Area festivals bring in dollars from outside the region I Le Center firm cashing in on innovative idea
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Commerce along the I-35 Corridor
Mr. Project When Gene Miller renovated the Miller-Armstrong Building, he forever put his stamp on Waseca. Pedal power: Northfield bookstore owner finds global success in bikes.
35C Business Magazine • P.O. Box 537 • Northfield, MN 55057
35Caricature: Claremont balloonist riding high with his newest hobby.
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Success in business
35Contents The business of fests
s
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Regional community festivals are helping to bring in new dollars from outside the area.
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Books, bikes, business Jerry Bilek’s love of books and biking has helped “Monkey See, Monkey Read” go global.
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Cover story Waseca’s Gene Miller has made a name for himself restoring old buildings and old Oldsmobiles.
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A real green business
38
Taking flight
Le Center professor of art Stanley Shetka has taken his “shetkaSTONE” idea to new heights.
35Caricature: Claremont pilot has turned love of hot air balloons into a successful business.
Departments 4 18 19 26 27 33 34-35 36-37
35Commentary 35Confab 35Construction 35Commendation 35Catalyst 35Culinary 35Chamber 35Charitable Faribault Airfest photo provided by Dick Schultz
Cover Photo
About Us
Waseca’s Gene Miller has a knack for taking old things — buildings and cars — and making them new again. The Miller-Armstrong Building is an example.
Volume 2, Issue 1 Copyright © 35C 2009 Published Aug./Sept. 2009 by: I-35 Target Media, P.O. Box 537, Northfield, MN 55057 / 507-645-1136 Send releases and story ideas to: Jerry Smith at 35C Business Magazine, jsmith@I35targetmedia.com
(Photo by Thom Caya)
Publisher: Sam Gett Sales Director: Julie Frazier Associate Editor: Jerry Smith Account Executive: Machelle Kendrick Graphic Designers: Kate TownsendNoet, Alex Calderon Contributing writers: Azna A. Amira, Erika Greiner, Rick Peterson.
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35Commentary Buying American made cars and trucks matters W
hen my life in the car business started in 1991, the “Detroit Three” owned 70.5 percent of the U.S. auto industry. At the end of 2008, Americans only purchased 47.5 percent of their vehicles from the Detroit Three. Why, you ask, would any red-blooded American stray from Fords, Chevys and Dodges? Quality, selection, reliability and fuel economy, those are the answers. Those were, and I stress “were,” justifiable reasons to abandon American cars (our trucks have always ruled the roost). With the downturn in the automotive industry, I feel it necessary to remind folks of the long-term ramifications of some of our purchasing decisions. In November 2008, Waseca lost Countryside Motors, our local Chevy dealer. Other local dealers will be losing Pontiac and Cadillac franchises. The manufacturers are not free of blame; they refused to change with the industry and develop hot new cars and fuel-efficient vehicles for their customers. But we, as American consumers, also shoulder some of the blame. We abandoned our small-town domestic dealers and ran to the imports, changing the landscape of our economy fractions at a time. Small-town America needs the help of the American people and the latest news from JD Power & Associates is a good reason to buy American.
Guest Columnist Rick Peterson In the latest JD Power & Associates survey released on July 17, it appears that times have changed. As our manufacturers have adapted to today’s marketplace (however slowly it may have been), we have seen an increase in quality from the Detroit Three. Overall satisfaction with performance features and layout of vehicles is down to a mere 0.5 percent difference for 2009. In fact, excluding premium brands (Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac, etc.) domestics have a slight edge over their foreign rivals. Here are some other facts that you may find interesting: • American Auto Makers employ approximately 1.5 million people and their families in the U.S., while Toyota employs only 38,000. • Import dealers would like you to believe they make cars and trucks in the U.S. This is not true. They assemble cars from parts made mostly in Japan, Korea and other foreign countries. There is a big dif-
ference between assembling vehicles and making them. Conversely, 80 percent of all American vehicle parts used to build these imports come from the U.S. Examples of U.S. content: Kia 4 percent, BMW 11 percent, Hyundai 3 percent, and Lexus 2 percent. • In 2006, JD Power & Associates ranked every GM Division above the industry average, while Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Scion, Mazda and Nissan all ranked below the industry average in sales satisfaction. • The JD Power 2006 “Vehicle Dependability Survey” rated American built models in the top four spots, beating Toyota, Honda, Nissan and BMW, in having the least number of problems per 100 vehicles. • Who has the safest vehicles on the road? The answer is simple: American auto makers. So, why should you buy an American car? Aside from superior quality, equal or better fuel economy and dependability, you will keep more jobs in America and lower the nation’s trade deficit. Buy cars made in the U.S. and keep America strong. — Rick Peterson is co-owner of Waseca Chrysler Center. He can be reached at 507835-1940.
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s l a v i t Fes
The business of
By JERRY SMITH Photos by THOM CAYA
T
he organizers of the annual Faribault Area Airfest Air Show & Balloon Rally knew it was asking a lot of folks in the region to come back year after year to see a different version of the same thing: the launching of hot air balloons. While spectacular in its own right, watching the
6 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009 35C
From Airfest to Culturfest, the region’s festivals are bringing revenue to their respective communities launch of these large, colorful balloons really didn’t change a whole lot from year to year and attendance began to level off. Even after organizers added an air show element to the annual balloon rally a few years ago, the jump in attendance and the influx
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of people didn’t quite meet expectations. That’s when the decision was made to bring in Dick Schultz, a commercial airline pilot who flies stunt planes and has connections in air show circles, to inject some excitement into the programming and to cast a net for more
fest-goers farther outside the region and into the southern metro area. “Airfest wasn’t growing, so I was asked to come in to bring in sponsorship and business participation, and also to help with the programming,” said Schultz, who is helping to organize his third Airfest this year as its board chairman and director of air show operations. >>>
25th Annual Faribault Area Airfest Air Show and Balloon Rally
Faribault’s Airfest is billed as a family festival, where adults and children can watch balloon launches and aerobatic performances.
>>> “We used to just target Faribault, but we’ve felt the need to expand. It has progressed beyond this city and has become a regional event with attractions that draw people from farther and farther away.” Schultz is proud to say attendance for the event has tripled since he’s come aboard, with nearly 5,000 people in attendance last year, despite the cancellation of the air show due to weather. “As a group, we’ve been successful in bringing in more activities and more community interest,” Schultz said. “Balloons are the icon of the festival, but the air show and ground displays have attracted a greater number of people. Last year, even though the air show didn’t happen, we still had a big turnout.” Faribault Mayor John Jasinski, this year’s sponsorship coordinator and a member of the Airfest board for five years, sees the event from two different vantage points. As a board member, he’s thrilled attendance has increased three-fold and more people from outside the region are making the trip to Faribault. As mayor of Faribault, he sees how
festivals like Airfest and the Tree Frog Music Festival, which happens in Faribault the same weekend as Airfest (Sept. 18-19), brings more revenue to his town. “It really helps Faribault in terms of patronage,” Jasinski said. “It brings people to town. We’ll usually fill all of the hotels and the restaurants see increased business.” The assistant manager for the AmericInn Lodge and Suites in Faribault agreed. She said filling up the hotel is not a problem during Airfest and other city celebrations. “Our occupancy goes up and we fill out very quickly during the weekend of Airfest,” she said. “We look forward to all of the festivals because we are usually full. We have a lot of people come in from out of town and even out of state and we are very busy.” Todd Ginter, director of tourism for the city of Faribault, agrees that Airfest and Tree Frog bring people to town to spend money in restaurants, shop in downtown businesses and stay in the city’s hotels. But he also sees another plus. “The way it impacts Faribault is to give this city a reputation for >>>
“Balloons are the icon of the festival, but the air show and ground displays have attracted a greater number of people.” — Dick Schultz, director of air show operations for Fairbault Airfest
What: A family oriented festival highlighting the color and beauty of hot air balloons, plus the vibrancy and excitement of an air show, that this year will feature aerobatic air racing for the first time. Featured aircraft and events include hot air balloon launches, aerobatic air show performances, Military Appreciation Day, live music and entertainment, military fly-bys and warbird displays, stunt kite performances, remote control aircraft performances and a variety of children’s activities. When: Sept. 18-19 Where: Faribault Municipal Airport Cost: $7 for weekend pass (free parking) Information: Visit www.faribaultairfest.com
The Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration — Northfield What: The Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration, which is held annually the weekend after Labor Day, had its beginnings when a group of Northfielders came together in 1948 to honor the heroism of Northfield’s townspeople for risking their lives to defend their city. Since its conception, the event has become one of the largest celebrations in Minnesota. Featured DJJD events include bank raid re-enactments, the DJJD Rodeo, 5K and 15K runs, the Jesse James Bike Tour, an antique tractor pull, a car show, arts and craft shows, a midway carnival and live entertainment. When: Sept. 9-13 Where: Downtown Northfield Cost: There are free events and events that require a DJJD button, which costs $4. The midway carnival is extra. Information: www.djjd.org
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Culturfest 2009 Multicultural Outdoor Festival — Owatonna What: The fourth Saturday in September each year, Culturfest unites music and dance talents, ethnic foods, authentic merchandise and adult and children’s activities to enrich its visitors with a multicultural experience. When: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 26 Where: Wilson Elementary School, Owatonna Cost: Free Information: www.culturfest.org
Faribault’s Airfest and Balloon Rally draws people from all around the region. One of the highlights is the evening “Night Glow,” where balloonists fire up their propane burners to inflate the envelope.
