May/June 2012 by St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

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IN EVERY ISSUE 8

6 President’s Letter

Editor’s Note

Business Calendar

Network Central

Top Hats

CONTENTS

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Business Tools

24 Entrepreneurism:

Work for The Man or be The Man? Your choice.

25 Doing Good

St. Cloud Area Business Gives

26 TechStrategies Follow the Leader

27 Tech News 28 Working Well

Not all employee wellness programs have to have a price tag.

30 Economy Central

34 Cover Story Cars are Cool

When Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer started PAM’s Auto they never stopped to think that their love of cars would someday be a multi-million dollar business.

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May/june 2012

G RO W

Profit

PROFIT

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•

NETWORK

•

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presented by Falcon Bank

P ROFIT

This Issue 44 Feature

Learning to Lead

Despite our efforts to turn leadership into a science, it’s still a process of trial-anderror that rewards those willing to learn from their mistakes.

48 Special Focus

Live What You’re Learning

Work-based learning programs let employers develop individuals for specific industries while practicing new skills.

54 Business Spotlight

Bruce E. Meyer, Thrifty and Gateway Motels

profit

Special Sections 42 Smart Business

Ameriprise Financial

43 Trailblazer

Gaslight Creative

N E T WOR K

Upfront 10 News Reel

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

around Central Minnesota.

10 Book Review

Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success by Matthew Syed

12 Your Voice In Government 15 People to Know 18 Regional Round-Up Building Partnerships, Conserving Resources

The City of Waite Park is working proactively to provide effective services in the new economic reality.

49 Education and Training

ONLY ONLINE •• Hobby-inspired Businesses •• Motivate Yourself

•• Innovation Trends •• Time Management Secrets

www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com

Compassionate, personal care Delivering compassionate, personalized care to every patient, every day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of our commitment to quality care.

www.centracare.com

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

NETWORK

Time to Celebrate – Time to Reflect

orking on the expansion of the St. Cloud Civic Center, newly named the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, has been a 14-year project for me. I’ve worked on it with three mayors, two city administrators, 14 Chamber Board chairs and ten Government Affairs Committee chairs. I wish I had tracked how many round trips to St. Paul have been required. I could add up how many different state legislators have been involved, but depending on your definition of what involvement is, it could get into the thousands. It’s been a long journey. I have often wanted to give up. But failure has never been an option. This year, we hope to finally achieve our ultimate success - $10 million of state bonding money to match the $23 million already expended by the City of St. Cloud and financed with our existing food and beverage tax. That will be $10 million to finish our parking ramp, skyway and interior amenities. The finishing touches! If we are successful, there will be many people to thank. Our state representatives Steve Gottwalt and King Banaian have been out in front this year, often pushing through difficult obstacles. The House of Representatives has been our biggest challenge, and these two men definitely represented their constituents well. Special thanks will be due to Representative Alice Hausman from St. Paul. Alice was the House Capital Investment

Committee Chair in 2009-2010, critical project years. She granted meetings to us and liked our project from the beginning. Her support continued during 2011 and 2012, her voice remaining strong for us, even though her party shifted to the minority in the House of Representatives. Thank you, Alice, for being a strong representative for Minnesota and a friend to me. State Senator John Pederson carefully crafted and delivered our message in the Senate. John has worked on this project first as a St. Cloud city councilor, and now as our state senator. It was an honor to sit next to him in the Senate Capital Investment Committee and co-present our case for funding. Senate Capital Investment Committee Chairman Dave Senjem understood how our project was differentiated from others, and upheld his commitment to us from past years. Thank you, Dave! Thank you to Governor Mark Dayton for including us in his Bonding Bill from the start. All these people have been instrumental at the Capitol. All have worked tirelessly on our behalf despite unfavorable odds. Regardless of this year’s final outcome, please remember their commitment to our community and to you when you step into the voting booth this fall.

