MN_ValleyBusiness_June2018 by Free Press Media

The Definitive Business Journal for the Greater Minnesota River Valley June 2018

Mankato Clinic CEO Randy Farrow. Photo by Pat Christman

Healthy growth

Mankato Clinic, Mayo expand services

Also in this issue • COOK PIANO TUNING • GREENWALD’S GREENHOUSE & FLORAL • CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS & FRESH START CLEANING

The Free Press MEDIA

World-class & local:

EXPERIENCE FIVE OF MARRIOTT’S TOP SPAS IN ONE STATE: ALABAMA After a round of golf, enjoy a relaxing massage or body treatment at a great

at Montgomery, the Spa at Ross Bridge in Hoover and the Spa at the Battle

Marriott spa. In North America, five of the top Marriott and Renaissance

House in Mobile are always highly ranked for pampering their guests. All

spas are found on Alabama’s RTJ Spa Trail. For guest satisfaction, the Spa

five of these spas are part of the RTJ Resort Collection and feature innovate

at the Marriott Shoals in Florence and the Spa at the Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear

treatments inspired by Southern Hospitality. Clearly great golf and spas

are consistently ranked in Marriott’s top 10. For Renaissance Hotels, the Spa

work well together in Alabama. Come experience them for yourself.

FLORENCE · HOOVER · MONTGOMERY · MOBILE · POINT CLEAR The

Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail · rtjresorts.com/spacard

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Sexual Harassment Policies By: Brittany King-Asamoa

sexual harassment policy is one policy every employer should have. This statement is probably not news to any employer reading this article today, given the highly-publicized terminations of Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, and the like. But, what employers may not know is that sexual harassment policies can substantially minimize an employer’s liability by (1) defining sexual harassment for employees; (2) informing employees that sexual harassment is prohibited; and (3) establishing steps an employee may take to report sexual harassment. Employers utilizing such a policy may qualify for an affirmative defense (depending on the circumstances) that may eliminate or limit their damages. Components of a Sexual Harassment Policy. The next logical question is: What should I include in a sexual harassment policy? Three elements of the policy were outlined above—(1) a definition of sexual harassment; (2) a declaration that sexual harassment is strictly prohibited; and (3) avenues of how to report claims of sexual harassment. Additional components of the policy that are recommended, and blessed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the federal agency tasked with enforcing Title VII of

the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal anti-discrimination laws), include the following: • Anti-retaliation provision – Explicitly state that an employee reporting sexual harassment will not be retaliated against. • Two avenues for reporting – In the event an employee feels his or her direct supervisor has engaged in harassing behavior, the policy should allow the employee to make a report of harassment to another individual. However, the individuals identified should be in management to ensure reports are properly and timely investigated. • Investigation procedures – Outline that investigations will be completed promptly and on a case-by-case basis and identify what they may include or require. • Confidentiality – Advise that confidentiality regarding any report of harassment cannot be guaranteed, but information regarding the report will be kept private to the extent doing so does not impede an investigation or violate applicable law. • Disciplinary procedures – Forewarn about the consequences of engaging in sexually harassing behavior. It is

recommended that employers do not develop stringent or rigid progressive discipline procedures, unless there is a reservation for the employer to terminate an employee immediately if the circumstances render such action appropriate. Disseminate the Policy. Once an employer has established a sexual harassment policy, he or she is tasked with ensuring that all employees know about the policy. This is simple. First, the policy should be added to the employer’s employee handbook. And, as with any new policy addition or refresh to an employee handbook, employees should be provided a copy of the policy, instructed to review the policy, and asked to execute a document acknowledging that they received, reviewed, and will comply with the policy. Then, the employer should periodically instruct managers to review the sexual harassment policy with their team on a bi-annual or more frequent basis. This step should be taken to heart because it would be a shame to have a well-established policy that your employees never knew existed. Plus, a failure to inform employees of your sexual harassment policy and procedures would exclude you from utilizing the Faragher/ Ellerth affirmative defense.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 1

TRY SOMETHING

BOLD!

COMMUNITY MINDED Joe Duncan, Mankato Principal Engineer

With expertise in planning, design, and administration of civil and municipal engineering projects, Joe helps his clients achieve their goals and vision. When not managing projects, he’s out making a difference through community engagement and involvement.

We take pride in our work. We live here too.

Bolton-Menk.com

Real Knowledge. Real Experience. Real Dedication. Real Results.

We Know Commercial Real Estate.

Tim Lidstrom CCIM/Broker

100 Warren Street, Suite 708, Mankato, MN 56001

507-625-4606

www.lidcomm.com Karla Jo Olson Broker

EIDE LIKE I’D LIKE HELP WITH MY DAY-TO-DAY SO I CAN DO WHAT I LOVE

1750 Northway Drive • North Mankato, MN 56003 www.corpgraph.com

800-729-7575

Building a business is exhilarating, challenging and exhausting—and it’s your dream. You need to understand your numbers to keep that dream alive, and we’re here to help. From outsourced accounting to payroll, we can help you with critical business functions so you’re free to focus on what really matters—growing your business.

507.387.6031 | eidebailly.com

F E A T U R E S June 2018 • Volume 10, Issue 9

Mankato Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System are building new facilities, expanding their services and growing their staffs to meet regional health care needs.

Piano enthusiast and tuner Nick Cook had zero interest in the piano lessons as a kid but later grew to love the piano and has developed a thriving piano tuning business.

Brian Ziegler and Josh Pratt have pulled a lot of grime and a lot of other things – including animal skeletons - out of the air ducts inside homes and businesses.

Audene Greenwald is the matriarch of four generations of GreenwaldMitchell women and girls involved in the Greenwald’s Greenhouse & Floral business near Waterville.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 3

■

JUNE 2018 • VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 PUBLISHER Steve Jameson EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Spear ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tim Krohn CONTRIBUTING Tim Krohn WRITERS Kent Thiesse Harvey Mackay Dan Greenwood Amanda Dyslin PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Christman Jackson Forderer COVER PHOTO Pat Christman PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING Joan Streit Sales Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Marianne Carlson Theresa Haefner ADVERTISING Barb Wass ASSISTANT ADVERTISING Sue Hammar DESIGNERS Christina Sankey CIRCULATION Justin Niles DIRECTOR For editorial inquiries, call Tim Krohn at 507-344-6383. For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com. MN Valley Business is published by The Free Press Media monthly at 418 South 2nd Street Mankato MN 56001.

■ Local Business memos/ Company news.....................................5 ■ Business Commentary.........................8 ■ Business and Industry trends..........24 ■ Retail trends.....................................25 ■ Agriculture Outlook..........................26 ■ Agribusiness trends..........................27 ■ Construction, real estate trends.....28 ■ Gas trends........................................29 ■ Stocks...............................................29 ■ Minnesota Business updates............30 ■ Job trends.........................................30 ■ Schmidt Foundation.........................32 ■ Greater Mankato Growth..................34 ■ Greater Mankato Growth Member Activities ............................36

From the editor

By Joe Spear

Mankato garners statewide spotlight I

can remember a time in Mankato where competing developers would argue in front of the City Council over who had rights to a gravel parking lot. That was three decades ago. Developers are no longer arguing over gravel parking lots, but over parking ramps connected to seven story glass office towers. Times have changed. Just after I was pointing out last month that Mankato needs to get a little more statewide visibility, the area was featured in a lengthy piece in Twin Cities Business magazine that was exhaustive in its detail, but of course, nothing new to those of us who’ve covered the local economy for years. Still, the recognition from a Twin Cities publication was notable in that they rarely venture outside of the metro area where news is plentiful. Their piece entitled “How Mankato Came to be Minnesota’s Hottest Economic Region” surely hit the right notes in summarizing everything good that has been happening in the region for the last four or five years. Along with the 1.49 million square feet of distribution space, they mentioned a “12 minutes average commute to work.” Those of us who live here take that for granted, but we may not realize how big of a deal that is to someone who spends 30, 40 and 50 minutes in a commute to get from one side of the Twin Cities to the other. While Mankato new construction has been impressive from 2014 to 2106 with $491 million in capital on 284 projects, the longer term growth of property value in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties is even more so. From 2006 to 2015, the property value of both counties grew at a

4 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

rate of 4.4 percent per year. It’s a pretty incredible rate when you figure the recession of 2008 was in that period. So the private sector growth has been met by public sector government that has not been forced to grow tax rates because the property value has been growing so robustly. And there’s more to come. This month’s feature on the medical business growth in Mankato shows another $75 million or so being put in place with just Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato. Blue Earth County is building a large addition to its government center and at least two affordable housing projects are in the works. It’s also notable that Mankato is tr ying to innovate with development and be creative with how it takes shape and meshes with things like transit and even day care. The city’s newest innovation will be the redevelopment of a multi-acre housing “village” with green space and two major af fordable and suppor tive housing complexes, including supportive housing to reduce homelessness. But it also includes plans for a day care with the idea of making living, working, going to school and brining your kids to day care almost a totally pedestrian activity. Think about that for a minute. Where else does that happen? The next challenge may be redevelopment of Old Town and the riverfront. Plan are already taking shape to consider new traffic patterns and an embracing of the Minnesota River with the leveling of the flood walls toward Riverfront Park. Downtown property assets like the historic post office and the Masonic building may be just a

creative idea away from rebirth. But we should not expect property values to increase like they did from 2006 to 2015. Many big industrial projects, including the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, came to fruition during those years. And while the glass office towers may carry us for a couple more years, we have to plan accordingly so as not to be ever arguing about gravel parking lots again.

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

Heating & Cooling

Local Business People/ Company News

■

Loging, Pawsey take new roles

River’s Edge recertified

Two local marketers at Eide Bailly, Kate Loging and Baylee Pawsey, have moved into new positions as part of a restructure of the firm’s marketing team. Loging, who was formally the marketing manager for Eide Bailly’s national tax office, has transitioned into lead services marketing manager. In her new role, Loging will oversee and guide the firm in the development of strategic marketing plans as they relate to Eide Bailly’s service offerings. Pawsey, previously a marketing assistant for the national tax office, is now a corporate communications specialist. She will be writing, editing and producing internal and external communications within her new role. Both are still located at the Mankato office.