>>> putting on unique festivals,” said Ginter, who wouldn’t speculate on how much money the event brings to the city each year. “People relate these festivals to our area and that is the best form of advertising. “We’re really trying to take that message to the southern metro because we know it’s not a long drive for those folks. We’re trying to bring in as many people
from as many places as possible because the more people who come here, the more dollars that are generated for local businesses.” While Ginter says his office has never really estimated the actual amount each festival brings to the city in terms of dollars, he is confident many of the businesses, especially hotels, see a rise in revenue. “We could do like other cities and estimate what we
think each person is spending and then multiply that by the number of people in attendance, but that really does us no good,” he said. “We are confident that the city is impacted in terms of revenue with each of the four larger festivals (Airfest, Tree Frog, Faribault Heritage Days and the Rice County Fair).” For Ross Anvary, owner of the Depot Bar & Grill in Faribault, there hasn’t >>>
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What: Enjoy two full days of great music, beautiful art, delicious food and fun at this annual Faribault festival. The 2009 Tree Frog Music Festival will bring a wide variety of quality musicians to the big stage in Teepee Tonka Park from well-known performers to newcomers, rising stars and local talent. When: Sept. 19-20 Where: Teepee Tonka Park, Faribault Cost: $12 advance sale button ($15 at the gate) is good for the whole weekend Information: www.treefrogmusic.org
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>>> been any significant increase in business during the city’s festivals, but he welcomes the opportunity. “Anytime a festival brings people to the area, it’s a welcome opportunity,” Anvary said. “There are no guarantees that more people will come to the restaurant, but we can certainly hope for that.” Bigger and better Schultz and Jasinski believe that impact will be even more at this year’s Airfest, in its 25th year, because of the introduction of Minnesota’s first aerobatic race, called “The Blue Sky Challenge Cup.” Both believe attendance will increase because of the race. In that event, world-class aerobatic pilots will compete in front of event spectators by performing a sequence of precision aerobatic maneuvers while being timed. The first pilot to successfully complete these dynamic maneu-
vers wins the race. “We’re hoping to attract a lot of people from the Twin Cities to witness aerobatics for the first time in Minnesota,” said Schultz, who is hoping for between 5,000-10,000 people for the weekend event. “Balloons are Airfest’s image, but we have to bring in things that are new and exciting to supplement that image and to remain successful. I think The Blue Sky Challenge Cup will do just that.” Different town, same goal Creating excitement and attracting more people isn’t a new concept for the organizers of the various festivals taking place along the I-35 corridor. Along with Airfest, festivals like the Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield and Culturfest in Owatonna struggle with the same thing year in and year out: keeping the festival fresh and attracting new fest-goers. Add a slow economy to the >>>
The bank raid re-enactment at the Defeat of Jesse James Days is one of the highlights of the Northfield festival.
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Children are a big part of the Defeat of Jesse James Days events, including the DJJD Rodeo.
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>>> mix and organizers will tell you the margin for success is smaller and smaller. “We’ve been very successful through the years, despite some bumps in the road,� said Joanne Sommers, who has served on numerous committees in her 25 years with the DJJD event. “When I look back, I see a lot of growth. But in times like these, we’ll have to cut expenses to maintain that success and growth.� Sommers says DJJD consistently draws about 100,000 people to the fourday festival that celebrates the courage of the men who thwarted the robbery attempt of the First National Bank of Northfield by Jesse James, Cole Younger and six members of their gang.
Facing fewer donations and higher costs, and depending on consumers who don’t have as much disposable income as in years past, Sommers and other committee members are holding their collective breaths to see how successful this year’s event, held Sept. 913, will be. “You know, this event started in 1948, so it’s not going to go away,� said Sommers, a former manager of a downtown Northfield clothing store who sometimes saw revenue for the three days of the festival equal a normal two-week period. “But you have to worry in times like these because our goal here is to present a historically accurate re-enactment, >>>
Images from our regional
Festivals
TOP: Faribault Area Airfest Air Show & Balloon Rally board chairman Dick Schultz gets a plug in for the festival on a local radio station. RIGHT: Many hours go into rebuilding and maintaining the engines on the vintage airplanes at Airfest.
>>> provide family entertainment and help generate revenue for the businesses in town. That gets increasingly tougher in times like these.” Sommers says each year the city has presented itself so well that people come back in October to see what else is here, which she says stimulates the Northfield economy even more. “This is such a wonderful and exciting event and the volunteers do such an outstanding job,” she said. “I believe a community needs a celebration and Northfield is blessed to have such a wonderful event.” Lucy Sweitzer, the owner of Anna’s Closet in downtown Northfield, looks forward to DJJD each year because of increased sales. “Saturday of Jesse James Days is bar none one of my busiest days of the year,” Sweitzer said. “Thursday and Friday sales are marginal, but that Saturday is phenomenal for my business.” Small but mighty While Culturfest doesn’t get the notoriety like Airfest, Tree Frog and DJJD, this Owatonna festival has been bringing people of different cultures together for 11 years
now. Nearly 3,000 people experienced the richness of cultural diversity through music, ethnic foods, arts, crafts, and children’s activities at last year’s multicultural outdoor festival. Performers from around the region will once again gather this year to share their music and dance in celebration of their heritage. Also a part of the festival will be the various food vendors and many children’s activities offered throughout the day. This year’s event — scheduled for Sept. 26 at Wilson Elementary School — will once again offer people a way to experience a culture they wouldn’t have had they not attended the event. “Culturfest doesn’t generate a lot of revenue for the city of Owatonna, but what it does is build a sense of deeper awareness of neighborhood, which is priceless,” said Culturfest chair Sue Schroeder. “We’re proud to be able to bring people together and create unity in this community. “This festival gives people who wouldn’t normally be sitting together at the same picnic table a chance to do so.” r
BELOW: Children watch a dance performance at last year’s Culturfest in Owatonna.
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Mon
key business
Northfield bookstore owner finds niche selling bikes
By AZNA A. AMIRA Photos by THOM CAYA
F
earful that booksellers in Northfield were on the verge of extinction (the other two independent bookstores in town — River City and Bookfellows — had just closed), the worried bibliophile marched into “Monkey See, Monkey Read” and clutched owner Jerry Bilek’s arm and said: “I just wanted to make sure you’re still here. What’s the prognosis?” “I am, and the prognosis is good,” replied Bilek with an impish smile, full of the confidence that has enabled him to find — and keep — a foothold in the wild and woolly world of bookselling. What accounts for such optimism at a time when independent booksellers are disappearing daily, and when even the two behemoths of the business — Border’s and Barnes & Noble — are struggling for survival in the shadow of Amazon. com? It’s Bilek’s blend of his own passionate interests and prescient business sense, nicely meshed with those of his local customer base. Uber-literate Northfielders take seriously founder John North’s motto of “vision, values and vitality,” priding themselves on being aware and effective global and local citizens. Bilek has grafted onto Northfield’s three Vs his own
Monkey See, Monkey Read owner Jerry Bilek holds one of the Kona bicycles he sells from his store in downtown Northfield. For every two sold here, one is sent to Africa at no cost.
