietl and Jason Bernick.

St. Cloud Orthopedic Associates, 1901 Connecticut Ave. S, Sartell. Pictured: Bill Worzala and Dan Bates.

HealthPartners Central Minnesota Clinics, 2251 Connecticut Ave. S, Sartell. Pictured: Dan Bates, Kathy Cumming O’Hara, Dr. Mohamed Maray and Shannon Templin.

NovaCare Rehabilitation, physical therapy, 2251 Connecticut Ave. S, Suite 3600, Sartell. Pictured: Shannon Templin, Lisa Laubach, Angela Carlson and Luke Cesnik.

Minnesota Electronics, audio, video, security and satellite, 20 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Jason Bernick, JC Kelsey, Tom Haley and Dan Bates.

Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio, 446 Great Oak Drive, Waite Park. Pictured: Kris Hellickson, Melinda Tamm and Dan Bates.

Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, building houses for low income families, 777 Lincoln Ave. NE, St. Cloud. Pictured: Bruce Johnson, Judy Dinger, Summer Hagy and Dan Bates.

United Way of Central Minnesota, 3001 Clearwater Road, Suite 201, St. Cloud. Pictured: Noreen Dunnels and Dan Bates.

TOP HATS | New Business

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Restaurant, 148 2nd Street S, Waite Park. Pictured: Jason Bernick, Warso Handoko, Johnny Dong and Dan Bates

Riddle’s Jewelry, full service jeweler with same day repair, 4101 W Division, Crossroads Center, St. Cloud. Pictured: Kris Nelson, Tony Brown and Jason Bernick

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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CALENDAR

N E T W OR K

PROFIT

The EVENTS OF THE CHAMBER NETWORK

18 Sauk Rapids Chamber

10 Chamber Connection

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • Host:

7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program

Taco John’s • Location: C+L Distributing • Speaker: Melinda Sanders, Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. Topic: Top 10 HR Errors Businesses Make

19 Chamber Connection

2 Technology & Education Conference 7:30 a.m.-noon Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Sponsors: St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, The College of St. Scholastica, Minnesota School of Business, Rasmussen College, Continental Press, Inc. An opportunity for your employees to connect, collaborate, communicate, and receive over four hours of free technology education from area professionals. Pre-registration required

3 Lunchtime Learning Noon-1 p.m. • Location: Chamber of Commerce* Sponsor: You Have It Maid! Speaker: John Herges, CEO, Falcon National Bank • Topic: “Collecting on Accounts Receivable” • Cost: $15 for Chamber members; $22 for the general public, includes lunch

4 Business After Hours 4:30-6:30 p.m. Host: HealthPartners Central MN Clinics, 2251 Connecticut Ave. S, Sartell • Open to Chamber members and guests.

5 Chamber Connection 7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program Host: Liquid Assets Location: TBD • Cost: $1

12 Chamber Connection

Host: Stride Academy, 3241 Oakham Ln., St. Cloud Cost: $1

15 Waite Park Chamber

December EVENTS

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • Host: First State Bank of St. Joseph Program: “Ringing in the Holidays” with Tech High School Chamber Singers, sponsored by Forsberg Investments & Insurance Location: Waite Park City Hall

1 Lunchtime Learning

16 Sauk Rapids Chamber

No Meeting

Noon-1 p.m. • Location: Chamber of Commerce* • Sponsor: Gold’n Plump Poultry Speaker: Melanie Hartman, High Impact Training • Topic: “Improve Operations by Managing Change” Cost: $15 for Chamber members; $22 for the general public, includes lunch

2 Business After Hours

Host: Rengel Printing and Coyote Moon Grill • Location: Coyote Moon Grill, 480 55th Ave. SE Cost: $1

Technical & Community College • Location: 1540 Northway Drive Open to Chamber members and guests.

12 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

3 Chamber Connection Birthday Party

Location: Chamber Office

17 Waite Park Chamber 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • Host: Max Wireless • Location: Waite Park City Hall, 19 - 13th Ave. N Speaker: Jenna Berger, United Way • Topic: “Benefits of Business Partnerships with United Way”

7:30-9 a.m. • 2011 Legislative Session Preview • Location: Chamber Office

7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program

7:30-9 a.m. • Education Reform

10 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program

26 Chamber Connection

November EVENTS

Host: Young Life • Location: Gorecki Conference Center, College of St. Benedict • Cost: $1

4:30-6:30 p.m. • Host: St. Cloud

7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Host: St. Cloud Hospital/ CentraCare Health System Location: C & L Distributing, 1020 Industrial Dr. S Not handicap accessible.

17 Chamber Connection 7-7:30 a.m. networking 7:30-8:45 a.m. program Host: BLEND • Location: TBD Cost: $1

24 Chamber Connection No Meeting

31 Chamber Connection No Meeting *The St. Cloud Area Chamber is located at 110 S 6th Ave. in downtown St. Cloud.

Location: Territory Golf Club, 480 55th Ave SE, St. Cloud Cost: $1

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Entrepreneurism

Tech News

Management Toolkit

Going Green

Tech Strategies

Doing Good

30 Economic Review

BUSINESS TOOLS

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NETWORK

PROFIT

RESOURCES THAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

Entrepreneurism

Trophies, grades, praise & raises all need to be earned

upervising college interns and young employees over the past 25 years has been a great experience. Many come to the work place with energy, idealism, talent, and a strong work ethic. Working with kids as a basketball coach over those same years has also been a wonderful experience. I have had the good fortune to coach fourth graders up through high school seniors. These young players’ energy, idealism, talent, and strong work

ethic are also motivating and essential for success. I have found that in many ways I’m a better coach than a supervisor. When I am coaching, practices are always well-planned and focused. I pay a great deal of attention to what each person does. We practice until everyone understands and gets it right. Over the days, months, and years you see players improve and contribute to the overall team success. When I am coaching, if a player doesn’t perform properly

By Gary Berg

I deal with it immediately. Those who have the desire, interest, talent, and work ethic needed to do it right – do it right. Those that really are not that interested or don’t want to work that hard, fail. The same circumstances hold true in the work place but we don’t usually act as quickly or directly in the workplace as we do as a coach. And we should. It so often feels that I am too busy to spend the time, energy and focus to continually train employees. Training for new employees usually consists of a dedicated couple of weeks and then it drops off sharply. As I think this through, I recognize that is not the best way to improve a new team member’s ability to succeed. We never really outgrow the need, or at least the benefit, of having a good coach/ supervisor to teach us, lead us and help us be our best. Good coaches instill wisdom and confidence and push their team

members to be better and more successful and, consequently, happier. Another important point I have learned is that both good coaches and good supervisors hold people accountable. They don’t make excuses for their team members, they don’t do their work for them, they don’t ignore things just because they do not want to confront them. The best coaches are always fair, fun, demanding, helpful, and caring. The same can be said for good supervisors. Children gain great value from participating in activities where they have to work hard, fail from time to time, and learn in order to get better. I worry that we have become a society that is so concerned about a person’s self-esteem that we are afraid to correct someone early and push individuals to improve. Trophies, grades, praise, and raises all need to be earned – not just given.BC

About the writer Gary Berg is CEO of G.L. Berg Entertainment in St. Cloud, Minn.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Tech NEWS

.com .net .biz .info …

If you’re in business and you own only one domain name, you’re in the minority. According to one poll, nearly 30 percent of respondents report six or more domains in their collection, while about 20 percent are content to own just one. The reasoning behind multiple domain names? Cybersquatters force many businesses to protect themselves with domains they never plan to use. Source: SmartBrief on Entrepreneurs SmartPulse poll

How many domain names do you own?

