Local Business memos/ Company news

people got more conscious about the resources they consume that contribute to Global Warming.

People are conscious that perhaps the next pandemic that evolved from strange relationships of nature are impacted by climate change.

Think about the new consciousness of health and cleanliness and sanitation. Think about the new discovery by hundreds of thousands of families about the wonder of the outdoors.

There are recent signs of economic strength. The number of job postings had been down 40 percent in Minnesota in April and May, but by July job postings were only down 20 percent, according to a report in the Star Tribune.

And hiring contract workers is on the rise. That mirrored the trend of the last recession where employers had work but were cautious about hiring full-time permanent workers.

The Star Tribune also recently reported a 500 percent increase in demand for baristas as coffee shops open again. There’s heavy demand for logistics people needed by companies like Fed Ex and Amazon.

There was an uptick in demand for insurance agents also. And demand for nurses and other health care workers had one company offering a $3,000 welcome bonus.

We’re in a pandemic and no doubt some uncharted territory. But it’s not likely to rival the lasting economic calamity of the Great Depression.

We may face a “Ninja” competition case in beating this economic obstacle course. It will take all of our energy and resilience.

Joe Spear is executive editor of Minnesota Valley Business. Contact him at jspear@mankatofreepress.com or 344-6382. Follow on Twitter @jfspear.

■ Local Business

People/Company News

Le Sueur grocer honored

Radermacher’s Fresh Market in Le Sueur and Keurig/7Up were two of 18 companies statewide to be recognized for their efforts to end hunger in their communities through the annual Minnesota Grocers Association Bag Hunger Campaign.

The campaign was coordinated by the MGA and included 250 MGA retail members, 10 vendor partners, and community food banks and food shelves across the state. The MGA’s hunger programs have provided over 39 million meals to Minnesota families in need since 2008.

Radermacher’s and Keurig/7Up received the Silver Plate Award for Best Creative Partnerships. This award is presented to the companies who maximized instore promotions while engaging consumers to end hunger. They worked together to create a large in-store display in the front of the store to encourage customers to give back.

As winners, each company received $1,000 to donate to a food charity of their choice. Radermacher’s donated to the Le Sueur Food Shelf.

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Pioneer Bank a top lender

Pioneer Bank has been recognized as an Independent Community Bankers of America top lender in the July issue of Independent Banker. ICBA is a national trade association.

The annual list is based on the strength of competitive banking services and operational efficiencies using FDIC data for 2019. Scores were determined by combining the average of the bank’s percentile rank for lending concentration and for loan growth over the past year in each lending category and asset size and adjusted for loan charge-offs at certain percentile thresholds.

Jr’s Academy open

Jr’s Academy Early Learning Center at 120 Birkdale Drive in Mankato recently had a ribbon cutting.

“We keep activities new and fun by offering themes that are designed and created using a research based curriculum,” Julie Oachs, owner/director said in a statement.

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SouthPoint board chair retires

SouthPoint Financial Credit Union board of directors chair Gordon Osmonson has retired. Osmonson was appointed to the board in 1976 and has been board chairperson for 24 of those years.

“Gordie’s leadership, passion for our purpose and desire to make a difference in our communities has impacted thousands of people and spanned multiple generations,” SouthPoint CEO Jay Gostonczik said in a statement.

Matt Lux (previous vice chairperson) is the new board chairperson.

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Spectrum opens Mankato store

Charter Communications has opened a new store in Mankato.

The Spectrum Store, 1901 Madison Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Devices and accessories sold at the store are compatible with Spectrum Mobile. ■ ■ ■

Pratt, Kutzke & Associates changes name

Pratt, Kutzke & Associates, a financial planning and investment management firm based in North Mankato has changed its name to Pratt Wealth Management. Pratt Wealth Management has been providing individuals and organizations with financial guidance since 1990.

Vetter names president

Vetter Stone Company has named a new president.

Ben Kaus will replace Ron Vetter, who will stay on as Vetter Stone’s CEO and chairman.

“Ben is the first non-family officer and leader of the company since its founding in 1954 following Paul J. Vetter, Sr., Howard Vetter and Ron Vetter,” said Ron Vetter in a statement. “He brings rich leadership experience and operational knowledge that will continue the growth of the company. We are very proud to have Ben serve in this integral role of the company.”

Kaus joined Vetter Stone six years ago and became a company officer in 2016. In 2018, he was named chief operating officer.

He graduated from Minnesota State University in 2006 with a major in finance.

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