Main Phone | 320-251-2940 Automated Reservation Line | 320-251-2940, ext. 126 Program Hotline | 320-251-2940, ext. 125 www.StCloudAreaChamber.com email: information@StCloudAreaChamber.com ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF President | Teresa Bohnen, ext. 104 Vice President | Gail Ivers, ext. 109 Director of Administration | Judy Zetterlund, ext. 106 Special Events Coordinator | Virginia Kroll, ext. 105 Communications & Workforce Development Coordinator | Whitney Bina Membership Sales Specialist | Wendy Franzwa, ext. 134 Administrative Assistant | Vicki Lenneman, ext. 122 Administrative Assistant | Cindy Swarthout , ext. 100 Administrative Assistant | Sharon Henry, ext. 124 CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Executive Director | Julie Lunning, ext. 111 Sales Manager | Lori Cates, ext. 113 Director of Sales & Marketing | Judy Okerstrom, ext. 112 Director of Sports & Special Events | Kelly Sayre, ext. 128 Director of Visitor Services | Jean Robbins , ext. 129 Receptionist | Nikki Fisher, ext. 100 2011-12 BOARD MEMBERS Jim Beck | Minnesota School of Business Gary Berg | G.L. Berg Entertainment, Performing Artists & Speakers Craig Broman | St. Cloud Hospital/ CentraCare Health System, Board Vice Chair Linda Feuling | Westside Liquor Neil Franz | Neils-Franz-Chirhart, Attorneys at Law Todd Fritz | InteleCONNECT, Inc. Jayne Greeney Schill | St. Cloud Area School District #742 Diane Hageman | College of Saint Benedict Steve Hahn | HahnMark, LLC John Herges | Falcon National Bank Scott Johnson | Times Media Dolora Musech | Batteries Plus

Teresa Bohnen President

P.S. Many thanks to my good friend, and the best lobbyist in the universe, Michael Wilhelmi. One of the finest things about working on this project has been learning from Mike and making a lifelong friend in the process. My cell phone ring tone for Mike is “It’s Not Over” by Daughtry. I hope I get to change it after this session ends.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

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

Minnesota Native & Author

DaviD Horsager presents:

The Trust Edge:

Gain Faster Results, Deeper Relationships, and a Stronger Bottom Line

May 10, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 8 - 10 am â&#x20AC;˘ $25 Calvary Community Church, St. Cloud

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SCSU Welcome Center Location: 355 Fifth Avenue South (4 blocks north of campus) St. Cloud, MN Contact: 320.308.6100

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EDITOR’S NOTE

NETWORK Publisher Teresa Bohnen Managing Editor Gail Ivers

Salvaged

ong ago my parents owned a 1955 brown and white Chevy sedan. They bought it new and it was part of our family for almost 20 years. My dad drove it to work. Then my mom drove it to work. When my brother turned 16, it became his car. Like grandfather’s clock, that car stopped running when Wayne left for college. So my parents had it hauled to the junk yard. While home on vacation, Wayne and a friend decided they needed a car part. They went to the junk yard and were gone all day – returning without the desired part, but with something far more valuable: a memory. They had discovered our ’55 Chevy at the junk yard. Climbing into the car, they spent the afternoon reliving their teenage driving adventures. Before they left, they removed the steering wheel from that old car — with permission, of course. Such adventures are rare today. At most salvage yards customers are not allowed to wander among the cars looking for that justright part. Many salvage yards won’t even accept end-of-life cars like our ’55 Chevy. That makes Wayne’s steering wheel not just a family relic, but a representation of societal change. Nowhere is that change more prevalent than at PAM’s Auto (see the story on page 34). PAM’s only buys vehicles from insurance salvage auctions. So if you’re in a car accident today with your favorite Nissan Altima, what happens after the tow truck hauls it away? If PAM’s Auto buys it, here’s the typical process: •• It is inventoried and every part is tested – from the CD player and power mirrors to the engine.

Associate Editor Dawn Zimmerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Whitney Bina St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Wayne Ivers, with a family heirloom – the steering wheel from his 1955 Chevy sedan.