35.41% 2-5 names

19.46% 1 name

Technology and the Media

Technology makes life more productive, but we can never unplug. Technology empowers the individual, but it is dangerous for children. The internet is becoming secure, but it is not secure enough. Technology fosters social connections, but replaces human interaction. These were the major themes that came out in a study about “Messages the Media Sends About Technology.” According to the PEW Research Center, 57 percent of technology stories that appeared in the media between June 2009 – June 2010, covered one of these eight themes. In those stories that contained one of the themes, the mix of positive to negative messages was about even. Source: PEW Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism

16.73%

11 or more names

16.34% 0 names

12.06% 6-10 names

BusinessConnection Your connection to business answers.

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...ours will GROW your business. We know times aren’t easy for Minnesota businesses these days. You need a resource that provides direct and immediate help for all of your important business questions. BusinessConnection is your free, go-to service in Minnesota for any and all business questions. Its purpose is to help Minnesota businesses grow by breaking down barriers, opening doors and answering questions – so you can get back to business.

Connect anytime: www.mnbizconnect.com Call toll-free: 1-888-MINN-BIZ / 1-888-646-6249 Personal assistance is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. BusinessConnection is a service of Grow Minnesota! and sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, its local chamber partners and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

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BUSINESS TOOLS

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GROW

Management Toolkit

Conquer Conflict!

It is in your best interest to teach employees to resolve conflict situations as soon as they arise. By Tracy Knofla

Conflict has a bad reputation. ... Many people don’t use resolution skills very often so they feel out of their element when trying to resolve problems. Be very specific about upsetting words or behaviors. Do not generalize, such as “You always” or “You never…” Be willing to compromise – strive for a win/win situation.

ew things cause more stress or loss of productivity in the workplace than unresolved conflict. It leads to diminished worker satisfaction, break room gossip, and loss of motivation, all of which impact individual and team performance. Conflict has a bad reputation. It makes people feel uncomfortable. Many people don’t use resolution skills very often so they feel out of their element when trying to resolve problems. Confrontation is the partner to conflict. It too, has an unfairly earned, negative connotation. Confrontation is simply another word for discussion. Conflict and confrontation can be healthy for individuals and organizations because it allows those involved to express their needs and wants, getting issues out into the open. It prepares the way for compromise, leading to stronger working relationships.

As a manager, it is in your department’s best interest to teach employees to resolve conflicting situations as soon as they arise. You play an integral role in this process as role model and mentor to your employees. Here are a few tips to share with your staff: Express your genuine desire to resolve the situation. Build a foundation of trust before you try to fix the problem. Look at all sides of the issue and try to see where the other party is coming from. This empathy will help you see possible points of compromise. Take the emotion out of the discussion. Look at the facts first. Breathe! Get some oxygen into your brain before you speak.

Make some notes before the meeting to clarify what you want to convey. Don’t be afraid to take some time to cool down or think things through. This will result in a more successful confrontation (aka: discussion). Be sure to identify the REAL root of the problem – know that the behaviors you see are often not the true cause of the issues. Re-visit the issue after an agreed upon time to make sure that the resolution is meeting the needs of all parties. Following these guidelines will help your employees feel more comfortable in the face of conflicting situations. Incorporating these tips into your management practices will create an environment where people feel empowered and better able to focus on established goals without unwanted distractions. BC

About the writer

Tracy Knofla is the co-owner and featured consultant of High Impact Training. She has been presenting to audiences across the country for more than 25 years.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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GOING GREEN

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Activating “sleep mode” settings on a computer can produce savings of up to $75 annually per computer, according to the Department of Energy. Experts suggest setting them up so a computer hibernates once it has been inactive for 30 to 60 minutes. Save even more by setting sleep mode on computer monitors after five to 20 minutes of inactivity. Source: Energy Smart

eReaders Read More One in ten Americans uses an electronic reader device of some kind, according to a September 2010 Harris Interactive poll. That’s not many to determine trends, but the Harris Poll was able to find some just the same. For instance, those who have eReaders, read more. Overall, about 19 percent of Americans read 21 or more books in a year, while 26 percent of eReaders topped 21 books in the year. Surprisingly, eReaders are more likely to buy books. The Harris Poll reports that 21 percent of Americans say they have not purchased any books in the past year. That compares to only 8 percent of eReader users who say the same. Seven in ten Midwesterners say they are not at all likely to buy an eReader in the next six months. Source: Harris Interactive

• Financial professionals available when and where you need them • Timely, accurate, and meaningful forecasts and financials • The professional resources and experience of a national company—in one person We’re happy to share our knowledge—and our professionals.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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BUSINESS TOOLS

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GROW

Tech Strategies

Cloud Computing

You may not have heard of it, but in the next year or two, you’ll probably be using it. By Dawn Zimmerman

Riley. It gives businesses the ability to add and remove applications, processing power and memory as needed. An increasing number of software applications can be added to a cloud, but not all software programs are compatible.

hen Netgain COO Matt Riley talks to businesses about the opportunity to pay a metered fee for their use of computing services, they do not know how to respond. They appreciate the security and scalability, but grapple with the exact cost savings. “The average business owner cannot look at the business and say I’m going to use this much processing power over the next year,” Riley said. They depend on technology advisors like Riley to explain the model and use software to forecast cost savings. Cloud computing is fast becoming a buzz phrase and going beyond early adopters in the manufacturing and financial services industries. “In 2008, you could go to an industry trade show and not see the phrase cloud computing,” Riley said. Now, most information technology (IT) outsourcing organizations have adopted it to their list of services and its gaining broad appeal in the business world. Fifty-eight percent of private sector IT executives anticipate that cloud computing will cause a radical shift in IT and 47 percent say they’re

already using it or actively researching it, according to a Forrester Research Inc. “It’s not a good fit for everybody,” said Steve Knutson, chief information officer at Marco, a St. Cloud-based technology provider with offices throughout the Upper Midwest. “The majority of businesses see a cost savings.”

How it works Cloud computing outsources the traditional servers and networking and allows businesses to pay for on-demand computing services – much like the electricity grid. Through this Internet-based technology, businesses virtualize their information in public clouds through places like Google and Amazon or private clouds through technology providers. “It provides businesses with the same capabilities without owning the hardware or managing it and they get the latest and greatest technology,” Knutson said. The model is dynamically scalable and cost effective for businesses with less than 10 users or more than 600, according to

Increased Accessibility Cloud computing enables smaller businesses to integrate enhanced, high-end technology like digital signage and video surveillance into their operations for a monthly service fee. “It’s grown quite a bit in the past year,” Knutson said. “Some of that’s economy driven. Some people are strapped for cash and cannot get financing. But they can afford the monthly cost.” A report from Gartner Inc. estimates that cloud services revenue worldwide will reach $68.3 billion this year, a 16.6 percent increase from 2009. By 2014, the industry is expected to more than double to $150 million in revenue. To date, North American companies have been dominating the growth, accounting for 60 percent of total revenue in 2009. “I think (cloud computing) becomes the standard,” Riley said. “I don’t think any business will be buying servers or complicated software in the next few years.” BC Dawn Zimmerman is owner of The Write Advantage in St. Cloud and a regular contributor to Business Central. Watch for Dawn’s new column on social media, beginning in January.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Photo courtesy of PineCone Vision Center

Driving Growth Software companies, in some ways, are driving demand by encouraging businesses that buy their applications to move to the cloud computing model. Increased federal regulations also naturally drive usage, particularly in highly regulated industries like financial services and healthcare. “Fifty percent of the clients who come to us are looking for some quality improvement in terms of security or uptime,” Riley said.