Building Automation

Security

River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic has been recognized as a DNV GL Healthcare certified Hip & Knee Replacement Center. The certification, based on standards set by DNV GL Healthcare and considering the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, recognizes program excellence in patient care and outcomes. River’s Edge received its first certification in 2017. ■■■

Kraus honored

The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys has recognized attorney Thomas J. Kraus as Two Years 10 Best Family Law Attorney for client satisfaction. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys is a thirdparty attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in each state. The selection process is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research and AIOFLA’s independent evaluation. ■■■

Wenger has new name

TOTAL

BUILDING CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Exceeding expectations & gaining trust through exceptional value and performance!

Partners of SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC®

Mankato: 507-345-4828 | Rochester: 507-289-4874

www.paape.com

Since 1978, Wenger Physical Therapy has been a staple in the greater Mankato community. Last fall, founders Ron and Linda Wenger retired, and ownership transitioned to one of their physical therapists and Mankato native Todd Kruse. Now Wenger Physical Therapy is Optivus Physical Therapy. The clinic currently has four physical therapists, each with specialized certifications. The clinic also has a team of support staff, athletic trainers, and inhouse aquatic therapy. ■■■

Ellingson named treasurer

Eide Bailly Partner Ben Ellingson has been named treasurer for the Minnesota CPA MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 5

Society, a nonprofit professional organization that offers services and professional development for CPAs and other accounting professionals. He is the Mankato office partner-in-charge. The Minnesota CPA Society includes membership of more than 9,000 individuals. ■■■

Primrose honored

Primrose Retirement Communities has named Primrose of Mankato one of its Retirement Communities of the Year. In addition to the title, Primrose of Mankato received a monetary award which will be shared among the employees. Primrose Retirement Community of Mankato, located at 1360 Adams Street, consists of 34 Independent Living apartments and 23 Assisted Living apartments. ■■■

Bolton moves up in ranking

“

Just like our community,

BankVista is a strong supporter of small business

”

and entrepreneurship.

Jessica Barry, Attorney Partner, Stinson Leonard Street Mankato, MN

Christina Bohlke President, BankVista Mankato NMLS#1407852

bankvista.com

Minnesota SBA Lender of the Year

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

1501 Adams St | Mankato, MN 56001 | (507) 387-2265

6 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

The annual ranking of the Top 500 Engineering Design Firms was released by Engineering News-Record and Bolton & Menk moves to #160. Since 1996, Bolton & Menk has consistently increased in ranking each year. ■■■

Law firms merge

Blethen, Gage & Krause and Berens Rodenberg & O’Connor, two of the region’s oldest law firms, are merging. Blethen, Gage & Krause has been providing legal services in the Mankato area for more than 120 years while Berens, Rodenberg & O’Connor has been in the New Ulm area for more than 90 years. Both firms represent clients in a wide range of business and personal matters. The combined firm will employ 19 attorneys and 24 employees. The merger will be effective July 1. The merged firm will retain the use of their current names for the immediate future and their respective locations in Mankato and New Ulm.

■■■

Noy joins Landmark

Alan Noy has joined Century 21 Landmark Realtors as an ALC, associate broker, Realtor. Noy specializes in commercial and land sales in Minnesota. Noy grew up near Mankato on his family’s crop and livestock farm and continues today as an owner/ operator. He spent eight years in the banking industr y before transitioning into real estate sales the last 10 years ■■■

Agents join True

Cristen Manthe and Nathan Grenzer have joined True Real Estate as a real estate agent in Mankato. Originally from California, Manthe has lived in Mankato since 2002. She has experience in business management, customer service, property management, multifamily and commercial leasing and human resources.

She has a Master’s degree in public administration. Gruenzner has been a licensed real estate agent serving the Mankato community since 2008. ■■■

Wagner accepted in Leaders Lab

Andrew Wagner has been accepted to participate in the 2018-2019 Leaders Lab, a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Wagner, an audit manager at Eide Bailly, recently applied for the opportunity and after a lengthy application process was awarded one of 30 positions. The Leaders Lab is a diverse program that engages Minnesota’s developing business leaders. Over the course of four sessions and across the state, participants will be exposed to a wide range of businesses in industries such as natural resources, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, food production and agriculture.

■■■

Kato Insurance recognized

Kato Insurance Agency has achieved Blue Partner Elite status with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota. It is awarded to the top 1 percent of all Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota agents and agencies. Scott Michaletz is the owner of the agency. This year marks Kato Insurance Agency’s 35th year of doing business in Mankato. ■■■

Weichert agents honored

Weichert, Realtors Community Group announced their 2017 Office Award Winners in 39 states, based on achieving specified production requirements in gross commission income or units earned in 2017. Local agents named were Stephanie Jacobson and Jackie Dewald, named to the executive club.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 7

■

Business Commentary

By Harvey Mackay

Encouragement unleashes potential in employees T homas Edison’s teacher said he was a poor student. His mother was furious at that characterization and took him out of school and taught him at home. Edison gave this account of the incident in an interview published in 1907: “One day I overheard the teacher tell the inspector that I was ‘addled’ and it would not be worthwhile keeping me in school any longer. I was so hurt by this last straw that I burst out crying and went home and told my mother about it. Then I found out what a good thing a good mother is. “She came out as my strong defender. Mother love was aroused, mother pride wounded to the quick. She brought me back to school and angrily told the teacher that he didn’t know what he was talking about, that I had more brains than he himself, and a lot more talk like that. “In fact, she was the most enthusiastic champion a boy ever had, and I determined right then that I would be worthy of her and show her that her confidence was not misplaced.” A positive word of encouragement can help change anyone’s destiny. In many ways, Mrs. Edison was a genius herself, at least at motivating and encouraging her son. Did she know that he would become one of the most prolific inventors and thinkers in history? Perhaps not, but she wasn’t going to risk limiting his potential the way his unfeeling teacher was willing to. In the same vein, good managers have a responsibility to offer encouragement to workers

to help them achieve at their maximum level. Otherwise, why would they bother to hire and pay people to do just enough to get by? Encouragement and motivation go hand in hand, but they are not the same. Motivation is more general – cheerleading, if you will, getting people excited and primed to take on or continue a project.

Mackay’s Moral: Encouragement gives you the courage to try. Encouragement means pointing out potential and challenging the person to succeed at a specific goal or project. Encouragement means empowerment, according to Samir Nurmohamed, assistant professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “On the one hand, we know from research that people are much better at work when they feel empowered,” he said, “which consists of having meaning on the job, a sense of autonomy, a sense of confidence, and also an impact on what you do and the people you’re trying to help.

8 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

“Yet you don’t want to feel so autonomous that you have no direction. It’s one thing to feel autonomous in terms of your motivation, but it’s another to be autonomous and go in the wrong direction.” Top managers understand these basic truths about employee encouragement and motivation: “I want to feel important.” No one wants to feel like a number, interchangeable or easy to forget. Get to know your employees as people. Find out what makes each one unique. And show them you’re paying attention to their individuality. “I need encouragement.” Even the best employees continue to flourish with positive feedback. Let them know what they’re doing right and how they can keep performing at a high level. They will be grateful that you have noticed their work and keep up with efforts. “I want to believe in you.” Employees want to know they can trust you – your knowledge, your expertise and your word. Show that you are committed to helping them succeed and grow by listening, answering questions honestly and keeping your promises. “I want to succeed.” Most employees want to do a good job, even if they don’t want to advance to upper management. Explain your expectations clearly, and give them the training and support they need so they know you’re

invested in helping them succeed. “I want to be motivated.” Employees want to be clear about the job’s value to the organization, the benefits the employee will enjoy. Encouragement enhances enthusiasm and commitment. Hall of Fame ballplayer Reggie Jackson put it in baseball terms, but I think it applies across the board: “I’ll tell you what makes a great manager: a great manager has a knack for making ballplayers think they are better than they think they are. He forces you to have a good opinion of yourself. He lets you know he believes in you. He makes you get more out of yourself. And once you learn how great you really are, you never settle for playing less than your very best.” Harvey Mackay is a Minnesota businessman, author and syndicated columnist. He has authored seven New York Times bestselling books

WHERE YOUR POLICY COMES WITH AN AGENT

In the market for Health Insurance? At Community Insurance we know shopping for health insurance can be overwhelming. Let our agents match you with the perfect plan. Whether you need individual, family, or group coverage, we’ll work with you to provide you with insurance that meets your needs. Brennan Lane

Pam Shouts

QUALITY INSURANCE WITH PERSONAL ATTENTION

MANKATO 507.385.4485 | AMBOY 507.674.3355 VERNON CENTER 507.549.3679 | www.cimankato.com

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 9

Dr. Stephen Haugen with the Mankato Clinic’s new mammography machine.

Expanding care

Mankato Clinic, Mayo add services, facilities

By Tim Krohn | Photos by Pat Christman

ankato’s role as a major regional medical center is growing at a rapid clip as the two major medical centers add more areas of practice, new facilities, additional staff and new approaches to care. At Mayo Clinic Health System $75 million in investments in Mankato are underway including a new surgery center.

Dr. James Hebl, regional vice president, said the effort will continue to elevate the level of care available in Mankato. “Our mission is to bring Mayo Clinic care to everyone who needs healing by transforming the Mankato campus into a premier Mayo Clinic regional medical center that is fully

Cover Story

10 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

Nicole Caveny looks at a brain scan taken with the Mankato Clinic’s new MRI machine. integrated and complementary with our Mayo Clinic practice in Rochester.” At Mankato Clinic the physicians and staff are focusing on a trio of top issues to improve care and employee satisfaction and control costs, said CEO Randy Farrow. “We continue to improve care and the outcomes for patients, to focus on creating a better experience wherever we can. And we’re very accountable for costs, so we’re managing resources better. And a new area we’ve focused on in recent years is work/life balance. There’s been a lot of changes for providers and physicians, a lot of administrative burden put on them,” Farrow said.