•• The vehicle is dismantled, recovering about 85 percent of the parts. These are inspected a second time. At this point, there is a pallet full of parts and what’s left of your car is now called a hulk. The hulk is hauled into the yard. •• The parts are inspected a third time before being shelved. PAM’s has 75 active part types, all of which have a unique quality description. •• When the part is sold, it is inspected a fourth and final time then shipped to the buyer. •• Your car…err…hulk remains in the yard until it exceeds its useful life. Then it’s crushed and sold to a shredder. At this point, PAM’s Auto is done with your beloved Altima. But you might like to know… the crushed hulk goes through a process that shreds the car into tiny pieces. The metals are collected and can be sold. What remains – foam, soils, plastics, fabric – is called fluff. Fluff is used at the end of each day for landfill cover. I guess you could say that’s the Altimate example of reuse and recycle. Until next issue,

Sharon Henry St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Fred Hill St. Cloud State University Gail Ivers St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Mary MacDonell Belisle mary macdonell belisle - writerforhire Larry Schumacher Wordbender Communications, LLC Dawn Zimmerman The Write Advantage ADVERTISING Associate Publisher/Sales Wendy Hendricks, Hendricks Marketing Ad Traffic & Circulation Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media ART Design & Production Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media Cover Photo Joel Butkowski, BDI Photography ACCOUNTING Accountant Judy Zetterlund WEBSITE Vicki Lenneman

110 Sixth Avenue South P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com For advertising information contact Wendy Hendricks, (320) 656-3808, 110 S. 6th Ave., P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Editorial suggestions can be made in writing to:

Gail Ivers

Vice President

Editor

Editor, Business Central, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Submission of materials does not guarantee publication. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope.

P.S. Thanks Wayne! I sent my brother, Wayne, an email he could have ignored, but

instead he began a five-day hunt through his house in search of this steering wheel. Once he sent the photo, I made him send it several more to make sure we got just the right shot. Thank goodness for family!

© Copyright 2012 Business Central LLC Business Central is published six times a year by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, 110 Sixth Avenue South P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 Subscription rate: $18 for 1 year.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Tim Smith

has joined

American Heritage

National Bank

Tim has joined us as the Senior Loan Officer and new Vice President of Residential Lending. Tim has 12 years of local lending experience in mortgage banking and specializes in first time home buying. You can visit him anytime for your home mortgage at American Heritage Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location in St. Cloud West on 2nd Street or at TimS@LogBank.com.

Home Mortgages

East St. Cloud, 525 Highway 10 South (320) 257-5000

West St. Cloud, 2915 Second Street South (320) 654-9555 MEMBER

FDIC

Offices also in Long Prairie and Browerville

Book Review

Your Voice in Government

13 Point of View

People to Know

Business Calendar

It Happened When?

Regional Roundup

UPFRONT

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This is a wonderful, hopeful, and encouraging book, and one that I highly recommend.

by Matthew Syed HarperCollins Publishers New York, 2010 ISBN 978-0-06-172375-9

verwhelming evidence shows that it is practice, not talent that ultimately matters. Author Matthew Syed writes: “By the age of 20, the best violinists had practiced an average of 10,000 hours; more than 2,000 hours more than the good violinists and more than 6,000 hours more than the violinists hoping to become music teachers.” Moreover, “purposeful practice was the only factor distinguishing the best from the rest.” Syed is not talking

The major difference between expert performers and normal adults is a life-long persistence of deliberate effort to improve. Reviewed by Fred E. Hill

the Science of Success

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N E WS R EE L

Practice Does Make Perfect

Picasso, Beckham, and

News & people that make up the chamber network

BOOK REVIEW

Bounce: Mozart, Federer,

PROFIT

N E T W OR K

GROW

only about violinists – he is talking about the hidden logic of success. Bounce reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers. Gladwell writes that “the people who stand before kings may look like they did it all by themselves; but in fact they are invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities and cultural legacies that allow them to learn and work hard and make sense of this world in ways others cannot.” Two things these two books have in common: (1) practice is more likely to make one perfect, and (2) mentors and other people-helpers make a difference. Maybe talent is more about hours of practice, than it is about one’s destiny. Syed provides evidence from several fields that achieving real excellence has a 10 year rule – 10 years of devoted

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

study and practice. Each year requires 1,000 hours. Gladwell refers to the 10 year rule as the 10,000 hour rule. Matthew Syed achieved international recognition as a table tennis expert. He had the opportunity to start playing at a very early age. He had a head start on his school classmates. His superior ability was taken for evidence of talent rather than lots of hidden hours of practice. His skills were not genetic; rather, in large part they were circumstantial. This is a wonderful, hopeful, and encouraging book, and one that I highly recommend. I like the idea of the remarkable potential of ‘ordinary’ adults and their amazing capacity for change with practice. BC Dr. Fred E. Hill is a professor of Learning Resources and Technology Services at St. Cloud State University.