BCSept/OctAd_Layout 1 9/29/10 2:06 PM Page 1

DOING Good

Season of Giving Patients at PineCone Vision help direct staff involvement in community activities.

Drs. Jeffrey Oakland (L) and Nicholas Colatrell a

Photo courtesy of PineCone Vision Center

rightly colored bulbs decorate evergreen trees in the lobby of PineCone Vision Center. Each color of bulb represents a different charity that benefits from PineCone Vision Center’s ‘Season of Giving.’ When customers make an optical purchase, they can choose among three charities where staff will volunteer time — for each purchase, the center donates up to thirty minutes of doctor and staff time to local partner volunteer organizations — and another bulb is added to the tree. Since opening for business in 2006, PineCone Vision has been involved in the community. In 2009 they decided to expand their giving to include something more precious: time. PineCone Vision Center already donates 1,000 hours of volunteer time per year. Their Annual Season of Giving offers one more way to give back to the community. “The easiest thing to do would be to write a check, but we are going one step further,” says Dr. Stacy Henkemeyer. The business has a Patient Advisory Board that prioritizes involvement in the community. “We hear from them that this program is very important and they let us know what is needed in the community,” Henkemeyer says. To choose the charities that will benefit from Season of Giving, the staff put together a list of 10-12 which they then narrow down to three. The staff choose the final three, according to Henkemeyer, because they are the ones that volunteer time and therefore they benefit from being involved in the decision-making process. – Jill Copeland

CHARITIES OF CHOICE The Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities and United Way of Central Minnesota are PineCone Vision Center’s “Season of Giving” program partners. The first year the center generated 75 hours of volunteer time to program partners. Their goal is to reach 100 hours. The volunteer commitments are scheduled throughout the year.

Single source. Superior service. Remarkable results.

Working With people, not just numb3rs.

cory ritter & al garber, c.p.a.’s with Luke, Greg & Debby Dahlheimer of Dahlheimer Distributing

“A lot of last minute requests come in from suppliers and sometimes you have to make decisions as fast as possible. Schlenner Wenner is very cooperative in getting the information we need in order to make proper decisions.” – Greg Dahlheimer, Dahlheimer Distributing

www.swcocpas.com little Falls 320.632.6311 albany 320.845.2940

Maple lake 320.963.5414 Monticello 763.295.5070

st. cloud 320.251.0286

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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BUSINESS TOOLS

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GROW

ECONOMIC REVIEW

Second Quarter 2010

Cost of Living

Ut ili tie s

101.3

82.4

118.6

98.3

101.7

106.2

St. Cloud, MN - 2nd Qtr 97.5

101.5

80.2

112.1

99.8

101.0

105.7

St. Cloud, MN - 1st Qtr

98.9

100.7

81.9

120.9

101.8

102.6

105.3

Minneapolis, MN

110.3

112.0

115.7

103.7

103.6

105.6

110.0

St. Paul, MN

110.0

107.0

111.9

111.4

103.6

105.6

112.1

Rochester, MN

98.5

89.1

90.4

102.2

106.6

109.1

104.0

Cedar Rapids, IA

91.6

95.3

78.4

101.5

95.4

94.8

97.1

Eau Claire, WI

93.2

95.3

91.0

85.9

102.0

102.7

92.1

Sioux Falls, SD

94.8

92.9

87.1

100.5

89.5

101.5

101.8

The Cost of Living index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering almost 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing any measurable difference, according to ACCRA.

Among the 314 urban areas participating in the second quarter report, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan) NY to almost 18 percent below the national average in Pryor, OK. CITY

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX

New York (Manhattan), NY New York (Brooklyn), NY Honolulu, HI

166.7

San Francisco, CA New York (Queens), NY

162.5 155.8

San Jose, CA Stamford, CT

209.7

177.7

153.5

146.5

Orange County, CA Nassau County, NY

144.8

Truckee-Nevada County, CA 143.9

The big Question

The St. Cloud Area Chamber asked:

100% of the time

How often do you check your email using your handheld device?

Never

75% of the time 50% of the time

Source: St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce online poll

25% of the time

DID YOU Know?

Best Small Cities for Business

Forbes has announced its top 200 list of the best small cities for business and careers. They considered costs (both living and business), job growth, income growth and eight other factors in creating the list. You’ll see many names you recognize, including St. Cloud coming in at number 66.

For the complete list, visit www.BusinessCentral Magazine.com.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Photo courtesy of samsclub.com

(100.0) for the quarter. BC

M G isc Se ood . rv s/ ice s

Ho us ing

he St. Cloud area experienced a below average cost of living during the second quarter of 2010, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. The index of 314 urban areas is compiled and published quarterly by C2ER - The Council for Community and Economic Research. The “all items” index for St. Cloud was 97.5, 2.5 percent below the national average

H Ca ealt re h

G Ite roc m ery s

St. Cloud, MN 2009 Annual Average 98.8

Al l It em s

The St. Cloud area’s cost of living dropped slightly during second quarter.

T po ran rta stio n

Minnesota and other Upper Midwest Cities of Comparable Size to St. Cloud

ime

Open for Business

By THE NUMBERS

Sartell is the place to visit if you want to see construction.

am’s Club and Wal-Mart opened in September, paving

the way for additional retail development. With some 20 lots still available in this privately owned retail development, two fast food restaurants – including

Photo courtesy of samsclub.com

Taco John’s – have already signed up and are scheduled to open yet in 2010. ProSource, part of Array Services, is putting in a new 30,000 sf facility with room for expansion and plans to ultimately consolidate their operations. And in the Sartell Medical Park an existing business is building an additional 8000 sf expansion facility. That’s not to say there isn’t other construction happening in the area. Just drive by the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids or the St. Cloud Hospital and you’ll see that the region has earned its reputation as a center for health care services.

ON THE RISE

Job Vacancies Climb Minnesota employers reported 41,400 job vacancies in the second quarter of 2010. That’s up 32 percent from the same period a year ago, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The findings, contained in the agency’s twice-annual Job Vacancy Survey, also showed that the state had 4.8 unemployed people for each vacancy during the second quarter, compared with 7.9 unemployed people for each job vacancy at the same time last year. Source: DEED

Minn. Job Gains and Losses in the Past Year St. Cloud MSA: up 0.9 percent Rochester MSA: up 1.7 percent Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA: up 0.5 percent Duluth-Superior MSA: down 0.1 percent Mankato MSA: down 1 percent Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and EconomicDevelopment (DEED) July report.

No loan, thank you

How much would sales have to increase before business leaders would seek a loan? According to one poll, sales don’t have that much to do with loans.