Mayo growth

Hebl said the three areas of focus this year are to continue to advance the quality, safety and service at Mayo, expand medical and surgical services on the Mankato campus and to modernize facilities. He said the addition of services and upgraded facilities will “allow

us to provide expert care to more individuals throughout southern Minnesota.” Hebl said those who need more complex care can seamlessly have access to Rochester Mayo, which is consistently rated among the top in the nation. Among the expanded medical and surgical services in Mankato is the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine center, which just added a seventh orthopedic surgeon. Two of the surgeons conduct anterior approach hip replacements, with incisions coming in from the front rather than the side of the hip. “It’s a relatively new approach and fewer surgeons do it. There’s less pain and quicker recovery,” Hebl said. Mankato also has beefed up its neurosurgical program and will be adding a spine center. A breast cancer clinic also recently opened. “Primary care, medical oncology, breast surgery, reconstructive surgery — all in one location,” Hebl said. In addition, Mankato added a bariatric surgery program. “We’re a nationally accredited weight

loss center and can now serve high-risk patients as well.” They also added two certified nurse midwives for expecting moms who want the service. Renovation or new construction happening during the next 18 months include a $65 million expansion of operating rooms, pre- and post-operative patient rooms, a new interventional pain medicine suite, and a new GI endoscopy center. Hebl said eight of the new operating rooms will open in October and six more next year. There is a $5 million expansion of the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic and a $3.5 million pediatric specialty clinic. And they are adding $5 million in advanced technology and imaging equipment, including two new cardiac catheterization labs, an interventional radiology suite and a new MRI scanner. Hebl said they are also in early discussions about another phase of construction that would add three additional bed floors to the hospital and potentially a parking ramp on campus. Mayo is also converting its

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 11

Eastridge Clinic to a pediatric clinic. Formerly a family practice clinic, Eastridge has for several months been used for training employees in preparation for a new medical records system that just rolled out. The system, known as Epic after the company, Epic Systems, that makes it, is a $1.5 billion effort to have all Mayo facilities across the country on one system. “It’s a new patient system and billing system.” Mankato and other area sites went live in November 2017 and Rochester in May. “It will provide a more seamless experience for patients regardless of which door they enter at Mayo Clinic.” Hebl said the learning curve has been steep for staff. “There were wait times for registration but they’ve returned to normal. There will be more learning for several months.”

Ownership +

Empowerment 360° sustainability is directly tied to investments in people, culture, and community growth. Together, we will passionately design the future.

19 7 3

ISG UNIVERSITY

ARCHITECTURE + ENGINEERING + ENVIRONMENTAL + PLANNING

www.is-grp.com

BUSINESS BANKING

12 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

Mankato Clinic

Farrow recently helped celebrate the groundbreaking for Mankato Clinic’s new North Mankato clinic building. The 27,000-square-foot building on Lookout Drive will be nearly three times the size of the existing North Mankato clinic building, which was built in 1984. The new clinic will include larger exam rooms, lab and diagnostic imaging facilities, a spacious lobby and room to house additional family practice providers in the future. Dr. Dan Anderson, who has been at the site since 1990, said the staff has had to live with inconveniences presented by the small building. “We’re thrilled to have a new clinic building and enhance the care for our patients. And it will be nice for our staff.” Farrow said the clinic was designed to take advantage of the team-based care system being implemented throughout the Mankato Clinic system. In the past physicians had to enter a lot of information into their laptop during a patient visit, but now a nurse is part of the process entering information during the appointment. “It allows the physician to get rid of the computer tablet so they

can focus entirely on the patient. While the physician is examining the patient, the nurse can input a lot of the stuff and order followup tests and things in real time,” Farrow said. “The provider doesn’t have to take their laptop home with them and finish inputting things. We think it will improve things for the patients and give better work/life balance for the providers.” The clinic recently installed two new digital breast tomosynthesis machines at the Main Street clinic in Mankato. The tomo, also known as 3D mammography, is a new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. The clinic also added an MRI machine. “MRI is something we haven’t had historically and now we have our own here. That’s been going very well. It’s leading-edge technology,” Farrow said. He said the number of physicians and areas of care continue to grow at the clinic. “We had eight new providers join us last year and new ones signed for this year.” After lacking an endocrinologist for a few years, the clinic last year brought one on board. “Our OB/GYN continues to grow. We added a new provider this year and another will be added this fall. And in pediatrics we added one last year and another will be added this fall.” Mankato Clinic also is growing its Bluestone Vista program, which offers families of seniors the opportunity to have a Mankato Clinic provider team that includes a geriatric doctor, nurse practitioner and/or physician assistant visit their loved one in their residential living facility on a regular basis. “That has really grown. We work with more than 30 senior centers and 600 patients,” Farrow said. “The beauty of it is the residents don’t have to leave the assisted-living facility and go to the clinic, which can be challenging for many of them. And the team sees them each month and keep in touch with the staff so if something comes up, they can address it. It keeps people from having to go to the ER so much.” Farrow said changes in the insurance market continue to disrupt patients and providers. Under the Affordable Care Act a lot of insurance companies were losing money on plans sold on the individual market and pulled out of it. He said just one plan — Blue Cross Plus — remained and it was tied to care at Mayo facilities. “It was a narrow network and we got excluded from that by Blue Cross. That was disruptive for some of our patients who had been with us for years and had to go to Mayo. “We were very disappointed with that. It just seems unfair. It affected a lot of independent providers,” Farrow said. “If we offer quality care at a reasonable price, we should be available to people and not cut out just because of insurance decisions.” He said the clinic has long been noted for its quality by the nonprofit Minnesota Community Measurement group. “We’ve been proud that we’ve been listed as one of their top-performing clinics for a number of years. We’re proud of that and our providers.” MV

Top: Workers are busy in what will be the new GI area at the Mankato hospital. Middle: Eight of the new surgery bays at the Mankato hospital will open this year, with six more opening next year. Bottom: Boldt project superintendent Mark Bellesbach and Mayo Clinic Health System operations manager Evan Hedwall walk into one of the new surgery bays under construction.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 13

Paula Barron is manager of The Ecumen Store at Pathstone.

Medical equipment a booming business By Tim Krohn

Photos by Pat Christman

or people requiring medical equipment, the need often comes quickly and the cost can be daunting. Several medical equipment stores help get people what they need, with much of it covered by insurance and some offered by nonprofits at lower costs. Adam Massmann runs the medical equipment service at VINE Faith in Action in Mankato. “We carry walkers, shower chairs and canes. We occasionally get wheelchairs and other medical equipment, but it really varies depending on the donors.” Many requests come for walkers and canes. “A lot of our clients are receiving joint replacements so they need those items while they’re recovering.” The service is open to anyone. There is a one-time, nonrefundable fee and people can keep the equipment as long as they need it. VINE also has some hospital beds for people who have had surgeries or other medical situations. Massmann said there are things they can’t accept from

donors, including toilet equipment, bandages and medications. Details are on their website (vinevolunteers.com). If they don’t have something on hand, they often point people to Pathstone. Paula Barron is manager of The Ecumen Store at Pathstone, on Mound Avenue near Sibley Park. “We are a Medicare-accredited equipment supplier. We rent wheelchairs mostly. We don’t do bed rentals,” she said. Ecumen also sells walkers, bath safety items, incontinence personal care items and “activities

of daily living” equipment, which includes things like bed rails, rails for the bathroom and items to assist people in their dressing. They also provide wound dressings, compression garments and other soft items. “For a lot of those things people have their doctor order them and we drop ship them, we don’t have them on hand.” The store is open to the public (ecumenstore.org). Mayo also has a medical supply store — Handi Medical — in Madison East Center (handimedical.com).

alluring... It’s not a shade and it’s not a sheer; yet it raises, lowers and offers an almost endless variety of light control and viewing options. Allure® Transitional Shades...something all together different! 1107 Cross St., North Mankato Mon.-Thurs. 9am-8pm, Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm, Closed Sun. 507.625.3089 • www.rickwaycarpet.net

14 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

RICKWAY CARPET

Call or stop by Today!

THE TIMES CHANGING... THE TIMES ARE ARE CHANGING... HELP DEVELOP AND DELIVER LETLETUSUSHELP DEVELOP AND DELIVER COMPLETE SOLUTIONS TO REACH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS TO REACH YOUR CUSTOMERS YOUR CUSTOMERS.

Optimized Website Design & Behavioral FromFrom Optimized Website Design, Behavioral Targeting to Print Ads & Direct Mail. Targeting to Print Ads & Direct Mail. Search Engine Optimization

Social Media Channels

SearchSite Engine Optimization Media Channels Retargeting Maps &Social Directories Site Re-Targeting Maps & Directories Search Retargeting Responsive Audience Targeting Site Lists Newspaper Ads SearchCustom Re-Targeting Responsive Audience Targeting Geofence & Follow Magazines CustomMobile Site Lists Newspaper Ads Event Targeting Inserts Mobile Geo Fench & Follow Magazines AND SO MUCH MORE! Event Targeting Inserts

AND SO MUCH MORE!

MORE OPTIONS | MORE VALUE | MORE CUSTOMERS

MORE OPTIONS | MORE VALUE | MORE CUSTOMERS Contact us today to learn how to reach your Contact us today how to reach your targeted audiencetoonlearn all media platforms 507-344-6365 targeted audience on all media platforms. advertising@mankatofreepress.com 507-344-6364 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN advertising@mankatofreepress.com www.mankatofreepress.com

418 south second street, mankato mn www.mankatofreepress.com MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 15

Nick Cook learned how to tune pianos from a mentor.

Finely tuned Cook brings pianos to life By Dan Greenwod Photos by Pat Christman

iano enthusiast and tuner Nick Cook played that was easy enough to learn,” Cook had zero interest in the piano lessons explained. “After that I was just starting to his parents required him to take in 4th learn a lot of different stuff. Early on I grade. He wanted to play learned how to play the guitar. Eventually his song Layla by Derek and parents relented and he the Dominos.” began playing guitar in Cook doesn’t learn by middle school. By college reading music; instead he COOK PIANO though, his priorities said he learns by “ear and TUNING changed. muscle memory.” That’s “I don’t play guitar at all how the Bethany Lutheran cookpiano.com anymore, I just play the College ESL Instructor 952-836-4699 piano,” Cook said. realized that tuning pianos He started playing could provide again watching episodes of House. Hugh supplemental income. In 2016, he mentioned Laurie stars as Dr. Gregory House, a his interest in a conversation with his curmudgeonly genius who plays the piano to financial planner, who happened to know unwind at home. piano technician Steve Persons, another “There was a pretty little number that he local who has been tuning pianos for 36