Warnert completes CA “University” program Tammy Warnert, Imagine Chiropractic, completed CA “University” program for chiropractic assistants. The program, offered by Chiro Advance Services, is designed to advance the role of chiropractic assistants in the profession.

GATR Truck named Dealer of the Year GATR Truck Center was named 2011 Volvo Dealer of the Year at the American Truck Dealers Conference in Las Vegas. Bob Neitzke, president of GATR Truck Center, was present at the conference to accept the award.

Glick named distribution manager Gary Glick was named the St. Cloud Times and Times Media distribution manager. He will be responsible for the production and distribution of the printed St. Cloud Times and other printed products.

McGough Construction names general manager Rothstein Jim Rothstein was

named general manager for McGough Construction’s new St. Cloud office. Based out of St. Paul, Minn., the company has branch offices in Rochester, Minn. and Phoenix, Arizona.

Tuit io

n aw

ards

avai

Learn things in the classroom you can take into the conference room. If you’re considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, look no further than our convenient campus in St. Cloud. With a focus on ethics and global awareness, the School of Business and Technology develops leaders with strong professional skills who act with integrity and a strong sense of social responsibility. We offer flexible evening and online classes in an accelerated format to fit your schedule. Now enrolling for summer and fall. Accounting · Marketing · Management · Organizational Behavior · CS/CIS

For more information, visit go.css.edu/businesscentral or call (866) 235-2706.

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UPFRONT

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NETWORK

N E WS R EE L Roerick elected to association Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply of St. Cloud, was elected secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Roerick has been involved with the organization since 1991.

YOUR VOICe IN GOVERNMENT

Speaking Up Chamber members and state legislators had a chance to mingle, network, and share views on business issues at the annual St. Cloud Area Evening at the Capitol.

Good Shepherd Community wins awards Bob Beedle, chair of the board of directors at Good Shepherd Community, won the 2012 Trustee of the Year Award from Aging Services of Minnesota. Beedle has been on the board for five years. Beedle

Linda Schmitz, Good Shepherd Community, was named Aging Schmitz Services of Minnesota 2012 District D Caregiver of the Year. This award is the highest honor awarded to Minnesota caregivers. Schmitz is a licensed practical nurse with 32 years of experience.

Chamber President Teresa Bohnen, with Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem and President of the Senate Michelle Fischbach

Sen. John Pederson, (L) with Todd Long and Lisa Burch, both from Super Smokes

Sartell City Councilman Steve Hennes (L) and Rep. King Banaian

Minn. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (L), Sartell City Councilman David Peterson, and Sartell Mayor Joe Perske

Inese Mehr, Rengel Printing, Jim Schiffler, St. Cloud Industrial Products and Gary Webber, Think Tourism USA

Bill Winter, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union (L) Tom Travaglio, Jeff Kalla, and Paul Anderson all from Gold Cross Ambulance-St. Cloud

CSB/SJU win award The College of St. Benedict’s and St. John’s University received the 2012 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. This award, presented by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, recognizes outstanding and innovative achievements in campus internalization.

Dunlap named associate of the year Kevin Dunlap, Liberty Savings Bank, was named Associate of the Year by the Builders Association of Minnesota. He was recognized at the annual Minnesota Builders Convention in Minneapolis. Dunlap

Gloria Vande Brake, Minuteman Press St. Cloud (L); St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis; St. Cloud City Administrator Mike Williams; Jason Bernick, Bernick’s Beverages & Vending; and Jane DeAustin, Central Minnesota Builders Assoc.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Rep. Ron Salmanski, (L) and Mike Helgeson, GNP Company

POINT OF View

Business Central asked readers: What types of continued training and/or education programs does your business use?

“

”

“

Nothing specific. When someone finds a class, seminar or some sort of training that interests them, we sit down, talk about it and see if it would be beneficial.”

Ami Ohmann Gaslight Creative

“

We do mortgage and lending training, new account and sales training. We try to do some type of training each quarter.”