51.35

the percent of small businesses that say they have no intention of applying for a loan no matter how much sales increase

27.93

the percent of small businesses that say sales would have to increase by more than 20 percent before they would apply for a loan

11.71

the percent of small businesses that say sales would have to increase by 11-20 percent before they would apply for a loan

7.21

the percent of small businesses that say sales would have to increase by 5-10 percent before they would apply for a loan

1.8

the percent of small businesses that say they would apply for a loan if sales increased by less than five percent Source: SmartBrief on Entrepreneurs “SmartPulse” poll

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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Bishop John Kinney celebrates Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Personal Most Rev. John F. Kinney, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud Age: 73

Education: De La Salle High School, Minneapolis; Nazareth Hall College, St. Paul; Saint Paul Seminary, Saint Paul, MN; doctorate in canon law from Lateran University, Rome

Best advice: You have to do more listening than talking.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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the Man As he celebrates 15 years as the leader of a multi-million dollar operation, Bishop John Kinney still thinks of himself as a pastor first. by Gail Ivers

Photography by Joel Butkowski, BDI

The cross lay on top of some papers in the middle of his desk. It was silver, designed in the Catholic tradition and attached to a chain. About three inches long the cross looked like it would be heavy for its size. “I kept this out to show you,” he said, picking it up. His fingers rubbed the cross — less a caress than the absent-minded stroke of a craftsman handling a favorite tool. “All bishops are expected to wear one here,” he said, touching his chest, “close to our hearts, to keep us mindful.” “Do they?” I asked. “I hope so,” he laughed. “I can’t speak for all bishops, I can only speak for this one and he does.” With that Bishop John Kinney put the chain around his neck, carefully placing the cross in the inside pocket of his jacket next to his heart. or John F. Kinney, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, the road to priesthood began in infancy. “I think the prayers of my godmother at my baptism started the ball rolling,” he said with a grin. “That, and we had priests who came to school

Family: Mother, Father, older brother, sister-in-law and eldest nephew, all deceased; two nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. Bishop Kinney participated in the confirmation of one of his grandnieces in 2009.

Bishop John Kinney shows a tool of his trade – his cross – to Business Central Editor Gail Ivers.

and talked about what it was like to be a priest. I think those were probably the seeds.” Born in Iowa, Kinney grew up in Minneapolis. He attended college at Nazareth Hall in St. Paul, Minn., seminary at St. Paul Seminary, and was ordained a priest at the St. Paul Cathedral on Feb. 2, 1963. “A priest is ordained to serve in a particular diocese,” Kinney explained. “He can’t just float around. His commitment is to that diocese and that bishop and that bishop’s successors.” Kinney served as an assistant pastor at St. Thomas

Hobbies: Reading (“I usually have two or three books going at the same time.”), gardening, tennis (“Though not so much anymore.”), travel, vacationing at his cabin in Wisconsin which he shares with a fellow priest.

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Most Reverend John F. Kinney is installed as the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud in 1995.

parish in Minneapolis for five years before being appointed vice chancellor of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese. In 1966, then Archbishop John Roach sent Kinney to Rome to study canon law. Such assignments may take into account the interests of the priest, but for the most part there is little discussion. But, says Kinney, “who wouldn’t want to go to Rome for three years?” And why Rome, rather than another school? “I think he wanted to have someone on his staff who had some exposure to working with the offices and the people in Rome.” Kinney graduated from Lateran University, Rome with a doctorate in canon law in 1971, returning to his post as vice chancellor of the St. Paul–Minneapolis Archdiocese. In 1973, Kinney was appointed pastor of St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish in Minneapolis. “I loved that little parish,” Kinney says. “Every pastor likes to be a pastor. Every priest, every bishop – we’re pastors first.” His life in the church reached a turning point in 1976. “Archbishop Roach called me into his office and said ‘I just received word that you have been appointed a bishop. Do you accept?’ I told him I needed some time to think about it and he told me I had 24 hours.” Roach already had a telegram that would be sent with the message indicating Kinney’s acceptance. “If I say no, what’s the wording on the telegram?” Kinney recalls asking. There is no wording, the Archbishop

replied. “He told me before we got to that point I was to come back and talk to him.” For Kinney, this was a watershed moment. “Being a bishop involves a lot of things,” he says, “but it doesn’t include being pastor of a small parish.” He returned to his church determined not to leave until he had made a decision. “These were tough times in the church,” Kinney says. “Many priests were leaving. What would happen if I said yes? If I didn’t say yes, should I – could I – continue to be a priest?” According to Kinney he prayed, cried, fretted, and paced for hours. “I was getting nowhere fast. So about 3 p.m. I decided to take a walk around the block just to get some fresh air.” The church was located in an interracial neighborhood. As Kinney walked around the block the school bus dropped off a young African-American boy. The boy looked at Kinney and ran over to him. “I know who you are,” the boy said to Kinney. “I said, ‘Oh? Who am I?’ And he said ‘You’re the church man.’ I thought he was a prophet at that point,” Kinney recalls. “I said ‘Yes. Yes, that’s what I am. I’m a church man. And I sent the telegram that said ‘Yes.’” On Jan. 25, 1977 he was ordained bishop at the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, by Archbishop John Roach. It turned out life didn’t change dramatically. He took on new responsibilities within the archdiocese but was able to continue as pastor of his well-loved parish until 1982 when he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota. “I knew no one in Bismarck,” Kinney says. “I wept driving out there. As soon as I left the state I missed the lakes and the trees. But I wept when I left there to come here.” In 1995 he received the phone call. Pope John Paul, II had appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud. This was a much easier move, according to Kinney. “It was hard to leave because I loved the people. But it was easy to leave because I grew up in Minnesota. I knew lots of people in Minneapolis-

Organizational Profıle Diocese of St. Cloud 214 3rd Ave. S • PO Box 1248 St. Cloud, MN 56302

(320) 251-2340 fax: (320) 251-0470 www.stclouddiocese.org

Bishop: Most Rev. John F. Kinney Number of employees: 72 Annual diocesan budget: $3 million

Number of parishes: 135 parishes serving a combined Catholic population of 138,000

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“

t’s a wonderful thing for me to go out into a parish. Catholic’s feel a very strong

St. Paul. St. Cloud wasn’t Minneapolis, but it was close enough.”

connection to their bishop.

”

Troubled Waters “I would have to say that the worst challenge I have faced, that the church has faced, has been the sexual abuse problems,” Kinney said. “When I was first ordained in 1963 if you had told me there were sexual abuse problems, I would have laughed. When the problems first came to light, I thought they were isolated instances. No one can think that now.” From the beginning Kinney has been a national leader on the issue. He has spoken out. He has removed priests from ministry. He has instituted policies. He chaired a national committee charged with recommending to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) a process for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and staff. He has insisted on full disclosure. He has instituted safe environment programs. He has implemented systems, including a link on the diocese’s website, to make it easier to report abuse. “One of the challenges we have,” Kinney says with compassion, “is that it takes people who are victimized a long, long time to get up the courage to say ‘This is what happened to me.’ To get victims to come forward is a cultural challenge.” It’s never been easy, according to Kinney, but he believes the Catholic Church has led the way to address the problem. Particularly in the U.S. ‘’I remember being asked at international meetings ‘Why is abuse only happening among English speaking people?’ Well, they don’t ask that anymore.” The safe environment policies are many layered. Every priest, employee and volunteer in the diocese goes through annual training on boundary issues. The diocese performs background checks on anyone who has any responsibility for children, from the priests to trip chaperones. The diocese is audited annually, either through policy evaluation or on-site evaluation from an independent third party. “We want to be sure all of the

Number of priests: 138, 55 of which are retired Number of pastors: About 80 pastors serve the parishes; almost all priests serve more than one parish

Bishop Kinney’s days are filled

with meetings and appointments — everything from meeting with

leaders of the

Catholic community to discuss aid

to victims of the

Wadena tornado to having lunch with

the diocesan staff (pictured here).

parishes, all of the schools, everyone is following the safe environment policy of the diocese. If we’re going to survive as a church we need to have credibility. Truth and honesty and credibility. That what’s so tragic about this problem – if they can’t go to their priest who can they go to?” Kinney looks surprised when asked why he took a leadership role in addressing the sexual abuse scandal. “Because it’s the right thing to do,” he says without hesitation. “The damage done to victims by priests or staff is terrible. If there are any issues that come to my attention – and there have been – we deal with them immediately with two goals in mind. First and foremost to help the victim in whatever way that means. And second to help the priest, deacon or employee get the necessary treatment.” Though he discusses the church’s sexual abuse challenges without flinching, the sorrow is still evident. “This has been the most draining challenge I’ve faced as a bishop,” he says. “Everyone thinks about some part of their work and says ‘I didn’t think it would be like this.’ Well…I didn’t think it would be like this.”