Cover Spotlight

16 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

Nick Cook uses a variety of tools in his piano tuning business. years. Persons was more than happy to help Cook learn the ropes of piano tuning because someone else mentored him when he was starting out. “Nick was kind of in the same boat as I was way back then,” Persons said. Like Cook, Persons uses piano tuning to supplement his income as an insurance agent in Mankato. But before that, Persons was a pastor. That’s where the wheels began turning that piano tuning was something he could learn too. “We had a guy come to tune our little three rank organ,” Persons said. “He charged us a lot of money. I helped him a couple times and thought, ‘I can do this. I just need a tuner.’” Persons, who he has a knack for tinkering, soon discovered that tuning a piano wasn’t all that different from tuning an organ. So he gave his own piano a try. “After I did my own piano, which took me about four hours, I asked people in the congregation; could I practice on your pianos? A couple of them probably wish I hadn’t,” Persons chuckles. He points out that learning from mistakes was the best way to improve. When he agreed to mentor Cook, he brought him along to observe as he worked on customers’ pianos. “Toward the end I allowed him to just continue where I had left off,” Persons said. Finding people with that particular skillset is rare these days, with most piano technicians working for the love of the instrument and as a side job. The work is far from easy and requires an unusual amount of patience and perseverance to be successful. Cook says what he learned from Persons was invaluable, and he’s glad he learned face to face instead of the online course he initially planned to take. “Getting firsthand experience straight through somebody who has been doing it for so many years is a lot more helpful than to learn it online where you’re not as connected,” he said. Every piano tuner has a toolbox, and the process usually takes a couple hours. Broken wires are a rare

occurrence, but do happen when a piano hasn’t been tuned for a long time. Unlike guitar strings which need to be changed frequently, strings or wires for pianos only need to be switched out if they break. Cook and Persons use a tuning lever to adjust the pitch, a micrometer to measure the strings and tuning mutes to isolate one string from the others while tuning. “There are three wires for each note,” Cook explains. “I will stick this one between two of them so I can hear the one that I want to hear.” But over all the tools, Nick emphasizes the importance of the Pierce Piano Atlas, a thick book that lists every type of piano imaginable, going back nearly two centuries. “Anytime I go to a new customer the first thing I do is I tell them when their piano was made,” Cook said. The oldest piano he’s worked on was over 100 years old, which poses its own unique challenges. “The wires made me nervous because this hadn’t been tuned in a long time,” Nick said. “The wires were just so old and there was a little bit of rust on them. It was way out of pitch so it needed pretty heavy work – I had to go through it twice.” But pianos from that era stick out for their ornate designs, unlike the mass produced pianos of the 1950’s, 60s and 70’s. “As far as the piano, it’s beautiful because pianos that were made way early in the 20th century – they’re the prettiest of them all, really nice carvings. If you can get a piano from before 1920 – even though it might be rough shape, you should go for it because it looks absolutely beautiful and if you can treat it well it’s still going to play great.” Cook says that he was drawn into the business more out of fascination than necessity, and meeting people along the way is just as interesting as tuning pianos. “I just want to continue helping people as much as I can with their pianos,” Cook said. “This is more of something that I’m doing because I enjoy it.” MV

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 17

Brian Ziegler snakes a hose down an air vent in a home outside of North Mankato.

Grime, rodents, VCR tapes Ductwork cleaners find them all By Amanda Dyslin Photos by Pat Christman

rian Ziegler has pulled a great many air conditioning systems (HVAC). things out of people’s air ducts. A “I’ve found skeletons of animals and great many things. things. A lot of mice and birds,” he said. “I “We find old medicine found a megaphone and bottles in the real old a disassembled rocking houses. I’ve found beer chair. Playing cards, cans down there and marbles, toys, Legos. packs of cigarettes,” he One guy said, ‘That vent said. “Just a couple of over there, that’s where CLEAN AIR weeks ago I found a my candy stash is that I SOLUTIONS VCR tape somebody was hide from my wife.’” cleanerairsolutions.us hiding. I don’t know But as Ziegler and 507-420-5144 what was on it. I gave it Pratt can attest, objects to the home owner.” like toys and tapes aren’t FRESH START Josh Pratt has also necessarily the real found some pretty danger lurking in a CLEANING interesting objects in home’s ductwork. It’s cleaningmankato.com the ductwork of folks’ the years of dust, dirt, 507-382-0169 heating, ventilation and mold and allergens that

Feature

18 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

circulate throughout the home any time there’s air running through the system. Ziegler of Cleaner Air Solutions, based in Janesville, said those with allergies and respiratory problems should have their air ducts cleaned at least every couple of years. Others should have them cleaned at least every five years, he said. Pratt of Fresh Start Cleaning & Restoration based in Eagle Lake said having pets is another reason to have ductwork cleaned more frequently. Pet hair and dander easily get swept into the HVAC system and often in surprising quantities. Yet the service is one that often is neglected in many people’s homes. “I get into some houses, and it hasn’t been done for 70 or 80 years, and I pull out 10 gallons of debris,” Pratt said. According to Ziegler, indoor air can be two to five times more

polluted than outside air. So having fresh, clean air to breathe is the top reason ductwork cleaning should be done. Money is another reason. Clean air systems cause systems to run more efficiently, reducing energy bill costs. Ziegler said it’s hard to know how dire a home’s ductwork will be until he gets in there. “Every house is different,” he said. “In one you might pull out a ton of stuff, and the next one it’s a couple of pounds of dirt.” Some homeowners use ShopVacs to clean out their ductwork. But Ziegler and Pratt said the reach and power of a Shop-Vac isn’t good enough. “The thing is, you’re not going to get into the trunk line,” Ziegler said. During a cleaning, the furnace and air handler are cleaned out because they are what distributes the air throughout the home. The inside of the unit and the blower

are vacuumed, and the coils are cleaned. Registers and vents are removed, and a commercial vacuum system reaches into the air ducts to the trunk line to ensure the entire system is cleaned out. After Ziegler finishes with a home, he often hears from homeowners about the improved air quality. “The majority will say they can tell the difference,” he said. Ziegler said, in addition to ductwork cleaning, dryer vents are another too often neglected task in homes that cause more than 15,000 fires per year. Pratt agrees. “Lint will stick to the run, and then it starts to really build up,” Pratt said. “It’s a huge fire hazard. If you notice a load of towels taking more than one cycle to dry, it’s time to get it cleaned.” MV

Top: Josh Pratt of Fresh Start Cleaning & Restoration. Right: It can take Brian Ziegler a full day to clean all the ducts in a house. Bottom Left: Brian Ziegler, of Cleaner Air Solutions, moves ceiling tile to get at duct work.Bottom Right: HVAC cleaners find plenty of dirt and other items when doing their work.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 19

From left are Audene Greenwald, Addison Mitchell, Kim Greenwald-Mitchell and Sydney Mitchell. The four ladies often can be found working at their family business, Greenwald’s Greenhouse & Floral in rural Waterville.

Greenwald women have green thumbs

Rural Waterville greenhouse and floral going strong for 40 years

Story and photos by Amanda Dyslin

he underside of Kim Greenwald-Mitchell’s at all. But it all evens out. The rewards outweigh the hands are just like her mom’s. They’re rough – stress.” calloused and strong from thousands of long On a piece of beautiful land in the heart of lake days digging in the dirt. countr y near Water ville and Audene Greenwald is responsible Elysian, Greenwald lives in a house for those hands on all of the surrounded by half a dozen Greenwald-Mitchell women and greenhouses. Her daughters, girls of the family. As the matriarch Greenwald-Mitchell and Dawn GREENWALD’S of Greenwald’s Greenhouse & Nygren, practically live within Floral in rural Waterville, she spitting distance. GREENHOUSE instilled a love of the earth and a Ever ybody – all four of 48381 Gardener Lane, respect for a hard day’s work into Greenwald’s kids and now her Waterville her whole family. grandkids – have had a hand in greenwaldsgreenhouse.com “We like what we do,” Greenwald growing the family business over 507-362-8586 said. the years. “We love what we do,” Greenwald“They’ve all helped out,” she Mitchell corrected. “It’s a lot, a lot, a said. “And they all learned so much. lot of work. Some days we might wonder why we do it They learned the basic things of life that kids aren’t

Profile

20 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

Audene Greenwald picks out some plants and flowers for a planter demonstration at her business. learning anymore.” “Whether you liked it or not, you had to work,” Greenwald-Mitchell said with a laugh.

A love of plants

What started from one small greenhouse on the land about 40 years ago has turned into a robust yearround family business, growing thousands of their own plants, ordering and selling numerous others throughout the year wholesale, and adding a floral design component for funerals and special occasions many years ago. The family hires seasonal staff and employs another one full time to keep on top of the demand. A few years ago they also added a gift and floral store called Mama’s Mercantile in Elysian with an attached bakery and deli called EllieGail’s, run by Nygren. Greenwald could never have foreseen what her business would become, she said. Her love of plants began as a child when she stayed with her grandmother for six weeks in the summer. “She had a huge garden with lots of raspberry plants,” Greenwald said. “And my mom, she also grew everything there was to grow.” Greenwald got married at age 18 and had four children. The family moved from Nicollet to their current address about 40 years ago. Greenwald’s husband, Rene Greenwald, knew she loved plants and offered to build a small greenhouse for her. “I remember, to this day, it looked so big at the

time,” Greenwald said. “I’m the youngest, and I was 5 when she started that first greenhouse,” Greenwald-Mitchell said. “It was very small. But as we were growing up, it just slowly grew, and we added a greenhouse here and there. They’re spread throughout the property.” Greenwald loved flowers, so she grew many perennials in the beginning. Greenwald-Mitchell remembers there being a lot of vegetables, too. Over the years, the offerings expanded a great deal, and the work keeps them busy. They have wholesale plants, including hundreds of poinsettias around the holidays and Easter lilies in late winter. They start all of their bedding plants in early January. “And we have one greenhouse open year-round,” Greenwald-Mitchell said. In addition to Greenwald and Greenwald-Mitchell running the business, Greenwald-Mitchell’s two daughters, 12-year-old Addison Mitchell and 15-yearold Sydney Mitchell, can often be found donning the green Greenwald’s Greenhouse shirts and waiting on customers, among numerous other tasks required to keep the place running. There’s always watering, weeding, planting, hauling and other work to be done. There are always customer questions to be answered, too, at the busy main greenhouse. “Are there any onions bagged yet?” Sydney asks, popping her head into the floral shop. “There’s half quarts and quarts,” GreenwaldMitchell answers. A few moments later …

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 21

From left are Sydney Mitchell, Kim Greenwald-Mitchell and Audene Greenwald, three generations working in the Greenwald Greenhouse & Floral family business. “Those bags of potting soil, 8 bucks?” Sydney asks. “$8.49,” Greenwald answers. Rene Greenwald, who worked for the University of Minnesota Waseca before it closed, is the resident greenhouse builder, maintenance worker, delivery person, seeder and wood-cutter, among other things. The wood-cutting was especially important during this past frigid winter. “We burn wood to heat the greenhouses; we needed three sources of heat, actually,” said GreenwaldMitchell.

