Veterans funding is an Obama priority 6A Kline meets with local school district officials 28A Met Council says it lacks funds for Cedar route 28A
DON HEINZMAN LAURA ADELMANN AARON VEHLING
dakotacountytribune.biz dakotacountytribune.biz
DATE ##, 2009 SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
VOLUME 30, NUMBER # VOLUME 32, NUMBER 28
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Eagan company undergoes ‘great’ growth
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INSIDE BIZ FORUM
Outdoor GreatRoom expands headquarters, revenues grow
Take a moment this weekend to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Perhaps attend a local observance. 4A
HOWARD LESTRUD FORUM
DON HEINZMAN
Many school districts will rely on levy votes this fall so they can provide a good education. 4A
POLITICS
Farmington’s city budget is a top priority for new City Administrator David McKnight, who is a former council member. DAVID 5A MCKNIGHT
Photo submitted
Outdoor GreatRoom designs and manufactures pergolas, furniture and fire pits, among other accessories, for upscale outdoor living spaces. by Jessica Harper DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
The Outdoor GreatRoom has been designing upscale fire pits, furniture and kitchens for outdoor living spaces for nearly a decade. Now the Eagan company is adding a new component to its backyard: manufacturing. Last year, Outdoor GreatRoom moved much of its engineering, production and manufacturing operations from overseas and from Salt Lake City, Utah, to its headquarters in Eagan. “Our goal is for most of our products to be American-made,� said CEO Dan Shimek. When Shimek founded the company in 2003, he purchased all materials from abroad — namely, China and India. +&//: 800%4 "/ 45"$&: "$,&3. "/%3&8 .*--&3
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FINANCIAL PLANNING
But as China’s economy began to soar, the cost of doing business there started to rise, too. “We also feel it’s the best thing to do for the economy of our country,� Shimek said of keeping production at home. Shimek continues to purchase some material from China, but said he aims to have the majority of his products made right here in Minnesota. Though its fire is burning brightly today, Outdoor GreatRoom has not been untouched by the poor economy. “In a recession, it can be tough selling products that are in the disposable-income category,� he said. “Instead of buying complete outdoor rooms, people will invest See GreatRoom, Page 28A
Debt issues can limit your options and affect a life in many negative ways, but following six steps can bring you out FPA OF of the red. MINNESOTA 5A
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Photo by Jessica Harper
Dan Shimek, CEO of the Outdoor GreatRoom, recently moved the company’s manufacturing, engineering and production operations from overseas and from Salt Lake City to its headquarters in Eagan.
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