Number of deacons: approximately 42

Geographic coverage: 12,251 square miles in 16 central Minnesota counties, with an estimated total population of 555,400. The diocese stretches more than 175 miles from east to west.

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TIMELINE: Bishop John Kinney 1979-82 Vicar for parishes for the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese.

1963 Graduated from St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul; BA degree. Feb. 2, 1963 Ordained a priest at St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul, by St. PaulMinneapolis Archbishop Leo Binz. 1963-68 Assistant pastor of St. Thomas Parish, Minneapolis. 1966-68 Vice chancellor of the St. PaulMinneapolis Archdiocese. 1968-71 Graduate studies at Lateran University, Rome, completing a doctorate in canon law.

June 28, 1982 Appointed by Pope John Paul, II Bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck, N.D.; installed Aug. 23, 1982. 1993-2000 Chaired a national committee charged with recommending to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) a process for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and staff. 1993-98 Board of directors, Catholic Relief Services.

1971-73 Vice chancellor of the St. PaulMinneapolis Archdiocese. 1973-82 Pastor, St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Minneapolis. 1973-82 Chancellor of the St. PaulMinneapolis Archdiocese. Nov. 16, 1976 Appointed auxiliary bishop of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese and Titular Bishop of Caorle by Pope Paul VI. Jan 25, 1977 Ordained bishop at the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, by Archbishop John Roach.

The Greatest Treasure Being a bishop means being in charge, according to Kinney, but he believes his first responsibility is to other ordained people in the diocese. “The priests are the greatest treasure of the diocese,” he said. He believes this so strongly that he sets aside one Friday a month to meet with priests. “At first I thought no one would come,” he said. Instead, from the beginning, every available appointment has been filled. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done to stay close…to build the bishop-priest relationship.” Such rapport is critical when times are rough. “Sometimes I have to confront someone – for example not everyone wants to go through the 12 step program,” Kinney said. Sometimes it means being confronted. Kinney has had priests ask to be reassigned to another diocese. “There are times when a priest, with my permission, can switch or be on loan to another diocese,” he said. “My goal is to save the priesthood for this man. I’m not trying to pull the rug out from under him. Without the support of the priests I’m not going to get anything done.” As bishop, Kinney assigns priests to parishes. He uses a Priest Personnel Board to advise him on the best people for a particular parish, and he has an open listing policy, allowing priests to apply for particular positions. “The goal is to match the needs of a parish to the gifts of the priest,” Kinney said. As the shortage of priests has become acute, Kinney has moved into a new mode of strategic planning. Instead of one pastor for one parish, many now serve two or three parishes.

Consolidation

May 9, 1995 Appointed by Pope John Paul, II to be the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, MN; installed July 6, 1995. 2010 Celebrated 15 years as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud

The shortage of priests, combined with changing demographics in rural communities, has resulted in another challenge for Kinney…closing parishes. “We have a lot of buildings,” he says with a sigh. “Some are just two miles apart. They were built in a different time, before travel was so easy.” The decision to close a parish is a slow and thoughtful one. The diocese assists parishes with self-study to determine their viability into the future. They are encouraged to gather and evaluate specific statistics. In the past, the bishop may have announced to the parish what would happen. “I don’t think that flies these days,” Kinney said. “But there’s consultation and there’s decision-making and at some point decisions must be made.” In his 15 years in St. Cloud Kinney has seen seven or eight parishes close. “I always go to the final mass,”

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he said. “Everyone comes back. People are in tears. It’s like a death. It’s very emotional. But sometimes communities get so tiny they can’t support a parish. This is not about survival. It’s about our ability to minister. Survival isn’t enough.” Even as he talks about the challenges facing the church and the St. Cloud Diocese, Kinney’s natural optimism peeks through. “Since I’ve been here I’ve buried 40 priests,” he said. “I’ve ordained 10 or 12. You can see the numbers don’t work. But vocations seem to be on the upswing – I ordained three priests just this summer.”

The Church Man Kinney’s newest challenge is a personal one. He faces mandatory retirement in two years. “How do I get ready to retire and turn things over to a new bishop?” he asks. “I consider this diocese my family and I’m trying to get it ready – the number of priests, the lay ministry, teachers, financial viability…. I want to make it easier, not harder for the next bishop.”

It has been a long time since the pastor, who loved ministering to a small interracial parish, gave up that calling to become an administrator. As he celebrates 15 years as the leader of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Bishop John Kinney doesn’t feel he’s given up anything. His daily commitments may have more in common with those of a business executive than a parish priest, but the cross next to his heart keeps him mindful. “I feel I am more in ministry now than I ever was in a parish,” Kinney says. “It takes a different form, of course. I feel I’m ministering to all the priests. I’m ministering in a different way to the parishes. I have a new calling – to be an apostle in this diocese.” Most importantly, he adds, his work is not a job. “I think this is what God wants me to do and what the church needs me to do.” BC Gail Ivers is vice president of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and managing editor of Business Central.

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FEATURE

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PROFIT

Good for Business

Central Minn. companies say Chamber membership is good for business. By Murdoch Johnson Rating performance A large portion of the survey is structured to give members an opportunity to rate how the Chamber is performing. There are four major performance areas—advocacy, promotion-recognition-networking, education, and communication. Within each of these areas, members first rated the importance of Chamber programs addressing that area, then rated how well the organization was achieving its goals and objectives in that area. Over the years members have tended to rate Chamber performance fairly highly in all areas. For that reason the analysis in the two most recent surveys has concentrated on methods to prioritize the information. The aim is to help Chamber staff and board members make better use of the survey data.

1996 and 2004 surveys. The percent that say membership is good for their business has risen steadily over the four surveys and is now at its highest point.

Satisfaction high, as is perception of value Overall, nearly eight in ten survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they are satisfied with the Chamber and its services. Perhaps more importantly, eight in ten agreed or strongly agreed that Chamber membership is good for their organization. The percent that are satisfied is very similar to the percentages from the 1991,

What drives satisfaction? Networking—high priority, One reason for satisfaction is seen in rehigh satisfaction sponse to another question. Members were Member priorities for the Chamber were asked to agree or disagree with the statebased on a combination of two factors—the ment “I have made worthwhile professional correlation with overall satisfaction and contacts through membership in the Chamvalue (measures of importance), and their ber.” The 74 percent who agreed or strongly rating of how well the Chamber is performagreed with that statement this year is the ing in that area. highest percentage over the four surveys. It is 20 points higher than it was back in 1991, when the question was first Overall satisfaction compared to past asked.

he St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce completed the fourth in a series of comprehensive member surveys this spring. The surveys, stretching back to 1991, are aimed at measuring member satisfaction. In doing so, they also help the Chamber understand member priorities.

Strongly Agree

About the survey This survey was the first member survey conducted online, instead of with paper questionnaires. The response rate was adequate and both Chamber staff and the researcher were comfortable that the survey data is as accurate as past surveys. Online surveys are less expensive than mail surveys; it is likely that future Chamber member surveys will continue using this method.