It takes a village

One thing Greenwald is especially proud of is the community their business has built. Not only do they have loyal customers who come back year after year, but now some of their customers who came as children are bringing in their own children. With the arrival of May and warm sunshine came so many familiar faces who expressed such an affection for the long-standing business. “It’s like old home week,” Greenwald said. That affection was clear during an incident this winter. During an especially cold period, the plastic around one of the greenhouses shattered. “That plastic split into a million pieces,” Greenwald said. “We put it on Facebook, and you would not believe the number of people who offered to help us.” Building the business with her kids has been wonderful, too, she said. “We have so much in common. We get together as a family and talk. We reminisce over what happened

22 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

that day,” Greenwald said. That’s not to say every day has been sunshine and roses, Greenwald added. “I could write a book of all the things that have happened over the years,” she said. One time, for example, a skunk got into the greenhouse, and it sprayed when Rene Greenwald shot it to remove it. Greenwald was working on wedding flowers at the time, and she was “petrified” that anything in the wedding would smell like skunk. (Nothing did, thank goodness.) Most days, however, go much more smoothly. On a recent warm Sunday afternoon in April, for example, about 20 women signed up to learn how to create a planter at a class led by Greenwald and GreenwaldMitchell in one of their greenhouses. The smell of fresh soil and flowers was on a breeze blowing through the space. Both women smiled and laughed as they gave the class tips on soil constitution and plant varieties. “We really do love what we do,” Greenwald-Mitchell said. MV

For more information about Greenwald’s Greenhouse & Floral, visit greenwaldsgreenhouse.com or find them on Facebook.

GET HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY.

From treatment of serious medical conditions to wellness activities for you and your family, our experts in Mankato are here to deliver exactly the care you need.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org/mankato to learn more.

MN Valley Business â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

■

Business and Industry Trends

Energy Oil, gas price outlooks jump

Get ready for a little more pain at the pump. Crude oil prices are at the highest level in more than three years and expected to climb higher, pushing up gasoline prices along the way. According to the federal Energy Information Administration, crude oil prices have probably been

driven higher for three reasons: falling global oil inventories, heightened market perceptions of geopolitical risks, and strong global economic growth signals. It is estimated that Brent crude oil prices will average $71 per barrel in 2018, $7 higher than predicted earlier. Correspondingly, forecast regular gasoline retail prices will increase to an average of $2.79/gallon. Monthly average Brent crude oil spot prices have increased in 9 of the past 10 months.

Community Bank has a long history of serving the communities that we call home. Through the spirit of cooperation, a community becomes a home. We’re pleased to call Greater Mankato home.

Locally and family owned since 1974

Shawn Nelson

Mike Ogaard

Join the Family! Mankato | Vernon Center | Amboy ww.cbfg.net

24 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

Low oil inventories

Global oil inventories fell an average of nearly 0.6 million barrels per day in each of the past five quarters (January 2017 through March 2018). Oil inventories for countries within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at the end of April were an estimated 3 percent lower than the previous five-year average. Several geopolitical risks also present sources of uncertainty. These risks, including the re-imposition of oil sanctions against Iran and the elections in Venezuela, may materialize into actions that remove oil supplies from the global market and, in turn, tighten global oil balances. At the same time, global liquid fuels consumption is quickly increasing with 2018 at the highest rate since 2012.

Natural gas use up

The share of U.S. total utility-scale electricity generation from natural gasfired power plants should rise from 32 percent in 2017 to 34 percent in both 2018 and 2019. The forecast electricity generation share from coal averages 29 percent in both 2018 and 2019, down from 30 percent in 2017. The nuclear share of generation was 20 percent in 2017 and will fall to 19 percent by 2019

Retail/Consumer Spending Vehicle Sales Mankato â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Number of vehicles sold - 2016 - 2017 1500

917 701

1200 900 600 300 0

Source: Sales tax figures, City of Mankato Includes restaurants, bars, telecommunications and general merchandise store sales. Excludes most clothing, grocery store sales. $428

Sales tax collections Mankato (In thousands)

- 2016 - 2017

600

$419

500 400 300

Coal use down

Coal production is expected to decline by 3 percent to 751 million short tons in 2018. The production decrease is largely attributable to a forecast decline of 4 percent in domestic coal consumption in 2018, with most of the decline expected to be in the electric power sector. A 9 percent forecast decline in coal exports also contributes to lower expected coal production in 2018. EIA expects coal production to remain nearly unchanged in 2019.

Renewables up some

Nonhydropower renewables provided slightly less than 10 percent of electricity generation in 2017 and are expected to provide more than 10 percent in 2018 and nearly 11 percent in 2019. The generation share of hydropower was 7 percent in 2017 and is forecast to fall slightly below that level both 2018 and 2019. In 2017 wind generated an average of 697,000 megawatthours per day (MWh/d). EIA forecasts that wind generation will rise to 741,000 in 2018 and to 766,000 in 2019.

200 100 0

Source: Sales tax figures, City of Mankato

Lodging tax collections Mankato/North Mankato

- 2016 - 2017 $32,300 $27,978

70000 52500 35000 17500 0

Source: City of Mankato

Mankato food and beverage tax - 2016 - 2017 175000

CO2 increasing

After declining by 0.9 percent in 2017, EIA forecasts that energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will increase by 1.4 percent in 2018 and by 0.4 percent in 2019. Energy-related CO2 emissions are sensitive to changes in weather, economic growth, and energy prices.

140000

$60,900 $58,935

105000 70000 35000 0

Source: City of Mankato

C. Sankey

MN Valley Business â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 25

■

Agricultural Outlook

By Kent Thiesse

Next Farm Bill beginning to take shape

or the past two years the U.S. House and Senate have been holding hearings and listening sessions on the next Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill, which was enacted in 2014, and governs USDA programs from 2014-2018, expires on Sept. 30. Release of specific Farm Bill proposals by Congress have been quite slow, leaving farm operators and others wondering what farm programs will look like in 2019 and beyond. As of this writing, the House Agriculture Committee has approved a new Farm Bill proposal, which was sent to the House Floor for a vote. So far, no new Farm Bill proposals have been released by the Senate. The initial proposal released by the Ag Committee keeps many of the existing Farm Bill Titles and farm programs in place for the 2019-2023 crop years. The proposal includes tweaks to the current county level ag risk coverage (ARC-CO) and priceloss coverage (PLC) programs, keeps the current crop insurance program pretty much intact, and calls for increases in the maximum allowable level of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage over the next five years. One change being proposed would be to eliminate the Energy Title that is contained in the current Farm Bill, with many of the provisions of that Title being covered by other legislation. The biggest challenge in passing a new Farm Bill may be some of the changes that are being proposed to the food and nutrition program (SNAP) that would affect food stamp recipients.

Eligible producers would have another one-time, 5-year choice between the revenue-based ARCCO program and the price-based PLC program for the crop years 2019-2023, on a commodity basis. The ARC-CO program would continue to use the same base revenue formulas and payment calculations that exist in the current Farm Bill. Beginning in 2019, the county yields used for the ARC-CO program would be based on Risk Management Agency (RMA) average yields, which are based on reported crop insurance yields, rather than National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) average yields. It is felt that the RMA average yields should more accurate than the NASS yields, and may help reduce the variation in ARC-CO payments for a given crop that have existed in the same year in neighboring counties. Also beginning in 2019, ARCCO payments would be based on the physical location of the FSA farm unit. In the current Farm Bill, producers with farms in multiple counties could have all farm units counted for ARC-CO payments in the county that handles the FSA transactions for the producer. This has created inequities where a few producers with farm units in a county not eligible for ARC-CO payments for a crop may be receiving ARC-CO payments for that crop, due to having a dif ferent FSA administrative county. The proposal should correct this situation, and make payments more equitable.

Highlights from the PPLC Program The proposed minimum PLC Farm Bill that was reference prices will remain the approved by the House same as the current Farm Bill, Ag Committee: which are $3.70 per bushel for ARC-CO Program 26 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

corn, $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, and $5.50 per bushel for wheat. The House Farm Bill proposal would allow the PLC reference price for a given crop to increase above the minimum reference price, if the 5-year “Olympic-average” MYA price for that crop times 85 percent (.85) exceeds the minimum reference price, up to a maximum of 115 percent (1.15) of the minimum reference price for a that crop. Based on current prospects for “Olympic-average” prices for corn, soybeans and wheat, it is not likely that any of these crops would see enhanced PLC prices, beyond the minimum prices, for the 2019 crop year.

Other Title I Programs

The CCC marketing loan program would continue similar to the current program, with national marketing loan rates unchanged from the current levels, which are at $1.95 per bushel for corn, $5 per bushel for soybeans, and $2.94 per bushel for wheat. Beginning in 2019, any crop base acres that have not been planted to a FSA commodity crop since 2009 would no longer be eligible for farm program payments. The cotton program will now be part of Title I in the Farm Bill, which is a provision that was already included in the Budget Bill passed by Congress earlier this year. There are also some Improvements to the dairy safety-net program in the House Farm Bill proposal. The farm program payment limit would remain at $125,000 per eligible farm operator, with very few changes proposed to farm program payment eligibility.

Crop Insurance

The base concept of the Federal

crop insurance program would remain intact under the proposed new Farm Bill, including the popular “harvest price option” (HPO) on revenue protection (RP) insurance policies. The proposal did not put limits on the total dollar amount of premium subsidies available for crop insurance premiums. There would be discounted insurance premiums to beginning farm operators.