Jeff Juncewski Trustone Financial

“ Charlene Akers Stearns History Museum

We have ongoing training and workshops. We also attend national museum conferences.”

“

Continuing education seminars and online webinars.”

Luke Cesnik Computech

“

Industry seminars and trade shows. We also try to get involved in the Chamber programs.”

Dan McAnally American Diversity Business Solutions/ McAnally & Associates

If you’re putting it all on the line, count us in. Your local Bremer business banker has your back, and the experience to help you through the ups and downs of growing a business. You can count on Bremer Bank for the strength and long-term stability to see you through. Talk to a Bremer banker near you.

Downtown St. Cloud • 251-3300 West St. Cloud • 656-3300 Sauk Rapids • 252-1938 Sartell • 255-7121 Rice • 393-2600 1-800-908-BANK (2265) Bremer.com

COUNT US IN.

BRE1006A1BCM-4pt875x7pt375.indd 1

12/21/11 3:17 PM M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

UPFRONT

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NETWORK

N E WS R EE L

Maurer

Guennigsmann

Barthel

LEADERSHIP CLASS

St. Cloud Area Leadership Graduates

Congratulations to the following people who graduated from the St. Cloud Area Chamber Leadership program in May. If you are looking for volunteers to serve on boards and committees, these individuals are a good place to start. Eunice Adjei Bosompem

Jeff Frie Rasmussen College

Bryan Bauck St. Cloud HospitalCentraCare Health Care System

Amanda Groethe Stearns Electric Association

Sheri Moran

Regan Stommes Opportunity Manor

Colleen Breker Reach-Up, Inc.

Michael Hemmesch St. John’s University

Chad Nichols Park Industries

Dave Titus Park Industries

Jennifer Burrows City of St. Cloud

Katie Koester Girl Scouts of MN & WI Lakes & Pines

Jay Ophoven CentraCare Clinics

Brad Ufer Coborn’s, Inc.

Ryan Corrigan MCI Carpet One Floor & Home

Terry Kritzeck Andy’s Towing Co.

Theresa Poser Gruber’s Quilt Shop

Stacy VanBatavia Resource Training & Solutions

Dr. Sara Cuperus Chiropractic Performance Center

Betsey Lund Neils-FranzChirhart, Attorneys at Law

Traci Richter Schlenner Wenner & Co.

Barry Veneble St. Cloud VA Health Care System

Nikki Fisher St. Cloud Area Chamber Convention & Visitors Bureau

Todd Mather Bremer

Todd Rothfork Bernick’s Beverages & Vending

Guled

Bremer Bank promotes, hires Lisa Maurer was promoted to senior vice president in Private Client Services at Bremer Bank. Maurer has been with Bremer for 19 years. Todd Guennigsmann was hired as a Raymond James Financial Advisor at Bremer Investment Services. Guennigsmann has more than seven years of investment and financial services experience. Sarah Barthel was hired as a business banker. Barthel has over 10 years of banking and finance experience. Abdalla Guled was hired as a finance intern to complete a six to nine month internship. Guled is a finance student at St. Cloud State University.

Financial advisors recognized James Jacobs, Andrew Jacobs and David Jacobs, Jacobs Financial, were recognized as members of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). The MDRT is reserved for the top 1 percent of financial advisors worldwide. James is a lifetime member after 16 years of qualification into MDRT. Andrew and David have received recognition twice.

GNP Company honored GNP Company was honored for Top Workplace Giving by United Way of Central Minnesota. The company raised over $100,000 through team member and company fundraising. GNP Company was recognized with four awards: Best in Show, Best Giving Communities, Best Year-Round Partnership and Best Special Event.

Darren Mehr Greg E Theis Remodeling

Tom Sobieck Executive Express

BECOME A LEADER St. Cloud Area Leadership is designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership shares in building healthy communities. This program brings together men and women of diverse backgrounds who share a common commitment to the future of the St. Cloud area. St. Cloud Area Leadership: •• Grooms leaders who will contribute to your company •• Provides professional networking opportunities and enhanced community connections

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

•• Helps employees develop greater personal vision and confidence •• Reinforces skills and imparts new knowledge to employees

•• Provides greater understanding and a broader perspective of key issues in Central Minnesota •• Encourages networking among emerging and established leaders

NOW ONLINE

APPLY TODAY Applications for the Leadership program are available online at www.StCloudAreaChamber.com, select “Programs,” then “Leadership.” Applications must be submitted by May 31 to the St. Cloud Area Chamber

PEOPLE to KNOW Jesse Bowman Miller, Welle, Heiser & Co., Ltd.