Satisfaction with Chamber

58%

19%

Membership good for organization

58%

23%

Make worthwhile contacts

49%

Membership gives money's worth

40%

Connected to the Chamber

41%

25% 15% 20%

Very Satisfied

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Informed about business

MAStER_2010_ND_BC.indd 38

Agree

Informed about activities

48% 34%

Somewhat Satisfied

45% 57%

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Priorities based on value 3.6

Lower correlation, higher performance

3.5

Network advertise/visibility Recognize success

Informed about business

Promoting Central Minnesota

3.3

Promoting Legislative agenda

Connect to Chamber

Business training

3.2 Build regional economy Improve quality of life

3.1 3.0

Retain employees

2.9

Economy and quality of life Two Chamber goals that are also of high priority to members are helping to build the regional economy and improving the quality of life in Central Minnesota. These are certainly different types of goals than providing networking opportunities and helping members connect. They go well beyond the boundaries of the organization and impact the wider community, rather than just Chamber members. Yet members are also pleased with Chamber performance in both these areas.

Higher correlation, higher performance

Informed about activities

3.4

ACHIEVEMENT

Those factors show that providing members with the opportunity to network, advertise and increase their visibility is a key Chamber strength. Not only is this service highly important to members, they believe the Chamber is performing it very well. Some of the Chamber programs and services that offer networking and visibility for members include Business After Hours and Chamber Connection. Both were highly rated in the survey. Other important goal areas where members say the Chamber is doing well include providing business training, and helping members connect to the Chamber.

Limiting growth of taxes

Recruit new employees

2.8 Lower correlation, lower performance

Higher correlation, lower performance

2.7 .25

.30

.35

.40

.45

.50

.55

.60

VALUE CORRELATION

Chamber programs and services aimed at enhancing the area economy and the local quality of life include the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the highest-rated program or service in this section.

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FEATURE

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PROFIT

The percent that say membership is good for their business has risen steadily over the four surveys and is now at its highest point. Some of the Chamber programs that address recruitment and retention include business seminars and the St Cloud Area Leadership Program. Both of these were highly rated by members. It appears that members don’t always make the connection between these education programs and the goals of helping members recruit and retain employees.

Organization Development Consulting, in St. Joseph. He also serves as research director for Agency 128,

Communication As noted above, members rated “Connecting the membership to the Chamber” very

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• Custom Applications Development • Dashboards and Reporting • Project Management • Network Design and Support

a St. Cloud-based marketing firm. He has worked on the past three member surveys for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Trusted Leader in Commercial Real Estate Since 1971

217338.62510

Employment issues critical Two other member priorities are focused internally, on the member’s own organization—how the Chamber helps members recruit new employees, and retain existing employees. Although the differences are not large, in both these areas members rated the Chamber a little lower in performance. A close analysis of the responses however reveals that many members don’t know how well the Chamber is doing in helping members recruiting and retain employees.

highly, agreeing it was important and the Chamber was doing well at achieving it. So it’s probably not surprising that they rated many communication tools highly as well. That includes this magazine, Business Central, which was rated as important by more than nine in ten members, and the Chamber web site, rated as important by nearly nine in ten. Most members also see the Chamber Edge e-newsletter as important. BC

A Full Service Company including Business Brokerage Serving Central MN & the Twin Cities

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Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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SPECIAL FOCUS

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PROFIT

Convergence & Communication

Financial institutions are combining services and communicating in new ways in order to attract – and keep – business. by Jill Copeland for the time-starved. Save me time, save me money, save me effort.

ompeting financial services industries are raising the ante by offering online products and options, personalization, and customized account features. With all of these new developments, you would think these businesses are becoming more specialized. Wrong. Financial services institutions are offering customers more new products, and a wider range of products, than ever before. The phenomenon, known as convergence, happens as businesses try to offer increasingly catered-to customers the next great thing. Financial institutions are breaking into similar industries to earn those dollars, too. For instance, the bank may try to provide insurance, investments, and education to customers to maximize their allegiance and the profit they represent. The restaurant equivalent of “Do you want fries with that?” has become “Do you want insurance with your withdrawal today?” And it makes sense. As people try to simplify their lives, it becomes easier to read one news source, shop at one place, and buy multiple items in one transaction. When a bank offers automatic bill-pay it is a genuine time-saver

Social Media But that is not all consumers want. Relationships are king and clients want to feel good about where they do business. Financial companies are finding out how easy it is to connect with customers online, in a time when customers are doing more banking online and face-to-face meetings occur out of necessity less often. Online networking platforms involve a new level of customer contact financial industries have been slow to embrace. Customer service can take on new meaning as Twitter postings announce complaints and griping. But businesses have found it markedly better to be part of the conversation than ignore it completely. Convergence and social media adoption stand out as most significant among Mitel Comperemedia’s Five Financial Services Trends of 2010. Security fears scared customers away from online banking when it first debuted, and still a third of consumers resist mobile banking for the same reason. But it will become in vogue eventually simply due to its convenience. Keep an eye on these and more emerging trends in financial services, and watch for new ways of connecting with customers and offering more value. BC Jill Copeland is the communications and workforce development coordinator at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Blog spot

You go first

Some financial services companies are testing the social media waters through Twitter and blogs. H&R Block During tax season, H&R Block representatives tweeted by monitoring keywords and directly responding to customers. In the off season, the company offers tax tips and rules for playing fair with the tax man. Wells Fargo Bank Wells Fargo Bank features multiple blogs focused on different issues pertaining to the financial services industry. In marketing words, they focus their posts on the interests of different customer segments. A few examples: •• The Environmental Forum includes posts about sustainable banking, sharing, cutting waste, and eco-friendly practices.

•• The Wells Fargo – Wachovia Blog

includes postings on product news and updates, leadership topics, historical photos, and store photos.

•• Guided by History is a blog about community and people.

•• Student LoanDown is a blog about college financing and managing debt.

•• Stagecoach Island is a virtual

community with fun in mind. Avatars (virtual selves) have dances, talent shows, graduations, photo shoots, and shop, all while learning about money, of course.

•• Wells Fargo maintains three Who’s who in banking

Learn more about the variety of financial services available to business in Central Minnesota on the following pages.

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YouTube channels. One focuses on the company, one focuses on business tips, and one focuses on commercial banking.

10/10/10 9:53 PM

FINANCIAL & Professional SERVICES GUIDE

ProGrowth Insurance 131070_00221 2.375x4.875 4c

Corey Hansen Your source for Lending to Lending toLending to small businesses financial solutions issmall a #1 priority for us businesses businesses has a local face is a #1 prioritysmall is for a #1us priority for us

Vice President, Commercial Banking Community Banking - St. Cloud (320) 259-8468 corey.hansen@usbank.com

Allan Karki

At U.S. Bank, we realize that the success of businesses like yours drives the American economy. That’s why your success is a #1 priority for US. To help you succeed, we’ve developed a variety of flexible business solutions designed to keep cash flowing and businesses growing. And, it’s backed by At U.S. Bank, we realize that the success of small businesses like yours drives the American economy. That’s why your success is a #1 the expertise and stability of one of America’s strongest banks.