three Bs: business, books and bicycles. Bicycles in a bookstore? Yep. Monkey See, Monkey Read is the only bookstore in the nation that sells bicycles, according to Bilek. These Kona Africabikes are more than your ordinary bicycle. Monkey See, Monkey Ride Last year, an article in Bicycle Magazine announced that it was partnering with Bristol Meyer Squibb Pharmaceuticals to create the “BikeTown Africa” program with Kona bicycles, a sturdy
bicycle designed for HIV health care workers in Africa to negotiate the tough terrain between them and their critically ill patients. The Kona bikes are also just the thing for folks in Northfield and the region seeking a way to save on gas for trips around town, to work, to the grocery store, or to the coffee shop. The bonus is that for every two bikes sold here, one is sent to Africa at no cost to recipients. “I took the idea from Three Cups of Tea,” Bilek said, re-
ferring to the popular book by Greg Mortenson detailing the author’s harrowing struggle to establish schools for villagers in Afghanistan. “It showed what one person could do to change the world.” Bilek wondered what he could do without leaving Northfield or taking on the Taliban. He found the answer in a Bicycling Magazine article. An inveterate cyclist who owns four bikes (including a Kona) for commuting, recreation and racing, Bilek got excited. >>>
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>>> “So I contacted Kona,” he said. “I thought they’d say no, but we worked it out. This bike is perfect for life in our town, and my customers can do good globally while shopping locally.” Bilek purchased three bicycles last July, put them on display outside his store where patrons could test ride them and promptly sold out. He reordered, and by the end of August had sold seven bikes. In 2008, a total of 1,000 bicycles were shipped; though the price of the bikes has increased slightly, the program hopes to expand this year and send 3,000 bikes not just to Botswana where it began, but to South Africa, Tanzania, Mali, Swaziland and Mozambique, as well. But betting on bikes is only one piece of the plan that enables Bilek to think outside the bookselling big box. It’s been building
since Bilek’s undergraduate days at the University of Wisconsin, where he fell in love with bikes (the best way to see scenic Madison), books (cruising the city’s plentiful shops featuring used and hard-to-find books turned him into a collector) and business (it was the late 1980s, just before the booming business culture and the burgeoning Internet converged). Bilek envisioned an online future for books. After graduation, Bilek was energized but unsure how to parlay his newly minted double major in teaching and library sciences into an entrepreneurial venture until he met two other recent grads with a plan, and they lured him to Northfield. “This was that period when coffeehouses were exploding everywhere, but before Starbucks had spread outside Oregon,” Bilek said. >>>
Monkey See, Read and Ride
M
onkey See-Monkey Read is in its second year of selling bicycles for a great cause. The Kona Africabike is a sturdy, utilitarian riding machine with chain guards, fenders, a rear rack, thorn proof tubes and self-locking device on the rear wheel. It also includes a front basket large enough for a laptop computer or a load of groceries. It is now available in two styles: • The Kona 2.0 is a single speed, with coaster brakes. (Price: $375) • The new Kona 3.0 has a threespeed gearshift. (Price: $450) Monkey See-Monkey Read owner Jerry Bilek, himself an avid bicycle commuter, off-road sportsman and racer, bought a Kona Africabike for himself because he believed it to be perfect for Northfield’s relatively flat topography, and its rugged construction and lack of intricate gear-shift mechanisms
is a plus for off-road riding in the town’s semi-rural setting. “So not only are the bikes a great value here, but selling them in my bookstore allows me to do something rare: offer my customers the chance to shop locally while simultaneously doing good globally,” Bilek said. Customers can test-drive the bikes for free, all year round, at Monkey See-Monkey Read. — Azna A. Amira
Monkey See-Monkey Read What: New and used bookstore in Northfield Owner: Jerry Bilek Sales associates: Tom Swift and Alvin Handelman Where: 425 Division Street Web site: www.monkeyread.com E-mail: info@monkeyread.com Blog: monkeyread.wordpress.com Phone: 507-645-6700
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Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See, Monkey Read bookstore in Northfield, searches for a book online for a customer.
>>> Bilek had been reading Celebrating the Third Place in which author Ray Oldenburg stressed the importance of three key places in everyone’s life: home, work and where you congregate to meet people and relax. In Northfield, “the Ideal CafĂŠ had closed down, so even though there was a coffeehouse culture — with the two colleges and all — there was no ‘third place.’ So we created a place, and it just took off,â€? Bilek said. The three friends pooled their financial resources and opened “Goodbye, Blue Monday Coffeehouseâ€? in 1991. An instant hit, Blue Monday became everybody’s “third placeâ€? in Northfield. Back to Basics “But even though it was doing well, we knew Blue Monday could never afford to support three full-time incomes,â€? Bilek said. So he sold his interest in the place to focus on his second B, which was books. Bilek moved to Minneapolis and took a job at Borders, where he spent the next seven years learn-
ing the ropes, keeping in mind the goals he set as a student. “I knew I had a vision for my own business,� he said. “Every sous chef wants to be chef.� He spent another seven years honing his skills at the St. Olaf College bookstore, consolidating his experience and looking for a chance to break out on his own. A book Bilek read called Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie Store and Beat Back the Chains by Andrew Laties, turned out to be helpful for Bilek: by the time the faltering “As Time Goes By� used bookstore was put up for sale, Bilek was ready to make the move that now positions him as a David among the Goliaths. He bought the store — his current location — and proceeded to compete with Amazon.com at its own game.
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>>> “Amazon.com spends $80 million a year to convince you only they can get you any book on the planet,” Bilek said, “but I can do that and give you a 10 percent discount. You can also sell books back to me for cash or trade.” About 30 percent of Bilek’s business is online; he orders books for Northfield’s myriad book clubs, texts for the two colleges and the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium, and hunts hardto-find volumes for customers around the world. The store, named by Bilek’s 13-year-old daughter Isabel, is indeed a welcoming “third place” for readers of all ages. Customers can leisurely prowl the stacks for rare books or browse through bestsellers at 20 percent off; literary connoisseurs learn about the next poetry reading or author signing from Bilek’s knowledgeable staff (sales associates Tom Swift and Alvin Handelman, who have authored a popular biography and a book of short stories, respectively) or pick up ecofriendly blank books. >>> Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See, Monkey Read in downtown Northfield, says he can get his customers any book on the planet and give them a 10 percent discount to boot.
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While Jerry Bilek sells a lot of new and used books, he’s proud of being the only bookstore in the nation that sells bicycles.
>>> Children, too, have their own cozy cove in which to peruse Harry Potter or play with dozens of games and puzzles; and teens have their own hangout, featuring 15 shelves of Manga comics, a Bananarama tree and other delights, behind a beaded curtain. Both rooms were designed and decorated by Isabel and her mother Julie, a professor of psychology at Carleton. The other bookstores’ closing has thus far been a boon to Bilek. His sales are up 12 percent, he has increased his operating hours, doubled display space for new books and added a line
of bicycle accessories. Bilek believes talk of the demise of books is premature. “I’m bullish on books,” he says. “Books are a great value. If you go to a movie or go out to eat, it costs you $50 for two hours of entertainment. The average book costs about $12 and you get at least a week’s worth of enjoyment. So I think the future of books, new and used, is quite secure.” r — Azna A. Amira is a freelance writer living in Northfield. She can be reached at 507-581-1340.
“I’m bullish on books. Books are a great value. If you go see a movie or go out to eat, it costs you $50 for two hours of entertainment. The average book costs about $12 and you get at least a week’s worth of enjoyment.” — Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See, Monkey Read
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35Confab
A chat with South Central College president Keith Stover
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5 Takeaways from Keith Stover
1.
South Central College wants to be a great partner with business and the public sector on the I-35 corridor.
2.
We would like to see a greater portion of the citizens of Minnesota choose to go to college, which improves their potential and the communities where they live.
3.
SCC would like to improve the outcomes for employers through continuing education for their employees.
4.
We would like to see the state return to the ratio of paying for two-thirds of the cost of public higher education. Today students pay about 45 percent of the cost.
5. The future is bright for
South Central College and our other higher education peers up and down the corridor.