Conser vation Programs

Food and Nutrition (SNAP)

4 the proposed House Farm Bill, there would be a Under new 20-hour per week work/training requirement for all work-capable adults (ages 18-59) that are receiving benefits 2 (food stamps) under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There would be exemptions to the 0 F M A M J elderly, J A Sdisabled O N persons, D proposedJ requirements for the women that are pregnant, and others. The revisions to the SNAP program that are being proposed are very unpopular with many members of Congress, which could ultimately delay final passage of a new Farm Bill. 8 If the proposed Farm Bill passes the House, with some 100 adjustments, it would then be up to the Senate to pass its 6 version. 85 Following the passage of a Farm Bill by both houses4 of Congress, there would likely need to be a Conference Committee to work out the differences. Once 70 completed, the compromise Farm Bill would need to again 552 be approved by both houses of Congress, before being sent to President Trump for final approval, so the new 400 legislation be implemented J could F M A M J J forAtheS2019 O crop N year. D There 25 are many issues left to be resolved before a new F M A This M includes J J Aproposed S O changes N D to Farm BillJ is finalized. the SNAP program, potential reductions to the crop insurance, adjustments to the commodity programs, and changes to conservation programs. Of course, the large Federal 100 budget deficit could also impact the Federal funds that are available for programs in the next Farm Bill. Given 85 the political discord that currently exists in Congress, together with the mid-term elections later this year, 70 completing a new Farm Bill in 2018 could be very challenging. If no new Farm Bill is completed in 2018, 55 there is a possibility that the current Farm Bill could be 40 for one year to include the 2019 crop year. extended

Corn prices — southern Minnesota

(dollars per bushel)

— 2017 — 2018

The House Farm Bill proposes to increase the maximum allowable Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres by one million acres per year, beginning in 2019, up to a cap of 29 million acres in 2023. This would be an increase of 5 million acres from 24 million maximum CRP acres in the current Farm Bill. The maximum CRP rental rate in a given county would be reduced to 80 percent (.80) of NASS average cash rental rate in a county for a given year, which should keep the CRP rental rates more closely in-line with average cash rental rates in a given area. The proposed Farm Bill would merge the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), with the goal of having more efficiency in implementing the programs, since both programs target practices on 8 farms. Existing CSP contracts will still be honored working under the new Farm Bill.

Agriculture/ Agribusiness

Kent Thiesse is farm management analyst and vice president, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal. 507- 381-7960; kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

20 16

$3.54

2 0

$3.20

Source: USDA

Soybean prices — southern Minnesota

(dollars per bushel)

— 2017 — 2018 8 20 100 16 6 85 $9.46 12 470 8 255 $8.99 4 40 0 0 J F M A M J J A S O N D 25 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Source: USDA

Iowa-Minnesota hog prices

185 pound carcass, negotiated price, weighted average

— 2017 — 2018

20 100 25 16 85 22 12 70 19 8 55 16 4 40 13 0 J F 25 10 J F J F Source: USDA

$80.22

22 19 16

$61.56 M A M J M A M J M A M J

Milk prices 22

J J J

A S O N D A S O N D A S O N D

Minimum prices, class 1 milk Dollars per hundredweight

— 2017 — 2018 25 $17.03

19 16 13 10

$14.03 J

20 25 16 22 12 19 8 16 4 13 0 J 10

Source: USDA. Based on federal milk orders. Corn and soybean prices are for rail delivery points in Southern Minnesota. Milk prices are for Upper Midwest points.

C. Sankey

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 27

Construction/Real Estate Residential building permits Mankato

Commercial building permits Mankato

- 2016 - 2017 (in thousands)

$996 $1,109

18000

12000 10000

13500

4000

4500

2000

Source: City of Mankato

Source: City of Mankato Information based on Multiple Listing Service and may not reflect all sales

Existing home sales: Mankato region - 2016 - 2017 (in thousands)

Median home sale price: Mankato region - 2016 - 2017 (in thousands)

250

300

132 143

240

$163,500

200

$143,000

150

180

100

120

0 J

Source: Realtors Association of Southern Minnesota

Source: Realtor Association of Southern Minnesota

Interest Rates: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage

Includes single family homes attached and detached, and town homes and condos

Housing starts: Mankato/North Mankato

— 2016 — 2017

- 2017 - 2018

5.5

5.0

4.5

4.1%

4.0

3.5 3.0

$2,227

6000

9000

$3,992

8000

4.1% J

Source: Freddie Mac

10 D

Source: Cities of Mankato/North Mankato

Austin’s Auto Repair Center, Inc.

Left to Right: Jaimie Busch, Spencer Condon, Scott Nelson, Doug Stimpert, Justin Yungerburg, Darla Austin, Isabella, Lynn Austin

We do it all “Oil Change to Overhaul” • Computer Diagnostic & Electronic Tune-up Service • Electrical Repair • Brake Service

• Air Conditioning • Computerized Alignments • Transmissions • Towing & Starting

• Tires • Exhaust • Preventative Maintenance

Voted Best Auto Repair & Best Auto Technician

6 Years In A Row!

www.austinsautorepaircenter.com

625-2886

1620 Commerce Dr., North Mankato

28 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL

507.387.7499 Check us out on www.malterermechanical.com www.malterermechanical.com

Gas Prices

Gas prices-Mankato

— 2017 — 2018

54 43 $2.58

32 21 10 0

$2.28

Gas prices-Minnesota

Let us help you define the great outdoors

— 2017 — 2018

5 54 $2.65

43 32

$2.29

21 10

C. Sankey

Source: GasBuddy.com

Stocks of local interest

April 9

May 11

Percent change

Archer Daniels

$44.60

$43.98

-1.4%

Ameriprise

$143.37

$137.07

-4.4%

Best Buy

$70.78

$77.78

+9.9%

Crown Cork & Seal

$49.77

$44.68

-10.2%

Consolidated Comm.

$11.77

$11.68

-0.8%

Fastenal

54.45

$51.78

-5.0%

General Growth

$20.19

$20.64

+2.2%

General Mills

$45.07

$42.66

-5.3%

Itron

$69.30

$66.25

-4.4%

Johnson Outdoors

$63.49

$73.08

+15.1%

215.32

$205.66

-4.7%

Target

$72.86

$70.25

-3.6%

U.S. Bancorp

$51.11

$51.50

+0.8%

Winland

$1.59

$1.50

-5.7%

Xcel

$45.39

$45.26

-0.3% C. Sankey

Complete Landscape Featuring Landscape Supplies at our DIY headquarters DESIGN & BUILD

32 Years in Business! www.thomastreeandlanscape.com

507.625.4960 19922 State Hwy 22 3 miles south on Highway 22, Mankato

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 29

Minnesota Business Updates

■

to the state’s bottom line, and helps boost soybean prices.

■ Consolidated releases results Consolidated Communications issued its first quarter earnings data, reporting ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.11). Consolidated Communications had a negative return on equity of 0.29% and a net margin of 4.6%. The company had revenue of $356.04 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $354.23 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.11 earnings per share.

■ More solar power available Minnesotans wanting clean, renewable energy are getting another option as a new network of community solar farms goes online. Starting last month, 34 Minnesota counties will be able to sign up for Choice Energy’s new network of eight solar farms. The counties are clustered in the metro and south central Minnesota, including Blue Earth and Nicollet counties. For people living in those counties, the project offers a simple, new way to get solar energy for their homes and, CleanChoice hopes, eventually a smaller electric bill for those enrolled, according to Minnesota Public Radio. Six of the farms are already on Xcel Energy’s grid, with the final two expected to join in the next couple months. Collectively, the eight farms will produce 42.5 megawatts of solar energy. That’s enough to power almost 7,000 homes.

■ Biodiesel gets a boost Minnesota’s biodiesel industry got a boost last month when a new state fuel mandate took effect. The fuel most used by truckers, No. 2 diesel, must now contain at least 20 percent biodiesel — double the current requirement. Biodiesel is mostly made from soybeans, but can also be made from waste products such as used cooking oil. Petroleum companies and many truckers oppose the new mandate, saying it will increase costs. But the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the biodiesel industry adds more than $1.5 billion a year

Employment/Unemployment Initial unemployment claims Nine-county Mankato region Major March Industry 2017 2018 Construction Manufacturing Retail Services Total*

189 156 49 142 536

Local non-farm jobs Percent change ‘17-’18

183 190 45 151 535

3500

130,442

2800

-3.2% +21.8% -8.2% +6.3% -0.2%

122000

2100 1400

111000

700 100000

Minnesota initial unemployment claims

Minnesota Local non-farm jobs

Major Industry 133000 133000

2017

2018

Percent change ‘17-’18

Construction 122000 122000 Manufacturing Retail 111000 Services 111000 Total*

4,199 2,070 1,148 4,052 11,469

4,134 1,669 964 3,805 10,572

-1.5% -19.4% -16.0% -6.1% -7.8%

Services consist of administration, educational, health care and social 100000 assistance, food andJ otherF miscellaneous services. M A M J J A S O 100000 J don’t F equal M total A because M Jsome Jcategories A not S listed. O N *Categories

30 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

126,820

133000

Services consist of administration, educational, health care and social assistance, food and other miscellaneous services. *Categories don’t equal total because some categories not listed.

March

- 2017 - 2018

Nine-county Mankato region

(in thousands)

8000 3500 3500 6000 2800 2800 4000 2100 2100

- 2017 - 2018

2,908 2,983

2000 1400 1400

700

700 0 J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

200000 150000 100000 50000 0

ago quarter. Company officials said that in addition to managing rising material costs, Polaris is trying to hedge against trade tariffs placed on steel and aluminum imports and is bracing for the uncertainty of a potential trade war with China. It also is facing higher U.S. fuel prices. Taken together, these factors will boost expenses by $15 million this year, they said. Potential tariffs against China could increase expenses by another $15 million.

■ Xcel expands drone use Xcel Energy is expanding the use of small drones to inspect power lines and other infrastructure, becoming the first utility in the nation to get Federal Aviation Administration approval to routinely fly drones beyond where a pilot can see the aircraft. FAA rules generally require a pilot or observer keep the aircraft in sight at all times for safety. The FAA waiver will allow Xcel to inspect miles of power lines in a single flight, according to Minnesota Public Radio. Xcel is also partnering with the FAA to develop operational and safety requirements for drone use by utilities. Licensed pilots will fly the small helicopters that weigh less than 55 pounds.