President 320.203.0911 •• www.progrowthinsurance.com

priority for US.

roGrowth Insurance was founded over 80 years ago. Today, owned by Allan Karki, ProGrowth’s main office is located in Gaylord, with a second satellite office • Owner &• Investment • Payment Solutions Real EstateSolutions • Working Capital Lines of Credit Cash Management located in Sartell, Minnesota. ProGrowth • Owner & Investment Real Estate • Payment Solutions Insurance is a full-lines Insurance Agency Ryan Thompson, Visit your local U.S. Bank today and we’ll help you get the type of financing solution you need to grow your business. operating in the five-state Midwestern area. Visit your local U.S. Bank today and we’ll help you get the type of financing solution you need to grow your business. Sauk Rapids St. Cloud Downtown Little Falls East Gate Business Relationship Manager Holly Swenson ..................320-202-0896 ScottVisit Lahryour ..........................320-259-8315 Brian Schoenherr ..............320-632-0823 Saukneed Rapids Our primary focus is on home, auto, business St.help Cloud Downtown Little Falls East Gate local U.S. Bank today and we’ll you get theU.S. type of financing solution you to grow your business. Visit your local Bank today and we’ll help you get the type of financing Julie Whitney ....................320-259-8378 Holly Swenson ..................320-202-0896 Scott Lahr ..........................320-259-8315 Brian Schoenherr ..............320-632-0823 you need to grow your business. Julie Whitney ....................320-259-8378 EricSt. Reisinger ....................320-259-8377 solutions Sartell Melrose Sauk Rapids Cloud Downtown Little Falls East Gate and recreation Insurance – but we also offer ....................320-259-8377 Sartell Melrose MikeScott FreyLahr ..........................320-259-8314 DaveHolly Gabbert ....................320-259-7568 MikeBrian Mitzel ........................320-256-4881 Swenson ..................320-202-0896 ..........................320-259-8315 Eric Reisinger Schoenherr ..............320-632-0823 Dave Gabbert ....................320-259-7568 Mike Mitzel ........................320-256-4881 St. Cloud Julie Whitney ....................320-259-8378 Mike Frey ..........................320-259-8314 our Insurance expertise in all areas including St. Cloud Midtown....................320-259-8377 Little Falls Main U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $283 billion in assets asPrinceton of Melrose June 20, 2010, is the parent company of Eric Reisinger Sartell St. Cloud Midtown Little Falls Cassie Main Peterson ................763-389-4504 Princeton Travis Moore ......................320-203-6471 Jammi Strunk ....................320-616-4502 Bank, the fifthGabbert largest....................320-259-7568 commercial bank in the United States. company operates 3,002 banking Dave MikeThe Mitzel ........................320-256-4881 Travis Moore ......................320-203-6471 Jammi Strunk ....................320-616-4502 Cassie Peterson ................763-389-4504 400 1st St. S. • 320-259-3171Mike Frey ..........................320-259-8314U.S. offices in 24 states and 5,309 ATM’s and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, life, disability, worker’s compensation, St. Cloud Midtown Little Falls Main investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products toPrinceton consumers, businesses and institutions. Travis Moore ......................320-203-6471 Jammi Strunk Cassie Peterson ................763-389-4504 Visit U.S. Bancorp on the....................320-616-4502 web at www.usbank.com. bonds and more. Whatever your personal or business Insurance need, we’ll work hard usbank.com usbank.com © 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to design a plan that offers you both All rights reserved. usbank.com security and value. usbank.com At U.S. Bank, we realize that the success of small businesses like yours drives the American economy. That’s why your success is a #1 • Working Capital Lines of Credit

At U.S. we realize the success of small businesses like solutions yours drives the American To help youBank, succeed, we’vethat developed a variety of business designed to keep economy. That’s why your success is a #1 priority forflexible US. • Owner & by Investment Estateof one of forand US. businesses growing. And, cashpriority flowing it’s backed the expertiseReal and stability To help you succeed, we’ve developed a variety of flexible business solutions designed to keep America’s strongest banks. • Cash Management Solutions flowing and businesses And, it’s backed by the expertise and stability of one of To help you succeed, we’ve developedcash a variety of flexible businessgrowing. solutions designed to keep strongest cash flowing businesses it’s backed bybanks. the expertise and stability of one of •And, Payment Solutions • Working • Cash Capitaland Lines of Creditgrowing.America’s Management Solutions America’s strongest banks. • Owner & Investment Real Estate • Payment Solutions • Working • Capital Lines of Credit Cash Management Solutions

All applications are subject to normal credit approval. Call your business banking expert are for current rates andcredit terms. Standard Refinance existing U.S. Bank business loans are excluded. Member FDIC. All applications subject to normal approval. Callfees yourapply. business bankingofexpert for current rates and terms. Standard fees apply. Refinance of existing U.S. Bank business loans are excluded. Member FDIC.

Member FDIC. (131070_00221)

All applications are subject to normal credit approval. Call your business banking expert for current rates and terms. Standard fees apply. Refinance of existing U.S. Bank business loans are excluded. Member FDIC.

Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union

0221 2.375x4.875 4c 1

9/15/10 12:08 PM

Todd Bussmann St. Joseph Branch Manager 888.330.8482 •• toddb@cmfcu.org www.cmfcu.org

entral Minnesota Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing all the same products and services as a traditional bank. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we reinvest money in the credit union resulting in even better services and lower fees for members. Try out our extended phone service hours and our St. Joseph office extended drive through hours. Monday through Friday 7am-6pm, Friday 7am-7pm and Saturday 8am-Noon. Check us out today by visiting any of our 10 convenient locations or online at www.cmfcu.org. Now you can also find us on Facebook!

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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FINANCIAL & Professional SERVICES GUIDE

CDS Administrative CDS Administrative Services, LLC Services, LLC CDS Administrative Services, LLC (CDSA) specializes in local, personalized service and competitive pricing for Flex Plans including Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Valerie Amberg Health FSAs, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and Health Savings Managing(HSAs) Partnerand Retirement Plans. Accounts vamberg@cdscpa.com • Toll-free: You’ll have a single(888) point388-1040 of contact – www.cdscpa.com/cdsa an Employee Benefit Administrator who handles the development, design and daily CDS Administrative Services, LLC (CDSA) administration of your plan. In today's specializes in local, personalized service andneed business business climate employers competitive pricing for Flex Plans including partners they can count on to get the job Dependent Care Reimbursement done right with noAccounts, surprises. At CDSA, Health FSAs, Health Reimbursement Arrangements we are committed to providing you with solutions, peace of mind (HRAs), Healthgreat Savings Accounts (HSAs) and and quality service. Callhave today for free review of your Retirement Plans. You’ll a single point plan! of contact – anemployee Employeebenefits Benefit Administrator

who handles the development, design and daily ValERIE ambERg administration of your plan. In today’s business Managing Partner climate employers need business partners vaMberg@cdscPa.coM they can count on to get the job done right toll-free: (888) 388-1040 with no surprises. At CDSA, we are commitwww.cdscPa.coM/cdsa ted to providing you with great solutions, peace of mind and quality service. Call today for free review of your employee benefits plan!

Tax Planning & Preparation | Accounting | Auditing | Payroll | Business Valuations

Quality | Dedication | Integrity

Partners and Certified Public Accountants

Mike Johnson, Annette Benson, Rick Conway & Larry Wepplo Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP offers a full range of accounting, tax, administrative and consulting services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our goal is to help them reach their maximum potential. Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP was recognized by Twin Cities Business B.I.G. Book as one of the top 25 CPA firms in Minnesota.

Our Sartell Location

www.cdscpa.com

QuickBooks® Consulting | Estate Planning | Financial Planning | Employee Benefits Administration

Stearns Bank

Jodi Marcus Deposit Sales & Service Manager 320-253-6607 •• jodim@stearnsbank.com www.stearnsbank.com

Customized Banking Solutions. Employee Owned. We get the job done!