18 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009 35C
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eith Stover doesn’t believe you can effectively run a community college from behind a desk. That’s why the president of South Central College can be seen out and about visiting with the students. “Every day I’m on campus, I try to visit classrooms,” said Stover, who has been leading campuses since 1976 and who is beginning his 11th year at the helm of SCC. “Students on campus should know who their president is and know that he cares. When I shake their hands on graduation day, they know that clear back on orientation day I told them I wanted to know them and see them succeed to graduation.” Stover believes that SCC’s hands-on approach to higher education has helped make SCC, its students, and business partners successful. In a 35C interview, Stover talks about that success and how SCC has overcome obstacles in hard economic times. Q: Have changes in the economy over the last year or two changed the way South Central College views its mission? How has that focus changed? A: No. We have not lost sight of our original mission, which is technical education dating back to the mid-1940s on one of our two campuses. In fact, we’ve built on that mission by adding the Associate of Arts degree. It’s an expansion that gives students who are undecided about their futures an opportunity to come to school and experience college by taking their general education courses then deciding on a future direction. We have, however, had to reduce our budgets and put more of a load on the backs of the students. Where technical education in Minnesota was once free to the students, Minnesota now ranks No. 2 in the nation in the cost of two-year public college tuition. Q: Are more high school seniors look-
ing at SCC as an option because of the economy or the rise in tuition? A: Tuition is going up across the board, whether it’s public or private universities. It’s less expensive to go to a community and technical college like SCC. The reason we expanded our mission was to give a higher percentage of kids an opportunity to go to college. We think our enrollment over the last four years is up 21.3 percent because more kids are choosing to go to college. What our new, expanded mission does is give us the opportunity to provide them with the first two years of their fouryear degree. Q: Given the unemployment rate, is there more interest in job re-training? How has SCC responded to that? A: When I’m visiting classes and visiting non-traditional students who have been laid off, typically they are looking at new occupations so they can find new employment. It’s not often that they are advancing skills in the same field. Q: Will SCC be able to provide the same value as the other community colleges in the system? How will you do that? A: Yes we will. We are continuing to look to our private sector peers for support. Also, for the first time in our history, we have a grant writer. This first year, we received several grants, the largest of which was a Department of Labor grant for rolling out our Mechatronics program, which totaled $1.98 million. It was a great addition to a program which was initially started by employers giving $200,000 to fund it for the first two years. I would say we aren’t going to slow down in terms of updating current programming and rolling out new programs. We’ve always had a close connection with employers and they expect us to continue to provide high quality, state-of-the-art instruction.
We think our enrollment over the past four years is up 21.3 percent because more kids are choosing to go to college.
35Construction Projects contributing to the growth of the I-35 corridor
TOP: Construction workers sandblast the surface of the I-35 bridge at the Hwy. 60 southbound off ramp. BOTTOM: Crews from Glen Skluzacek Builders work to apply sheet stock in preparation for siding the 45-unit Heritage Apartments project in Northfield.
Construction hasn’t helped Faribault businesses
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Road construction continued to snarl Faribault as crews installed new road surface and made improvements on five bridges on the southbound side of I-35, including the Hwy. 60 bridge (top left photo). The $8.2 million project is partially funded with federal economic stimulus dollars. $GGUHVV )DULEDXOW 01 In downtown Faribault, crews continued to replace lighting (top right photo), water and sewer utilities on eight blocks of Central Ave.
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— 35C photos by Jerry Smith
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Restoring Waseca With the Miller-Armstrong Building, Gene Miller puts his signature on this small Minnesota town
By JERRY SMITH Photos by THOM CAYA
I
f you happen to see a distinguished silverhaired man driving around Waseca in a restored 1957 Oldsmobile, chances are its Gene Miller. The owner of many businesses in this small southern
20 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009 35C
Minnesota town and its surrounding counties has had a great affection for the ’57 Oldsmobile ever since he drove one while attending New Richland High School. “I had a ’57 Oldsmobile in high school and I really liked it,” said Miller, who now owns six fully restored models. “It’s a classic car from a
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classic era.” Miller’s passion for collecting and renovating old things doesn’t end there. Take a look around Waseca and you can see the man’s signature on any number of things, including businesses and housing for the disabled. The building most syn-
onymous with Miller is the Miller-Armstrong building near downtown. It is home to the Club 57 Bar and Grill, Jonnie Bean’s Internet Coffee House and Wine Bar, Miller’s Bed & Breakfast, the offices of ELM Homes and the newly opened Starfire Grill, which is housed in a warehouse adjacent >>>
>>> (and connected) to the renovated building. When Miller moved to Waseca in 1972, restoring and renovating old buildings never crossed his mind. He and his wife Bonnie actually had their sights set on something in the human service field. That dream became a reality when they opened a large group day care center, which became wildly popular. That popularity and the Millers’ devotion to helping people expanded into Waseca-based ELM Homes. This company, born out of the desire to help people with disabilities lead a normal life, provides housing, household management, nursing assessment, leisure and recreation and transportation to hundreds of people in southern Minnesota. The company owns 60 group homes scattered about in Waseca, Steele, Faribault, Freeborn, Blue Earth, Nicollet, Le Sueur, Scott and Dodge counties. “It’s been very rewarding,” Miller said. “There are so many positive things coming out of it.” In a 35C interview, Miller talks about the success of ELM Homes, his love of renovating old buildings and old cars and how his signature project is now a Waseca icon.
Q: You wear so many hats, so what do you list your occupation as on your business card? A: Healthcare Administrator, because that is our major business. The other parts are related to that. Q: You started ELM Homes in the late 1970s.
We knew there wasn’t anything in Waseca County for disabled adults at that time. It happened at a time when there was a deinstitutionalization of a state hospital, so we just kept meeting a need at that time and expanded pretty rapidly in the human service field. We still have the day care center today. It’s called Elm Care Day Care and my daughter is the director now. It’s licensed now for about 60 children. We downsized it when E.F. Johnson closed. It’s changed with the population, but we still have 50-60 clients.
Q: What is the concept behind ELM Homes?
When Gene Miller saved the old Miller-Armstrong Building in Waseca from the wrecking ball in 1999, his vision was to make it a multi-use facility.
What were the circumstances behind that?
A: The year 1979 is when we opened our first home. I was a schoolteacher and had my degree in American History and sociology and my wife Bonnie has her degree in social work. We were always interested in the human service field. I was teaching down in Rushford and we wanted to get back to this area to be closer to our family, so we opened a group day care center in 1972. That was a new concept to have a large
group day care center. But because of the industry in Waseca, it was pretty popular and it expanded quite rapidly. In 1977, we moved into a new building. We built a new day care center over by E.F. Johnson. We were licensed for 80 children in 1977. We were providing transportation for some of the children and we were working with social services on some child protection issues and busing some children in for child protection. We started providing the busing services for Jobs Plus.
A: We either build or refurbish homes. When we first started out, we did a lot of refurbishing and remodeling of homes. Then about 10 years ago, the population started changing. There were more people with physical disabilities, so we built homes with wider doorways, wheelchair showers, that kind of thing and provided services for whatever they needed, contracting with different counties to provide anything from medical to social activities. Basically, it’s 24-hour care in those homes. So, we own homes and provide a service. Right now we have about 60 homes. Because of the economy, some of that has changed, but it has stayed at about 60. Q: You mentioned the economy. How have you had to readjust to a slowdown? A: It affects the staff. The most difficult part is >>>
“It’s (ELM Homes) been very rewarding. There are so many positive things coming out of it.” — Gene Miller, owner of Waseca-based ELM Homes
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>>> when the government passes along a decrease and then we have to pass that down as well. It has meant fewer services provided for people with disabilities and more people on waiting lists that need services. There has been a slowdown in the licensing of new beds, too. The hardest thing is that whenever there is a decrease, we have to adjust all of our salaries. We have individual service contracts with each person. How it works is usually a county case manager will come in and say we have this individual who needs these services and asks us if we have the appropriate living arrangements that is compatible with roommates and meeting the physical or behavioral needs. In the past, we may have tried to develop something new, but now, we look at the homes we have to see if there is someplace they can fit in to. A part of that negotiation is they need this much staff and they have these medical needs, so we negotiate a rate to pay for all of the services.
Q: How many people do you presently take care of? A: The term has changed
A: The mission is to provide as normal a living arrangement as we can. It used to be that historically people had a child who was disabled and they couldn’t find the services and the only alternative was a state institution. History has shown that state institutions weren’t a good choice for most people. So, the mission was to provide homes for people who were deinstitutionalized. Now, with those closed, our mission is basically to provide alternatives for families who have children who need alternative services at some time and find them the most normal living arrangements we can. Q: Let’s switch gears to another passion of yours – renovating old buildings. What buildings in Waseca have you renovated, and why is this an important part of your life? TOP: The old Southern Minnesota Grocery Co. building was slated to be torn down in 2000. BELOW: Gene Miller renovated what was later called the Miller-Armstrong Building.
from resident to client to consumer. We provide for about 240 consumers. Our staff size is about 550 people in a nine-
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Q: What is the mission of ELM Homes?