■ Gander Outdoors opens in 133000 Eden Prairie

100000 100000 J F

J M

M J

J A

J S

Local number of unemployed

4000 2100 1400 2000

A O

S N

O D

J F M A M M A M J J M A M J J

J A A

J S S

A S O N O N D O N D

100000 50000 J

0 0 J F JM

F M A M AJ FA M

M MJ

J JA

J JS

A AO

S N S

O D O

N N

D D

Mankato/North Mankato Metropolitan statistical area (includes all of Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties) 200000 150000

March

100000

0 F

J M

F M A A M J

M J

J A

2017

2018

3.4% 58,428 2,064

3.0% 60,958 1,889

J S

A O

S N

O D

Unemployment rates Counties, state, nation County/area

- 2017 - 2018

111,388 117,059

150000

D 0

Unemployment rate Number of non-farm jobs 50000 50000 Number of unemployed

200000

700

100000

2000 0 F F

1400

150000

4000

700 0 J 0 J

2100

200000

6,194 5,733

Minnesota number of unemployed

8000 6000

2800

- 2017 - 2018

Nine-county Mankato region 8000 3500 6000 2800

3500

Employment/Unemployment

F M A A M J

2800

Gander Outdoors, formerly Gander Mountain, reopened its Eden Prairie location in May. 2100 Nearly a year ago, the Eden Prairie store was included 1400 among 111000 other Minnesota locations that would close for good, including Blaine, Mankato, Rochester, Rogers and 700 St. Cloud. Nationwide, 160 locations closed after the 100000 Mountain bankruptcy in 2017, but more than 0 Gander J J F M A M J J A S O N D 70 are expected to be back in business by July, according to the Star Tribune. Currently, more than 40 Gander Outdoors locations have reopened, according to Ganderoutdoors.com. Eden Prairie joins other Minnesota Ganders that have reopened, including Hermantown 3500 8000 and Lakeville (opened in February), Forest Lake (March) 200000 2800 and Bemidji (early May). A Baxter, Minn. store is expected 6000 to open in 2018 by summer or fall. 150000 2100 Compared to Gander Mountain, Gander Outdoors stores 4000 have expanded the selection of fishing, hiking, 100000 1400 biking, and kayaking accessories and reduced sections 700 of 2000 archery, hunting gear and firearms. 50000 122000

■ Polaris has record sales Despite rising prices for fuel and raw materials, Polaris Industries beat expectations and posted record first-quarter sales for its off-road vehicles, thanks to new product introductions and efforts to build stronger relationships and training with dealers, according to the 133000 Star Tribune. 133000 The Medina-based maker of off-road four-wheelers, motorcycles, 122000 snowmobiles and electric vehicles said it 122000 recorded overall sales of $1.3 billion, up 12 percent from the same period a year ago. First-quarter net income111000 was $56 million, or 85 cents a share, compared 111000a loss of $3 million, or 5 cents a share, in the yearwith

3500

Blue Earth Brown Faribault Le Sueur Martin Nicollet Sibley Waseca Watonwan Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota U.S.

March 2017

March 2018

3.7% 5.5% 5.9% 7.1% 4.3% 3.1% 5.3% 5.3% 5.9% 4.1% 4.1% 4.6%

3.2% 5.1% 4.8% 6.6% 3.9% 2.7% 4.5% 5.8% 5.0% 3.2% 3.8% 4.1%

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development C. Sankey

Minnesota unemployment MN Valley initial Business • JUNE 2018 claims • 31

Sponsored by the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation

Even as markets shake, investors seek the riskiest corners

By Stan Choe | Associated Press

ven the shaky stock market hasn’t scared people away from investments that are supposed to be some of the world’s riskiest. In a surprising twist, investors have continued to pump money into funds that own Chinese technology giants, Thai energy companies and other stocks from developing countries. At the same time, investors have become more hesitant about U.S. stock funds, even though both have turned in losses since the market started struggling in February. The split is notable because emerging-market stock funds have historically had higher highs – and more painful lows – during troubled times. But the preference shows how much growth investors see for companies from the world’s fastest-growing economies, where middle classes are expanding. More importantly, a long list of big-name investors see emerging markets as offering something rare in the world: prices that aren’t too expensive. U.S. stocks in the S& P 500 are close to their highest level since the dot-com bubble when measuring their prices against average earnings per share from the prior 10 years, adjusted for inflation. This measure is called the cyclically adjusted price-earnings ratio, or CAPE, and it was at 32 at the start of the month. Over the last three decades, the average CAPE for the S& P 500 was just 25. It’s a result of how much better U.S. stocks have performed than the rest of the world since the bull market started in early 2009, and it’s all very reminiscent for Chris Brightman, chief investment officer at Research Affiliates, of a cycle he’s seen play out before. In the mid 1990s, emerging-market stocks were

32 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

trading at higher CAPE ratios than U.S. stocks, when investors were excited about the “tiger” economies in Asia following Japan’s lead. But the Asian financial crisis flushed away the optimism, and dollars diverted into U.S. technology stocks. U.S. stocks grew to have bigger CAPE ratios than emerging-market stocks, as the dot-com bubble inflated. After that bubble burst, dollars once again went back into emerging markets, lured by the promise of faster growth for economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China. But the 2008 global financial crisis and worries about slowing growth in China in ensuing years caused investors to leave, and they once again diverted to U.S. technology stocks. That’s why, two years ago, Brightman said emerging markets were possibly “the trade of the decade.” Today, he doesn’t feel any differently. “We’re still in the same conditions which prevailed in the late 1990s, with emergingmarket equities trading at half - half! - the CAPE that the U.S. market trades at,” he said. “Yes, they were even lower 18 months ago,” Brightman said. “But so? There’s no rush that you need to think this trade is over.” Investors had a yearslong period in the late 1990s, where investing in an emerging-market stock index fund would have resulted in compounded annual returns of more than 10 percent over a decade, he said. One wild card for investors is the threat of a global trade war, as the United States and China threaten to raise barriers to commerce. Big companies around the world, including in the United States, depend on foreign sales for major chunks of their revenue. But investors see emerging-market companies as being more vulnerable to the damage of a trade war. MV

Sponsored by the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation

Funds that smooth out the investment ride By Associated Press

hile the stock market was busy heaving up and down in recent months, some funds were offering a steadier, slightly less-nauseating

ride. “Low-volatility” funds cater to skittish investors who have less tolerance for turbulent markets. These funds generally restrict themselves to stocks with the mildest swings historically, and several have lived up to expectations by dropping less than broad index funds since the market turned choppy in early February. “They have delivered what you would expect them to provide,” said Alex Bryan, director of passive strategies at Morningstar. “These are most appropriate for more risk-averse investors” who might be tempted to sell during a down market — a no-no for long-term investing. No investment is perfect, of course. Low-volatility funds lagged S& P 500 index funds in 2017, when big swings were rare and the market rode a powerful surge higher. Another risk lies in the areas of the market that low-volatility funds tend to favor. Many have loaded up on the kinds of stocks that may be hurt most if interest rates keep rising, as many on Wall Street expect. For now, though, investors can appreciate the slightly smoother ride. Since S& P 500 index funds set a record high on Jan. 26, they’ve lost about 8 percent due to a combination of fears about a possible trade war and a more aggressive Federal Reserve. Over the same time, though, the iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF is down a more modest 6.1 percent. The PowerShares S& P 500 Low Volatility Portfolio ETF, another one of the largest funds in the category by assets, is down only 5.3 percent. In general, experts say, investors in low-volatility funds can expect more muted losses in down markets but also more modest gains during up markets,

leading to roughly comparable returns over the long term. Low-volatility funds take different approaches, but they generally focus on stocks that have a record of milder swings than the rest of the market. But this can result in concentrations in certain swaths of the market such as utilities and consumer staples. Utilities and stocks in the consumer staples sector generally are less volatile and also tend to pay higher dividends than the By Stan Choe rest of the market. Those stocks have been particularly attractive in recent years, when interest rates were close to record lows and bonds were paying scant amounts of interest. But interest rates have been on the rise. The Federal Reserve is gradually raising short-term interest rates and paring back its bond investments. A 10-year Treasury note has a yield of nearly 2.80 percent, up from 2.36 percent a year ago. Higher rates make bonds more attractive and undercut demand for utilities and high-dividend stocks. That’s part of the reason low-volatility funds have had days during the recent volatility where they’ve fallen more than the rest of the market. On Feb. 21, for example, when bond yields jumped following the release of minutes from a Fed meeting, the PowerShares S& P 500 Low Volatility Portfolio ETF lost 0.8 percent. S& P 500 index funds lost 0.5 percent the same day. Regardless of any underperformance low-volatility funds may have in the short term, investors need to be willing to hold onto them for years, said Morningstar’s Bryan. “We think these are good ideas for long-term investment,” he said. “But if you get frustrated easily by underperforming the market, these aren’t for you because they’re going to go through multi-year dry spells.” MV

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 33

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW LOGOS? Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) and the Greater Mankato Growth business unit unveiled new logos in March 2018. Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. hasn’t had any visual identification in the past, so this is a new visual word mark. Greater Mankato Growth’s logo has been refreshed with a vibrant new look and feel. Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) is comprised of four business units: • Greater Mankato Growth — the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization • Visit Mankato — the local convention and visitor’s bureau • City Center Partnership — a downtown development organization • GreenSeam — which utilizes agriculture to build on the region’s extensive agribusiness assets to develop the ag economy We wanted each of our four business units to have a distinctive look and identification, so we could eliminate any confusion between the corporation and an individual business unit.

Moving forward the corporate entity will be referred to as Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG). In turn, the business unit will be referred to as Greater Mankato Growth, not GMG. 34 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

WHY JOIN Register @

GREATER MANKATO Providing interactive GROWTH? opportunities to engage EXPOSURE greatermankato.com/golf with talented business & Build your Brand; grow your business. Stand out and get noticed!

18-Hole Golf Tournament • Rain or

NETWORKING TW WORKING ORKING

It’s not just st WHO WHO you ou know, it’s who knows k Shine YOU. Networking IS Powerful.

JULY 9, 2018 LEARNING Gain access cces to Member Exclusive Content to help grow your business.

TALENT RETENTION

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

Keep your employees engaged and retained with access to our member only events and programs.

community leaders.

Presented by:

BE IN THE KNOW Receive our member only emails making you the first to know the latest news.

REFERRALS We only refer member businesses. Word of mouth and direct referrals come from being a valued member of GMG.

Starting June 7 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

SHAPE YOUR CREDIBILITY Civic Center Plaza, Mankato Raise your reputation by COMMUNITY belonging. Research shows

Your investment helps us continue to build the best environment for your business and its employees.