Stearns Bank was established in 1912, under current ownership of Norm Skalicky since 1964. We are a local, employee-owned bank with more than $1 billion in assets. We are proud to support the commuities we serve through contributions made by the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation.

tearns Bank is a local, employeeowned bank that has been in Central Minnesota since 1912. With more than $1 billion in assets, we are able to provide you with customized banking solutions to fit your personal and business needs. From checking, remote deposit, online banking & bill pay to home loans and business loans and leases. We are proud to support the communities we serve through contributions made by the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation. We get the job done!

4191 2nd St S St. Cloud, MN (320) 253-6607

www.stearnsbank.com

Member FDIC.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

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FINANCIAL & Professional SERVICES GUIDE

Compound Prof it

Jeff Manthe Profit Advisor/Principal (877) 386-3716, ext. 235 •• jmanthe@cprofit.com www.cprofitmncentral.com

’m Jeff Manthe, local franchise owner with Compound Profit. When I first meet with a business owner, I ask the question, “if cash flow was not an issue, what would you do? How big would you grow?” I understand the importance of having access to working capital, whether a startup business, fastgrowing enterprise or credit challenged company. My mission is to help businesses thrive by providing a broad range of finance and marketing solutions to businesses that improve sales, reduce operating costs and improve their cash flow, thereby helping them succeed and reach their goals.

Falcon National Bank

Bremer Bank SBA Lending

John Herges

Greg Hohlen

President and CEO (320)223-6300 •• jherges@falconnational.com www.FalconNational.com

Senior Vice President, SBA (320) 255-7185 •• gjhohlen@bremer.com Bremer.com

A full-service law firm, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for over thirty years, Rajkowski Hansmeier has provided expert advice to all cases– tailored to your individual situation. situation.

Employment Law Estate Planning Agriculture Construction Law Product Liability Commercial Law

11 7th Avenue North St. Cloud, MN 56302 320-251-1055 rajhan@rajhan.com 44

y partners and I started Falcon National Bank in 2003 with the vision of a community bank that would be owned locally, managed locally and concerned locally. I am happy to say that here we are in 2010 with a successful community bank that still carries that vision. Part of being with Falcon from the beginning has allowed me the pleasure of getting to know each and every customer and employee along the way. Together we have been able to grow Falcon into a strong community partner by providing exceptional banking solutions with friendly service to the communities we serve. Thank you to our customers, thank you to my employees and thank you to my partners.

remer Bank is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. As the 3rd most active SBA lender in the state, Bremer’s St. Cloud team of SBA professionals is proud to have earned the designation of Preferred Lender, the highest delegated authority among SBA lenders. As a Preferred Lender, decisions are made locally with quick turnaround. Bremer’s SBA team is skilled in the latest regulatory changes and programs. Let Bremer’s SBA team find the best program for you so that you can focus on what you do best, growing your business.

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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ADVERTISER INDEX

ADVERTISER NAME Bernick’s - Beverages & Vending............................... 45 Blackberry Ridge Golf Club.......................................... 37 Bremer...............................................................................7 Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union.................... 42 Charter Communications................................................2 Coldwell Banker Commercial - Orion........................ 40 Compound Profit............................................................ 44 Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing...................................... 43 Falcon National Bank.......................................................3 Gottwalt for State Representative............................... 21 HealthPartners Central MN Clinics...............................5 Jennings Insurance....................................................... 40 JDB Associates.............................................................. 40 LarsonAllen LLP............................................................ 27 Midsota Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, PA....... 27 Miller Architects & Builders, Inc................................. 29 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce............................. 25 Nolan Campaign Committee....................................... 23 Rajkowski Hansmeier Ltd. .......................................... 44 M

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FINANCIAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Wells Fargo.................................................................... 42 US Bank.......................................................................... 47 ProGrowth Insurance.................................................... 42 Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union.................... 42 Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing...................................... 43 Stearns Bank.................................................................. 43 Compound Profit............................................................ 44 Rajkowski Hansmeier Ltd. .......................................... 44 Falcon National Bank.................................................... 44 Bremer............................................................................ 44

Regional Diagnostic Radiology & The Vein Center.... 17 Rice Building Systems, Inc........................................... 13 Robert’s Fine Jewelry................................................... 20 Schlenner Wenner & Co., CPA’s................................. 29 Short Stop Custom Catering........................................ 45 St. Cloud Hospital / CentraCare Health System...........9 St. Cloud Medical Group............................................... 11 St. Cloud Orthopedic Associates, Ltd.......................... 15 St. Cloud State University............................................. 39 St. Cloud Surgical Center............................................. 20 Stearns Bank.................................................................. 43 Strack Construction Co. Inc......................................... 39 Tri-County Abstract & Title Guaranty, Inc.................. 21 US Bank.......................................................................... 47 Wells Fargo.................................................................... 48 Westside Liquor............................................................. 45

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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PROFIT

Raising the Bar

IN THE Future What does your 3-5 year plan look LIKE? It will depend on the economy as our services are driven by parents needing childcare and educational programming helping to prepare children for school readiness. Currently with job layoffs and financial constraints placed upon families we have had many families decrease from full time care to part time care or have had to choose a cheaper alternative or discontinue child care due to job loss. Featured on the cover in May 2003

AT A GLANCE Playhouse Child Care Center, Inc.

Business Central: After you were displaced in Sauk Rapids because of the bridge project, why did you decide you wouldn’t rebuild in that community? Diane Mendel: We looked at where our parents were coming from, which of our centers were growing, the cost of remodeling or building a facility, how many of our families were willing and able to move to a different center…in the end it was the best business decision. BC: What is the School Readiness Connections project? Melody Peterson: It’s a grant program through the Minn. Department of Human Services.

Basically it addresses the impact of quality early childhood programming for children prior to entering kindergarten. The overall goal is to promote the skills and abilities that children need to succeed in school, and to address the barriers and opportunities encountered by many of the parents of the children receiving subsidized child care services. We were fortunate to have two of our sites – St. Cloud Technical College and Baxter – selected in 2007 to participate in the pilot project. BC: Are you still participating? How long does the pilot project run? Peterson: Yes, it is currently funded through June 2011.

Many families have participated at both locations. We hope there is continued funding. The data gathered throughout the state supports the impact of quality care — especially in these economic times. BC: What are you doing that’s new? Mendel: This year we’ve been partnering with “Parent Aware.” It’s another pilot project in Minnesota.In this case it’s intended to provide a quality rating scale of early childhood programs. We hope that within five years, our data and program information is used to support quality improvements in child care throughout the state. BC

www.playhouse childcare.com

Business Description: An enriched early childhood/child care environment where children flourish and positive relationships are formed; care for infants to school-age children.

Owners: Diane Mendel and Melody Peterson Employee count: 79 Sales: $2.4 million Accreditation: All sites are currently pursuing Accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) for Early Care and Education.

Photo by Joel Butkowski, BDI PHOTO

Participation in pilot programs and child care studies helps Playhouse Child Care support quality improvements in early childhood services throughout the state. By Gail Ivers

Locations: Sartell, St. Cloud Technical College, Monticello, Baxter (320) 656-1910

Business Central Magazine •• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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Sauk Rapids Holly Swenson ..................320-202-0896

Little Falls East Gate Brian Schoenherr ..............320-632-0823

Sartell Dave Gabbert ....................320-259-7568

Melrose Mike Mitzel ........................320-256-4881

St. Cloud Midtown Travis Moore ......................320-203-6471

Little Falls Main Jammi Strunk ....................320-616-4502

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