Phone: (320) 253-9505 Email: jbowman@mwhco.com Chair, Chamber Open The Chamber Open is an annual networking event for all Chamber members. Volunteers organize the day’s activities, sell sponsorships and help the day of the Open. This year the Chamber Open is Monday, August 13 at Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Sartell.

of Commerce, PO Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302. Individuals who represent

Tony Goddard

an ethnic/minority community perspective

Paramount Arts Resource Trust

are encouraged to apply. For more information about participating in the 2012-13 St. Cloud Area Leadership program, call Gail Ivers at 320-251-2940, ext. 109.

Phone: (320) 240-0836 E-mail: tgoddard@paramountarts.org Chair, St. Cloud Area Chamber’s Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board The Chamber’s Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is dedicated to promoting the St. Cloud area as a premier visitor destination and encouraging community improvements that benefit residents and increase the economic impact of visitors. Members of the Advisory Board approve budgets, marketing campaigns, and recommend policy positions.

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

UPFRONT

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NETWORK

N E WS R EE L Keul joins Leighton Interactive Jennifer Keul was hired as an account manager at Leighton Interactive. Keul has over 9 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry. She will help support and expand the services of Leighton Interactive. Keul

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BUSINESS CALENDAR May-June 2012 •• Visit events.StCloudAreaChamber.com for a detailed calendar.

Can’t-miss opportunities to influence, promote, and learn MAY 15 & JUNE 14 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. May 15, hosted by Holiday Inn & Suites, 75 37th Ave. S., St. Cloud

Mireault joins HatlingFlint Joyce Mireault joins HatlingFlint Mireault as the director of client services. Mireault will be responsible for the development of integrated client marketing, communication and strategic plans and other marketing initiatives. HatlingFlint is a full-service marketing and communications agency based in St. Cloud with offices in Duluth, Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D.

Marco receives award, announces promotions, adds staff Marco, Inc. is the recipient of the 2012 Pro-Tech Service Excellence Award by Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. The award recognizes companies with the highest commitment to customer support and satisfaction. The following individuals have been promoted at Marco: Hal Balfour, Terri Gill, Jack Herold, Jim Maleska, Keith Plekkenpol, Greg Rolling, Greg Solarz, Chad Vukich, Fritz Wensel, and Brandon Zylka. The following were recently hired at Marco: Shaun Brady, Mandy Devorak, Hannah Hale, and Kristin Hiemenz.

Business After Hours

A complimentary open house for Chamber members and guests. Bring lots of business cards and prepare to grow your network!

MAY 24 & JUNE 28

Sauk Rapids Chamber 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For businesses interested in doing business in Sauk Rapids. Lunch is provided by the host when you register at least two days in advance.

May 24: hosted by Gaslight Creative at Good Shepherd Fellowship Hall, 325 11th St. S., Sauk Rapids; guest speaker Sue Christensen, Arise Home Health Care, presenting “Staff Motivation.” June 28: hosted by Falcon National Bank at the Sauk Rapids Pavilion, 100 River Ave. N., Sauk Rapids; guest speaker John Kramer, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation

MAY 16 & JUNE 20

Waite Park Chamber 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For businesses interested in doing business in Waite Park. Lunch is provided by the host when you register at least two days in advance.

May 16: Business Showcase featuring 12 Waite Park businesses at Waite Park City Hall, 19 13th Ave. N

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. June 14, hosted by Central MN Habitat for Humanity, 2801 W St. Germain St, St. Cloud

June 20: sponsored by Martin Marietta Materials at the Moose Family Center, 1300 3rd St N, Waite Park; the guest speaker will talk about designing an effective trade show booth MAY 2 & JUNE 6

Lunchtime Learning noon - 1 p.m. Educational networking events that give busy professionals a chance to stay on the cutting edge. Meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Chamber office, 110 6th Ave. S. Registration is required: $15 for Chamber members, $22 for the general public.