A: I really enjoy developing and renovating and restoring different houses and properties. We have several projects where we have taken old hotels and turned them into apartments and even a church we’ve turned into apartments. That’s part of the reason I like my job. >>>
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>>> I taught school and I enjoyed that, but it was the same routine every day. That was stressing me out. At that time, I didn’t realize how important liking your job was. So, I started looking for some alternatives. I started buying homes and started remodeling them and I enjoyed that. While I’m not a licensed contractor, I can take a project and hire subcontractors. I usually have two or three projects going at once. Right now, we have two that we are actually working on and one that is sitting and we are waiting for. The economy has made certain projects risky. We had financing to build some twin homes. We bought some church property with quite a bit of land here in Waseca (Evangelical Free Church) and sub-divided it into six lots, plus the church, then we built twin homes on two
Gene Miller wanted the Miller-Armstrong Building to have a conference room that could seat close to 100 people.
of them, and we were going to build on the third one, but I’m not sure I can get it filled. We have the financing, but I’m putting it on hold. I don’t want to build a $250,000-$300,000 building and then have the property sitting empty or having to rent it out. So, yes, that part of it has slowed down.
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Q: The Miller-Armstrong Building is one of your biggest projects. Why this building? A: We had our offices out on the east side of town and were feeling pretty cramped in there. My background is American history. I’ve
always enjoyed collecting certain antiques. My wife would say the garage is full of junk we probably don’t need. When I heard there was a court order to tear the building down, I decided to buy it. It was supposed to be torn down in 2000, and we bought it in November 1999. We basically saved it. They gave us about a year to decide what we were going to do with it. Because we’re in a small community, we thought it should be a multi-use facility. On the third floor we have a big conference room and four hotel rooms. The second floor is all offices and we have Club 57 sports bar on the first floor and then a coffee and breakfast café called Jonnie Beans in the basement. The rooms work well for weddings and class reunions for people coming from out of town. >>>
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Q: How did you determine plans for the building’s use? A: That first year, we just walked through and brainstormed and brought friends and contractors through. It really revolved around our office needs. That was the primary need, our core business. Then we needed a large conference room for training and thought if people came in from out of town, they would need a place to stay. It was a gradual process. Downstairs, we debated different things. One of our goals was to provide jobs for some of the consumers we worked with. We thought between the bed and breakfast and Club 57 and Jonnie Beans and those things, we could create 10 part-time positions. Owning all of the homes, we kind of work with food service anyway, so I didn’t think there would be as big a jump as there was for providing food for 240 clients or consumers to a customer-based food service, but it’s quite a difference. Q: You realized an eightyear dream when you opened Starfire Grill last year. Was that part of the original plan? A: The Starfire Grill is housed in a separate warehouse built in the 1930s that was a part of E.F. Johnson’s original factory next door. They did all of their crating. Originally, they had carpenters in there building wooden boxes to export things overseas. It was kind of our goal for somebody who came to town or anybody to have a finedining dinner, they could go to the bar to see some live entertainment, they could stay in the bed and breakfast for the weekend if they wanted to. We started Club 57 first and a lot of people in the community were expecting casual fine dining and then they were kind of disappointed that it was more of a bar and grill. The Starfire is a continuation of the development, so now 24 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009 35C
it is all done. You can come in and have your breakfast, stay for dinner, stay for entertainment and spend the night.
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Q: Has the economy affected business at the Starfire Grill? A: I just tell people that I’m pretty pleased with the business we have based on the economy. I don’t have anything to compare it to because we opened up that time. We’ve been busy at least two or three nights a week. There are some weeks that are slower. If the economy was better, would that change? I think probably. Q: Why did the Starfire Grill project take eight years to come to fruition? A: It was too much to try to get done at one time. We actually did it in stages. We were in here working in the offices probably a good year before Club 57 opened up. Q: You like to restore old buildings and collect old things. Tell us about your collection of vintage cars? A: I’m not a mechanic myself. Unfortunately I have to pay for most of it to be done. I envy these guys who can take an old car and fix it themselves and rebuild the motor and do all of the work. I had a 1957 Oldsmobile in high school and really liked it. So when I could afford it, I bought one, and as I saw any come up that were pretty reasonable, I purchased several over the years. I have five pretty decent ’57 Oldsmobiles and I bought another one as a parts car and a couple of young guys working to become auto body and mechanics wanted to restore it as a Richard Petty replica because Richard Petty and his dad had a ’57 Oldsmobile. That gives me six now. The sixth one is painted Richard Petty blue with a 43 on the side. It’s kind of a conversation piece. That’s the connection with Club 57. >>>
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Q: Are there other restoration projects in the planning stages? A: Several years ago, the city had the original freight depot that went along with the original depot. It was sitting on the edge of town and they said they would basically give it to anybody who would restore it. So I put in a plan to restore it and moved it back along the original railroad tracks just south of the original depot, which is now Zinnia’s. I put a foundation under it, but I haven’t begun restoring that. That would be the next project. It may be the last one. Q: What is your vision for that restoration? A: Probably something
Gene Miller’s love of 1957 Oldsmobile cars turned out to be the centerpiece for Starfire Grill.
to do with antiques and collectibles. We were cleaning it out and we found tickets from 1898 that had fallen behind the walls. So we want to restore it so it looks like the depot on the outside and keep it original looking on the inside, at
least as much as we can.
Q: What’s next for Gene Miller? A: We have two buildings. We have also purchased the E.F. Johnson building across the street and we’ve
been working on that for a while. The E.F. Johnson building is 37,000 square feet and part of it was condemned because of solvents that leaked into the ground. We spent a lot of time and effort to get all of that tested and analyzed and came up with a plan to correct that and make it safe. We have sealed it so it isn’t leaking to surrounding buildings. I’m not sure what is going to go there, but it will be a big project. Our longrange vision was sub-dividing it into some smaller businesses and perhaps a larger conference room. It will have to be sub-divided into several different things. Those two projects are going to take me into retirement. r
“I had a 1957 Oldsmobile in high school and really liked it.” — Gene Miller, owner of the Starfire Grill
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35Commendation Recognizing individuals and companies in business along the I-35 corridor /NORTHFIELD/ Speiker earns Minnesota special education transportation award Rosemary Speiker, special education driver for Benjamin Bus, has earned 1st Honorable Mention for 2009 Minnesota Special Education Transportation Driver Award given by the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Education. The award seeks to identify and recognize the best school bus drivers and transportation assistants serving Minnesota students with special needs. Only 20 individuals across the state were recognized for this prestigious honor. Speiker has been driving for the Northfield Public Schools/Benjamin Bus for eight years. Benjamin Bus, owned and operated by Larry and John Benjamin since 1989, has earned its reputation for safety, driver professionalism, reliability, quality of equipment
and friendly support service. Larry and John also own and operate Northfield Lines, Inc., a leading provider of motor coach transportation.
I&S Group, Inc. has offices located in Faribault and Mankato.
/FARIBAULT-MANKATO/
Owatonna Hospital achieves Level IV trauma status from state
I&S Group’s Mike Nelson attains professional designation I&S Group, Inc. announced recently that Mike Nelson has successfully passed the Principals and Practice of Engineering Examination, thereby officially designating him a Professional Engineer in the state of Minnesota. The state’s licensing board sets high standards by requiring professional engineers demonstrate their ability to practice in a manner that will safeguard public health, safety and welfare. Nelson graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and has been with I&S Group since March 2005.
/OWATONNA/
Owatonna Hospital joined the Minnesota Department of Health in the fight to improve the care of seriously injured patients by meeting the requirements to become a Level IV Trauma Hospital. Owatonna Hospital received its certificate along with a letter from Minnesota Commissioner of Health Sanne Magnan, MD, Ph.D. Trauma is the third leading cause of death in Minnesota. According to Dr. Magnan, “The goal of the trauma system is to decrease injured patients’ time to care,” he said. “With the designation of Owatonna Hospital as a Level IV trauma hospital, we’re getting closer to our goal.”
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35Catalyst Five who are making things happen along the I-35 business corridor
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
NORTHFIELD AMBASSADOR
OWATONNA GO-GETTER
FARIBAULT BRIDGE BUILDER
WASECA’S VERSATILE SON
ST. PETER ARTS ADVOCATE
Ryan Heinritz has a personal mantra of meeting and helping as many people as he can. In his capacity as sales and marketing manager for Service Master by Ayotte, Heinritz has had an opportunity to network with a lot of people in Northfield, Faribault and Owatonna. “It’s not what you know, and technically not who you know,” Heinritz said, “it’s how well they know you and and you know them.” Heinritz makes things happen by being a member of three Chambers of Commerce and the 25member Business International organization in and around Rice County. “I’m a true believer in diversifying where you spend your time,” said Heinritz, who helps organize the Northfield Chamber golf outing, among other things. “Building bridges is important.”