Greater Mankato Growth is proud to announce the 15th Annual Songs on the Lawn featuring music, entertainment and local food. June 7

ADMISSION IS FREE

that businesses who belong to a chamber of commerce are more successful. PRESENTED BY:

Jeremy Poland Band (Rock/Pop/Country)

June 14

Kind Country (Blue Grass)

June 21

The Porchlights (Art Folk)

June 28

Murphy Brothers (Classic Rock & Blues Rock)

2018 SPONSORS:

greatermankato.com/join April 2018

Members of Radio Mankato

Special thanks to: City of Mankato, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, KTV and Mankato Family YMCA

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 35 greatermankato.com/join

GROUND BREAKING

NEW BUSINESS

GROUND BREAKING

NEW BUSINESS

Awaken Reiki & Soul Healing 523 South 2nd Street, Suite 201, Mankato Awaken Reiki & Soul Healing 523 South 2nd Street, Suite 201, Mankato

1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza 1351 Madison Avenue, Suite 1, Mankato 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza 1351 Madison Avenue, Suite 1, Mankato

EXPANSION

GROUND BREAKING

EXPANSION

GROUND BREAKING

Body Concepts 1615 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato Body Concepts 1615 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Mankato Clinic 1230 East Main Street, Mankato Mankato Clinic 1230 East Main Street, Mankato

RIBBON CUTTING

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic 1025 Marsh Street, Mankato Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic 1025 Marsh Street, Mankato

Rasmussen College 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 510, Mankato Rasmussen College 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 510, Mankato

North Links Golf Course and Banquet Facility 41553 520th Street, North Mankato North Links Golf Course and Banquet Facility 41553 520th Street, North Mankato

GROWTH GROWTH in Greater in Greater Mankato Mankato

Deva Nation 4236 Heritage View, Madison Lake Deva Nation 4236 Heritage View, Madison Lake

Vitality Chiropractic & Acupuncture 1051 Madison Avenue, Suite 2, Mankato Vitality Chiropractic & Acupuncture 1051 Madison Avenue, Suite 2, Mankato

NEWEST Greater Mankato NEWEST Growth Greater Members Mankato Growth Members

Mosquito Squad Mankato - SW MN 120 Wilderness Way, Good Thunder Mosquito Squad Mankato - SW MN 120 Wilderness Way, Good Thunder

Sleep Number 1861 Adams Street, Suite 100, Mankato Sleep Number 1861 Adams Street, Suite 100, Mankato

36 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

5:00 - 7:00 pm

WHY JOIN

June 5 July 10 August 7 September 4 October 2 November 6 December 4

Farrish Johnson Law Office Presidio Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz Law Firm Stifel EXPOSURE Sesquicentennial Event in collaboration Build your Brand; with the Mankato Brewery and Radio grow your business. Mankato at the brewery Stand out and get Children’s Museum of noticed! Southern Minnesota J. Longs for Men

September 19 Minneopa Golf Club October 17 MRCI NETWORKING TW WORKING ORKING November 14 Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union December 19 you It’s not just st WHO WHO ou Nesbit Agency know, it’s who knows k YOU. Networking IS Powerful.

Receive our member only emails making you the first to know the latest news.

MEMBER April Business Before Hours hosted by Mayo Clinic Health System EXCLUSIVE REFERRALS BENEFITS We only refer member

April Business After Hours hosted by Gislason & Hunter LLP

TALENT RETENTION

GREATER MANKATO June 20 Cambria Gallery - River Hills Mall July 18 iSpace Environments GROWTH? August 15 LIV Aveda Salon & Spa

BE IN THE KNOW

2018 Business After LEARNING Hours Sponsored by:

Gain access cces to Member Exclusive Content to help grow your business.

7:30 - 9:00 am

Keep your employees engaged and retained with access to our member only events and programs.

businesses. Word of mouth and direct referrals come from being a valued member of GMG.

SHAPE YOUR CREDIBILITY Raise your reputation by COMMUNITY belonging. Research shows

Your investment helps us continue to build the best environment for your business and its employees.

May Business After Hours hosted by Connect Real Estate Group

that businesses who belong to a chamber of commerce are more successful.

May Business Before Hours hosted by Mankato Golf Club

greatermankato.com/join April 2018

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 37

Business After and Business Before Hours gives representatives from Greater Mankato Growth member greatermankato.com/join businesses at the Engaged Level or higher an opportunity to get together with one another to exchange ideas and learn about each other’s businesses. For more information on these

Adventure, Arts & Culture in

CITYCENTERMANKATO By Katie Adelman, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

ity Center Mankato has blocks upon blocks of entertainment to enjoy, especially in summer. Whether your business assists seasonal travelers in finding things to do or you and your family need a stay-cation, Greater Mankato provides the perfect summer retreat. Here are some of the top activities and events visitors and locals alike will appreciate.

TASTES & TUNES

When you hear “outdoor music,” think Vetter Stone Amphitheater. No matter if you come for the summer concert series or take in the abundance of delicious eats at Ribfest in August, the acclaimed venue (voted the Star Tribune’s No. 4 Best Outdoor Venue in Minnesota) will ramp up your experience this year. “This summer, Vetter Stone Amphitheater will have new concrete risers with steps and lighted handrails, making it easier for people with disabilities to access and providing increased seating capacity,” said Eric Jones, the Verizon Center’s marketing manager. “The seating’s stone has been re-purposed as a feature wall along the river, creating a dramatic visual element. All these new amenities combine to enhance the concert experience for patrons.” What “hot new thing” in Mankato combines art, entertainment and food? It’s The Hub Food Park located in Old Town Mankato. It’s a green space for enjoying the weather, scrumptious grub from local food trucks and live music. On the Fourth of July, The Hub Food Park will host a celebration like no other, including multiple trucks and a great view of the Red, Hot, Boom fireworks. Just down the way, Music in the Plaza makes its return to Front Street Plaza. The summer series provides free live music in a family-friendly environment each Saturday through the end of August. Kick back to blue grass or kick up your heels with classic rock at the 15th annual Songs on the Lawn every Thursday in June in the Civic Center Plaza. And don’t forget Alive After 5 for your after-hours entertainment. Music and an artisan & craft pop-up market will grace the Civic Center Plaza lawn every Thursday evening in August. If a full-on music festival is what you seek, try out Blues on Belgrade in lower North Mankato on July 28 or Mankato Solstice on June 22-23, complete with live bands, food trucks, Paddle Jam and kids talent competition.

BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT

Summer becoming too much of a scorcher? Head indoors to a cool local museum or gallery; there are plenty in City Center Mankato. Now open Fridays and Saturdays for the summer season, the R.D. Hubbard

38 • JUNE 2018 • MN Valley Business

House offers two unique Gaslight Series, complete with costumed characters; one traces today’s superstitions to the Victorian era, while the other illustrates life during the Spanish influenza outbreak. The newest temporary exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is sure to get your kids fired up. Through August, children can pretend to be an engineer, technician or production worker to get hands-on experience in a simulated manufacturing environment, all while in the chill comfort of the Museum. Stop in to any of the local art galleries like the 410 Project on Front Street, the Emy Frentz Art Guild at Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, or the Carnegie Art Center to view incredible works in summer-long exhibitions. Tour a historic neighborhood of Mankato while on the Lincoln Park Tour of Homes, which features the well-known Betsy-Tacy homes of author Maud Hart Lovelace and her best friend, Frances Kenney. Retreat to a movie theater or an ‘escape room’, both of which can be found in the City Center. Ciné Grand theater offers affordable movies with comfortable viewing. No matter the weather, it’s always a cool experience in an ‘escape room’. Enter Kato Escape or Old Town Escape and use your observational and critical-thinking skills to explore and solve the puzzles so you can escape.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

On milder summer days, Mankato can be counted on as being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Get out on the river system for a day of kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding. Let Bent River Outfitter be your guide for a leisurely float or a thrilling paddling experience. Many of Mankato’s bike trails run through the City Center (and for many miles beyond). Start your venture by renting your ride at Nicollet Bike Shop or by checking out the routes on your own two wheels. Venture through the walkable CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour of 25+ sculptures in a variety of mediums. See and enjoy art out in the open on nice summer days. Sibley Park, recognized as having one of the coolest playgrounds in the state, is the perfect spot for a picnic or stroll through the gardens. With the warm weather comes the addition of animals in the park’s petting zoo to fit in with the farm-themed playground. For more details on these great City Center attractions and events, go to visitmankatomn.com. For a comprehensive list of events in Greater Mankato, be sure to check greatermankatoevents.com.

WHY JOIN EXPOSURE

Build your Brand; grow your business. Stand out and get noticed!

GREATER MANKATO GROWTH? Bob’s Passion by John Hughes

NETWORKING TW WORKING ORKING It’s not just st WHO WHO you ou know, it’s who knows k YOU. Networking IS Powerful.

BE IN THE KNOW

LEARNING

Gain access cces to Member Exclusive Content to help grow your business.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

Receive our member only emails making you the first to know the latest news. Rising Rainbow by David Turner

New Life by the Janesville, Waldorf, Pemberton (JWP) High School Advanced Metal Sculpture Class

TALENT RETENTION

REFERRALS We only refer member businesses. Word of mouth and direct referrals come from being a valued member of GMG.

Keep your employees engaged and retained with access to our member only events and programs.

SHAPE YOUR CREDIBILITY Raise your reputation by COMMUNITY belonging. Research shows

Your investment helps us continue to build the best Echo by Osamede environment forObazee your business and its employees.

that businesses who belong to a chamber of commerce Big Shoes to Fill by Susan J. Geissler are more successful.

2018 New Sculptures

n May 12, the 2018 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour was installed in the City Center. This year’s exhibit features 27 sculptures of various styles, subjects and materials. Everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite for the People’s Choice Award at cityartmankato.com. The winning sculpture will be purchased by CityArt and added

to the permanent collection. CityArt is a joint initiative of the City Center Partnership and Twin Rivers Council for the Arts to bring free and accessible public art to the City Center. In eight years, the program has displayed more than $2 million in rotating public art and added 18 pieces to the community’s permanent collection.

greatermankato.com/join April 2018

Goyahkla (Geronimo) by Dawn Hessel Record

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 39 greatermankato.com/join

» C OME JU DGE

for Yourself.

GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL offers three magnificent 18-hole championship golf courses. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 41

ANCHOR BANK IS NOW OLD NATIONAL BANK.

NEW NAME. SAME GREAT PEOPLE. MORE TO OFFER.

We’re focused on your community, your opportunity. For nearly 185 years, Old National has kept our clients and our communities at the heart of every decision we make. We want to exceed your expectations—every time. That means combining all the great service of a neighborhood bank with all the products and technology of a national one. Old National can help your business succeed. A strong and well-capitalized bank, Old National provides your business with more possibilities. We focus on each organization’s unique needs—whether that’s flexible and innovative credit, simplifying processes or managing growth. You can count on our business banking, lending, treasury management and merchant services teams to understand your goals and help you formulate plans to achieve them. And as a World’s Most Ethical Company, Old National will always let your interests lead the way. You’ll find the same great bankers in the same convenient locations, and just like Anchor Bank, we’re ready to equip you with the financial tools you need to reach your goals. Visit oldnational.com to learn more.

Visit us at 101 N 2nd St, Mankato 507.625.8721 | oldnational.com

MN Valley Business • JUNE 2018 • 42 Member FDIC