Derek Johnson is known for his youthful exuberance. The 26-year-old personal banker at Community Bank in Owatonna has already left his mark as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and as the treasurer of the Owatonna Arts Center. “I’m really involved in the Chamber’s ‘Third Thursday’ networking group,” said Johnson, who likes to make the events lively and fun. “We’re ready to start our second year and we’re going strong.” Johnson said he got involved with the Arts Center because of his love of the arts. He feels sure that involving as many youth as possible can only help the center grow. “I love the arts and think the youth in this community could have a bigger impact if we allow them,” he said.
Bob Kell believes immigrants settling in Faribault should have the same opportunities to work in the city’s industries as anyone. That’s why the 56-yearold man loves his job as director of Welcome Center, an information and referrel center and assistance resource for immigrants and other residents of Faribault and surrounding areas. “Many immigrants come to the Welcome Center for help with finding a job,” said Kell, who has been with the project since 1999 and opened Welcome Center in 2001. “This project is really about matching worker skills with employer needs and, if workers don’t have those skills, helping them obtain them.” Kell says the endeavor has been successful because everyone has been welcoming and inclusive to all interested parties.
Trevor Kanewischer wears many hats in Waseca. As an investigator for the Waseca County Sheriff’s Department, Kanewischer has been involved with helping many people in the community. That can also be said about his stint on the Waseca County Fair Board, where this 33-year-old Wasecan has served since 2001, three times as president. “I haven’t missed a fair since I was born according to my mom,” joked Kanewischer. “I’ve enjoyed seeing it progress and grow into what it is today. If you want something to succeed, you have to put your heart into it.” Kanewischer also is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police and says his organization has turned its attention more to helping kids. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people,” he said.
After David Goldstein graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter with a double major in Studio Art and Business Management, his dream was to end up someplace where he could make an immediate impact. He didn’t have to look far. The Executive Director of the Art Center of Saint Peter has already left his mark as he approaches his one-year anniversary in September. Goldstein has been able to procure funding for the center with his grant writing, and his efforts to engage more youth has been successful, as has his collaborative efforts with St. Peter High School. “My whole goal is to work collaboratively to improve the quality of arts in St. Peter,” said the 23year-old director. “From the feedback we receive, it’s been an extremely successful year,” he said.
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Going Green ‘Revolutionary’ process has given Le Center company a bright future By ERIKA GREINER Photos by THOM CAYA
W
hen Stanley Shetka was a college student at the University of Minnesota, his art history professor assigned his class a term paper. When it came time for the students to hand in their papers, the professor received paper after paper after paper — until Shetka walked up and handed him a block. “What’s this?” Shetka recalls his professor asking. “It’s my paper,” replied Shetka. Though the assignment that Shetka handed in was not individual sheets of paper stapled together, as the professor had expected, Shetka certainly was turning in a paper. In fact, the paper contained the entire contents of the class’s art history book. Shetka decided that rather than writing a typical college paper, he would make a paper of his own sort, “destroying history to make history,” in his words. “I took my art history book, pulped it in the washing machine, and put it in a mold. Then I dried it overnight in an oven and I ended up with a block,” Shetka said. >>>
Using 100 percent post-consumer waste, like uncirculated currency (above), in manufacturing products like counter tops, benches, flooring, ceiling tile and awards, Stanley Shetka is sitting on a gold mine with his revolutionary process called shetkaSTONE.
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>>> The bold, unconventional decision to hand in a paper block made from the art history book about which Shetka was supposed to write a paper impressed his professor so much, he earned an A for the project. The A that Shetka earned on his “paper” as a college student was only a glimpse of the success he would enjoy as he followed his passion for art and the environment. “My background was in art and design,” said Shetka, “but I could never figure out why you needed to go to art stores to buy supplies. I just saw the natural resources around me and figured I could use those instead.” Still going natural Today, more than 25 years after his initial college paper experiment, when Shetka is not teaching as an art professor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., he is busy running his company, called “All Paper Recycling,” which he formed after developing shetkaSTONE. Shetka calls his shetkaSTONE a revolutionary product that has a 100 percent sustainable life cycle. Products that are produced from shetkaSTONE are
Going green with shetkaSTONE
ShetkaStone employees Cody Sarbacker (left) and his brother John, set up a piece of product to be cut to size.
manufactured from pre- and post-consumer waste paper and rely on using none of the Earth’s over-tapped resources. “All by-products (waste created in the manufacturing process) can be recycled back into the manufacturing process,” Shetka said. “All products that are damaged or are at the end of their life cycle do not have to be put in any landfill, they can be recycled back into the manufacturing process.” Shetka believes his process is one-of-a-kind. “We’re the only company using 100 percent post-consumer waste and we are one
of the only ones that doesn’t use formaldehyde in the process either,” explained Shetka. “That’s important because formaldehyde is a carcinogenic and gets into your home and makes it not as safe. “It’s the cradle-to-cradle concept. We’re making products kids won’t have to pay the price for later. ShetkaSTONE has been used to make counter tops, tabletops, benches, chairs, tiles and more. In fact, experimental model homes have even been made from shetkaSTONE and are displayed at the Minnesota Science Museum. >>>
“We’re the only company using 100 percent post-consumer waste.”
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— Stanley Shetka, owner of All Paper Recycling
shetkaSTONE is a revolutionary product that has a 100 percent sustainable life cycle. Products that are produced from shetkaSTONE are manufactured from pre- and post-consumer waste paper and rely on using none of the Earth’s overtapped resources. “shetkaSTONE is a necessary part of our human existance on this earth,” owner Stanley Shetka explains. “If we do not start creating products with the same sustainability, we will burn out all of the earth’s natural resources.”
The shetkaSTONE file What: A manufacturing company that makes products like benches, counter tops, wallboard, chairs, tabletops and flooring from 100 percent recycled materials Where: Le Center Owner: Stanley Shetka Information: visit www.shetkaworks.com Contact: 507-3574177
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National Print Quality Plaques and awards are just a few of the products made from the shetkaSTONE process.
>>> Most recently, the most popular item to sell is a chair made entirely from currency taken out of service. “ShetkaSTONE is as durable as wood,” Shetka said. “It’s also scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and water-resistant and it has a seven-year warranty. In order to sell, we knew the product had to cut, saw and finish like wood, which it does.” While all of these aspects of shetkaSTONE appeal to Shetka’s many customers, perhaps one of the most enticing selling points is the product’s affordability. “Since we make shetkaSTONE entirely out of recycled paper products and leftover parts of trees that lumber companies don’t use, our product is extremely affordable and competitively priced,”
Shetka said. “We can undersell just about everyone because we are using a lot of materials that are very inexpensive and that other manufacturing companies don’t have much use for.” Looking to the future All Paper Recycling’s “shetkaSTONE” has done remarkably well and is in high demand, according to Shetka. Since it is the only product of it’s kind in the country, Shetka is currently working with distributors across the United States and is also looking ahead, considering how his company will grow in the future. “We’re probably the only ones using this kind of process in the country, so the demand is really high,” said Shetka, who has patents on both the process and the equipment used in making the recycled >>>
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>>> products. “We want to make sure we stick to our sustainable practices though, so rather than sending our products all the way from Le Center, Minnesota, to other regions in the U.S., we’re working on expanding the company. We’re coming up with an automated system right now so that we can have locations spread about 1,000 miles apart, and that way we can remain environmentally-friendly and LEED-certified in taking this process out to other communities.” Shetka is confident that shetkaSTONE will continue to grow in popularity as people continue learning about it. “We have many indications of strong interest in our product outside the United States,” Shetka said. “Initially, people mostly learned about shetkaSTONE through word-of-mouth,
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Stanley Shetka believes shetkaSTONE products will continue to gain in popularity.
but now I’ve been in the Wall Street Journal twice, once on the front cover. There have been stories on CNN and in the New York Times and Washington Post.
35Cbusiness.com
I’d say someone writes an article each week, so there really is an interest in this product and our company. The phone rings here all the time; even in this economy,
business is good.” r — To find out more about shetkaSTONE and the products All Paper Recycling make, visit www.shetkastone.com.
35Culinary I-35 corridor restaurants are ready to serve Costas Chocolates 112 N. Cedar Ave. Owatonna
The Boosalis family has been serving the area’s finest chocolates, lunches and COSTAS baked goods chocolates for 90 years in Owatonna. From specialty salads to pita specialties to a complete breakfast menu, Costas is the place to go for great food and delectable desserts. Made from the finest vegetables and ingredients, salads at Costas are mouthwatering good. With offer-
The Cheese Cave 318 N. Central Ave. Faribault
It has been said that cheese has always been a food that both sophisticated and simple humans love. That’s the idea behind the “Cheese Cave,” a unique gourmet destination in Faribault. The Cheese Cave serves award-winning cheeses from the Faribault Dairy, and also offers cheeses from the great artisanry cheesemakers from around the U.S., along with high-quality, high-end foods that pair perfectly with cheese. Customers will be treated to instore cooking demonstrations by chef Jeff LeBeau. Reservations: To arrange for an affordable and unique cheese pairing event, sample cheeses, microbrew beer, wine and tea — for groups of up to 24 people — contact Laura at 507-334-3988.
ings like Costas’ Greek Gyro Salad, the BIG Salad and many other healthy choices, you can’t go wrong. Costas uses premium meats, ingredients and cheeses in its sandwiches, along with fresh-baked breads. To top things off, Costas offers its renowned cakes, scones, cookies and palettepleasing chocolates. Information: Call Costas Chocolates at 507-451-9050 Pictured: Candy Assistant Noelle Smith, 18, dips pieces of turtle candy in milk chocolate recently at Costas Chocolates.
J. Grundy’s Rueb-n-Stein
503 Division St. Historic Northfield An area classic sprawling into three historic buildings on Northfield’s main drag, the “Rueb ‘n’ Stein” has a long list of tradional American food and great spirits. With an all-new expanded menu, the best burger in town and the famous Rueben sandwich, the Rueb offers something for everyone at a great price. The Rueb also offers a classic bar with drink specials and “Upstairs at the Rueb,” which features live music and dancing separate from the dining area. Specialties: The Rueb’s famous appetizers and buildyour-own burgers. Information: Call J Grundy’s Rueb ‘n’ Stein at 507-6456691 or visit ruebnstein.com.
Torey’s Restaurant/Bar
Patrick’s on Third
Torey’s, located one block east of the Bridge Street exit off I-35, has fantastic food and friendly service and offers a full service bar and an extensive wine list. Offering an extensive lunch and dinner menu, including a lunch buffet, Torey’s is the perfect place for a casual meal or special occasion dinner. Torey’s offers an 85-person capacity banquet room, perfect for all of those business dinners, grooms dinners or any special event. Torey’s also offers additional areas for your smaller group meals. Specialties: Hand cut chargrilled steaks, a large array of seafood and award-winning BBQ ribs. For a full menu and wine list, visit www.toreys.net. Information/reservations: Call Torey at 507-455-9260.
Welcome to Patrick’s, home of the World Famous Patty Melt, Best Burger on the Planet, Bucket of Death, Govenaires Drum & Bugle Corps, Drum Corps Museum and a number of other really weird and wacky things. If it’s an amazing burger you crave, Patrick’s on Third is the place to go. Patrick’s also offers a variety of menu items from burgers to pasta and Mexican to Italian. If it’s beer you crave, Patrick’s on Third offers 20 craft beers on tap. Enjoy a casual atmosphere where there’s “Trivia Night” each Tuesday, “Karaoke Buffet” every Wednesday, kids eat for $1 on Thursdays after 4 p.m. and Cribbage on Sundays. Patrick’s on Third is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. For reservations, call 507-931-9051.
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35Chamber A look at what’s new in the region’s Chambers of Commerce
What’s in a name? Steele County Free Fair still free E
lmer Reseland isn’t shy when it comes to talking about the Steele County Free Fair. While events, sponsors and vendors have changed over the years, the fair manager is proud to say one thing hasn’t. “The best part of this whole thing is that it’s free,” said Reseland, who ends many of his conversations about the event the same way. “And it has been free since 1927.” One of Owatonna’s biggest events, the Steele County Free Fair boasts of being the largest county fair in Minnesota. “If you look at attendance numbers, revenue from the carnival and beer income, I’m confident in saying this is the largest fair in the state,” said Reseland, who has served as the fair manager for 15 years. “A lot of folks ask me how we can put on this large of an event for free and I tell them it is because we have so many wonderful vendors and sponsors,” said Reseland, who estimates that it will cost
S o o t H I n g
• Three free stages that will host a total of 26 bands • More than 500 vendors from 26 different states • More than 300 indoor booths • More than 100 food stands “This is one of the biggest events of the year in Owatonna and it’s free,” Reseland said. Chamber’s ‘Business After Hours’ set for Aug. 14
35C photo by Thom Caya
A carnival worker tends to the ferris wheel along the midway of last year’s Steele County Free Fair. This year’s event will offer 30 carnival rides and the fair is scheduled for Aug. 18-13.
more then $900,000 to put on the fair this year, which is slightly more than last year. “The whole community is extremely supportive of the fair and that is why we’ve been so successful for so long.” Reseland noted that some
of the highlight of the fair include: • 30 carnival rides • 70 exotic animals in the petting zoo • Bull riding • Lumberjack shows • Pig races
The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business After Hours at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Steele County Free Fair Beer Garden. Sponsors are Retrofit Companies, Express Employment Professionals and the Steele County Free Fair. The September Business After Hours will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Firehouse Liquor. Sponsors for the event are: Firehouse Liquor, Firehouse Coffee Beans, Smokehouse Meats, Fireplace Connection, Cedar Chiropractic.
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Paradise Blue Collar BBQ Arts Fest set for Aug. 22 A free Block Party event hosted by the Paradise Center for the Arts takes place Aug. 22. This fundraiser will include a BBQ contest, outside music, Art Fair, activity tent, Karaoke contest, and an indoor music event/concert featuring The Copperheads (7:30-9:00 p.m.) and Trailer Trash (9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.).
A business eye on the city’s business climate Transportation and economic development continue to be key initiatives for the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber leadership has been reviewing information and asking for input on the city of Northfield’s proposed Land Use Code, a document that will direct future development. Also, a proposed new Safety Center has sparked the interest of local businesses as safety needs, possible site locations, and project costs are being discussed.
Rock Bend Folk Festival set for Sept. 12-13 The Rock Bend Folk Festival will take place Sept. 12-13 at the Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter. Music starts at noon each day. Celebrate southern Minnesota’s folk arts and artists. Original arts and crafts, music (blues, jazz, bluegrass), food and fun! Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. For more information, visit www.rockbend.org
Waseca Chamber golf outing set for Aug. 17 Come and join the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual golf outing, held this year at Lakeside Country Club on Aug. 17. Put together your team of four golfers and join other Chamber members in a day filled with fun and charitable events. Call the Waseca Chamber for details.
Chamber leadership: ‘I get it in Faribault’ is successful The Faribault Chamber of Commerce has seen marvelous success with its “I get it in Faribault” promotion since it started earlier this year by asking local businesses and consumers to take a pledge to buy their products and services locally. The campaign was developed to reduce the amount of business lost to companies outside the Faribault community. A Web site was created where local consumers and businesses can easily take the pledge and also post photos of people who are successfully spending their money in Faribault. The Faribault “I Get It” program is committed to showing that for every local purchase there is a local purpose. • Get connected in Faribault by clicking into EVENTS at www.faribaultmn.org.
Defeat of Jesse James Days set for Sept. 9-13 DJJD celebrates the defeat of the James-Younger Gang’s attempt to rob the bank in September 1876. Witness the reenactment of the raid and enjoy the rodeo, midway, parade, arts and crafts, and more.
Girls Night Out event set for Oct. 1 Gather a group of girlfriends and come to St. Peter from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 to shop, dine and have a great time! More than 40 participating businesses will offer discounts, give aways, specials, demonstrations, prize drawings ... and terrific treats and refreshments! See what St. Peter businesses have to offer. Get your GNO brochure punched at 10 different businesses to be eligible for $200 grand prize and prize drawings for $25 gift certificates provided by each participating business! Brochures will be available mid September at participating businesses.
SROC to hold annual Open House on Sept. 10 The University of Minnesota will hold its annual open house event at the Southern Research and Outreach Center, located at west edge of Waseca on Hwy. 14, across from Loon Lake. This public event, for people of all ages and interests, showcases U of M initiatives in a fun-filled atmosphere. Activities, exhibits, demonstrations, tours and more illustrate how the U of M is leading the way toward enhancing economic, ecological and social value in rural communities and across the state. Highlights include trolley and wagon rides, corn maze, Goldy Gopher, Minnesota foods and wine, kids’ sanctioned power pedal pull, picnic supper and more.
• To see more Northfield events, log onto www.northfieldchamber.com.
• To see more St. Peter Chamber events, log onto www.tourism.st-peter.mn.us.
• To see more Waseca Chamber events, log onto www.wasecachamber.com
Art Swirl happening in Northfield on Aug. 13-16 This August (13-16) marks the 6th Annual ArtSwirl Festival of the Arts in Northfield. ArtSwirl is four days packed full of art shows, music, literary events, studio tours, theater in the park and an outdoor movie screening.
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35Charitable Just Food Co-op gives back to Northfield Joey Robison knows a little something about the old adage that a little goes a long way. As the Marketing and Member Services Manager at the Just Food Co-op in Northfield, shes sees it every day. That’s why she thought it was important to help start two simple charitable giving programs: “Planet Patch” and “Just Change.” The success of the two programs has exceeded Robison’s expectations. “From June/July 2008 through April/ May 2009, the programs have combined to raise more than $2,500,” Robison said. “For smaller organizations, these donations can be very helpful.” Planet Patch is a program where a patch worth 5 cents is given to custom-
ers for each reusable bag they use. They can either save 20 patches for $1 off of their next purchase, or they can choose to donate that 5 cents to an environmental or sustainable farming initiative by placing their patches in a collection box on their way out the door. “We reward people for bringing in their own grocery bags,” Robison said. Just Change is a program where customers can drop change into donation boxes at each cash register. A new organization is chosen every two months to be the recipient of these charitable programs, Robison said. The Planet Patch donations for June/July went to the Mills Town Trail, a bike trail currently under construction that will link the Cannon Valley and Sakatah Singing Hills trails. The Just Change donations went to the Northfield Area Family YMCA’s Summer Camps Food Program to fund fresh produce.
35C photo by Jerry Smith
As customers leave the Just Food Co-op, they can drop patches they collect for using reusable grocery bags into a collection box.
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JULY 2009
Chamber committee helps out Northfield
Laura Baker golf outing successful despite economy
The Creative Professionals Committee of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a group of people that provides opportunities for business people to meet and network. The committee plans, coordinates and promotes three annual events … an April auction, Golf-APalooza in late June, and the Fall Crawl. This year, the committee contributed $8,000 from its first annual Jail and Bail Auction to the
Jane Fenton says Northfielders are blessed to live in a community that has so many generous people. Fenton and Laura Baker Services were the beneficiaries of that generosity last month as more than $40,000 was raised at the annual golf outing at Northfield Golf Club. “We were really successful in raising that much money and attracting 120 golfers to the event, even in a slow economy,” said Fenton, director of community relations. “When a lot of non-profits are doing away with their golf outings, ours continues to grow. It’s amazing.”
Submitted photo
Creative Professionals Committee members present the check to representatives of the Holiday Decorations Committee. Pictured from left to right are: Ryan Heinritz, Adam Evenson, Dan Bergeson, Krin Finger and Jody Graff.
Northfield Holiday Decorations Fund. The money will help purchase new holiday decorations for the downtown area for the upcoming holiday season.
We would like help filling 35Charitable with your philanthropic news 35C welcomes announcements for upcoming charitable events and news of those that have passed. We are looking to publish information and photos relating to fundraising
and philanthropic efforts along the I-35 business corridor. For consideration, please e-mail information and photos to Associate Editor Jerry Smith at jsmith@I35targetmedia.
com. Please include the date, time, place, event name, details and charity served. Also, include a phone number where we can contact you.
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009 35C
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35Caricature Corridor professionals draw strength from outside the office
Piloting a hot air balloon is Claremont man’s new passion By JERRY SMITH
M
ost people would think flying single- and twinengine airplanes for a living would be thrilling enough to last a lifetime. Russ Lucas isn’t one of those people. The 55-year-old pilot and flight instructor needed something more extreme in his life a few years back, so he took up skydiving in 1997 and has been doing it ever since. Lucas describes jumping out of a perfectly fine airplane as a very short, intense rush, one he tries to experience as often as he can. But as Lucas has gotten older, his need for speed and thrills has slowed down a bit. While the Claremont man wasn’t ready to give up thrill seeking altogether, he wanted a more relaxing hobby to counter his extreme side. He needed a hobby that didn’t always mean free falling to earth from thousands of feet in the air. Lucas’ newest hobby — you could call it his passion — still requires him to be floating through the air, only not as fast. Four years ago, the Claremont man took up hot air ballooning and he says he’s hooked. “Flying got me into skydiv-
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ing, skydiving got me into ballooning and now I’m fascinated with ballooning,” said the self-proclaimed adrenaline junky, who spent 90 hours in the air last year and has 70 hours so far this season. “Ballooning is more mellow than skydiving, like a time-release rush, but it’s still a big rush.” In his short foray into the sport of hot air ballooning, Lucas says he’s seen sights and done things most people will never get to experience. Four years ago, he didn’t think he’d ever experience them either. “I never could have imagined drifting down the Rio Grande River with my basket almost touching the water, yet I’ve done that now,” Lucas said of his two trips to the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival in New Mexico, where hundreds of balloonists converge to share their passion for the sport. “Drifting with so many balloons down the Rio Grande is something I’ll never forget. I’ve been twice and I’m going back this year. If I have my way, it won’t be the last time, either.” Even at age 55, there is still a little boy in Lucas. That’s why he sometimes pushes the envelope. One recent flight got a little hairy as problems
35Cbusiness.com
forced Lucas to put the balloon down in an alfalfa field near Dodge Center. “I was only floating 12-13 miles per hour, but I had to put the balloon down someplace I wasn’t expecting to,” Lucas said. “It’s an exciting event because you hit hard and then you are off to the races and you have no control. Then it all comes to a stop and you climb out of the basket and breathe a sigh of relief.” Reaching new heights In four short years, Lucas has not only turned his hobby into a successful business venture (Claremont Cloud Dancers Balloon Company), he has parlayed his expertise into an important role at this year’s Faribault Area Airfest Air Show & Balloon Rally. Lucas will serve as the official Balloon-
Russ Lucas bought his hot air balloon, trailer and all of his accessories for right around $10,000. The Claremont pilot says it is well worth it. (Photo provided by Dick Schultz)
meister at this year’s festival. “I represent the balloonists and what is important to them at the event,” Lucas said. “My biggest job besides lining up balloons for the festival (so far he has 11 confirmed, with three others that might take part) is making decisions on whether it’s safe to fly or not. I’ll really have to keep my eye on the weather, and especially the wind.” — If you are interested in taking a balloon ride, contact Lucas at Claremont Cloud Dancers Balloon Company at 507-3517001 or visit www.ccdballoonco. com.
Introducing a regional magazine for outdoor enthusiasts. esota rn Minn Southe r life of o o td u g the o FALL 2009 Enjoyin
GO!.
oors
The great outd
e, ces to hike, bik Find the best pla other other do d an h fis p, cam s in the region. outdoor activitie ide this issue. ins n fu ur yo d Fin
t Get Ou
wl Project ota DNR es nn Mi The to has a new plan cks protect state du lp. and you can he
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The biking life
ing Hundreds of bik e e th enthusiasts tak ota es trek across Minn le ltip to help fight Mu Sclerosis.
Kayaking 101
t offers Elizabeth Wrigh ance ch new kayakers a way. ht to learn the rig
Archers to the ready
35C Business
. Box Magazine • P.O
, MN 55057 537 • Northfield
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Deliver your message to those passionate about all things outdoors. Minnesotans love the outdoors –despite the cold, the wind, the humidity and the bugs. Target this fanatical market with Get Out! – a new quarterly regional outdoors magazine from the publishers of 35C and Girlfriends.
• Published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer • High-quality, full color magazine format • 5,000 printed copies distributed at targeted outlets throughout the region • Engaging, interactive local content • Additional audience exposure online
Premiere issue coming this September! reserve your space today! Julie Frazier
Machelle Kendrick
Sales Director
Account Executive
507-837-5442
507-645-1135
jfrazier@I35targetmedia.com
mkendrick@I35targetmedia.com
GO! Get Out