May 2: sponsored by Lesters Water Works with speaker Andrew Lasher, Stonebreakers Design, presenting “Revealing the Mystery of Search Engines.” June 6: sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio with speaker Briana Stonelake, Workplace Behavioral Solutions, presenting “Coping with Technology Addiction in the Workplace.”

MAY 10

Where’s the Money? Financing Your Small Business 8 - 10:30 a.m.

This workshop includes presentations from a variety of lenders explaining different types of funding – SBA, gap financing, crowd funding, and more – and how you can access the type of lending that works best for your company. Located at the Chamber office, 110 S 6th Ave.; $50 for Chamber members, $75 for the general public.

MAY 10

The Trust Edge 8 - 10 a.m. David Horsager, Minnesota native and author of the acclaimed business book The Trust Edge, is in St. Cloud at Calvary Community Church. He will explain how trust can help you gain faster results, deeper relationships, and a stronger bottom line. The program is sponsored by St. Cloud State University, and co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $25. Register online at scsutraining.com/trust

For information on these or other business events, call 320-251-2940. 16

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

IT HAPPENED WHEN?

Mark your calendar

May 1988

The 25th annual Business Awards Luncheon is May 3 at the Holiday Inn & Suites.

25 Years of Recognition

Nancy Fischer, A&N Convention Services, 1992 Athena Recipient

The first Small Business Council Awards Luncheon took place in May 1988. Today, under a new but similar name, the Business Awards Luncheon is celebrating 25 years of business excellence. Although the venue, awards, and name have changed, the idea is still the same: to recognize local Chamber members for their excellence in business and service to the community. In May 2012, the Chamber recognized one business for each of the following awards: •• Small Business Person of the Year •• Entrepreneurial Success Award

Darwin Bonn, (L) retired from Peters Body Shop, 1993 Small Business Person; Patty Yarbrough, formerly McKay’s Family Dodge, 2006 Entrepreneurial Success Award; Jim Nahan, retired, Nahan Printing, the program’s first Small Business Owner of the Year, selected in both 1988 and 1989.

Ron Schmitz, former owner of Ron’s Cabinets, the 1990 St. Cloud Area and Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year. Schmitz was the Chamber’s first recipient of the state entrepreneur award. In the past 25 years, 12 local winners have received state awards.

Work Smarter, Not\ Harder

•• Business Central Mark of Excellence

Feel like business shouldn’t be this difficult? Are you working harder than you need to? We can help you be more productive by organizing your business documents, information, and processes. With a document management system from Marco, we can save your staff time, improve your workflow, and eliminate redundancy. That means you’ll work smarter, not harder, to improve your bottom line. Not sure where to begin? Start by talking to us about your current business processes and systems. We’re all ears.

Learn about an easy and affordable solution for managing your organization’s documents. Visit www.marconet.com/WorkSmarter

marconet.com

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

UPFRONT

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NETWORK

N E WS R EE L CSB hires staff Tammy Moore has been named director of advancement Moore communications for the College of Saint Benedict. Moore oversees the development of a strategic communications/ marketing plan that supports the College of Saint Benedict’s fund raising efforts. Tim Benz has been named associate vice president of development Benz at the College of Saint Benedict. He is responsible for major gifts, planned giving, prospect research and campaign planning.

Bartlett named chairman of board John Bartlett, Automotive Parts Bartlett Headquarters, Inc., was named chairman of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance board of directors. He will serve a two-year term.

Brenny wins award Joyce Brenny, Brenny Transportation, Brenny Inc. and Brenny Specialized, Inc., is the recipient of the 2012 Influential Woman in Trucking award presented by Navistar, Inc. and the Women In Trucking Association. The annual award recognizes women who make important decisions and demonstrate responsibility and success in mentoring other women. Compiled by Whitney Bina For consideration in Business Central’s News Reel, please send press releases to Gail Ivers, Editor at givers@ StCloudAreaChamber.com

ReGIONAL ROUNDUP

Building Partnerships, Conserving Resources The City of Waite Park is working proactively to provide effective services in the new economic reality. By Rick Miller accommodate a new restaurant that serves the entire theater. •• KIA, 901 2nd St. S, purchased the property next door for a vehicle display area. Rick Miller, Mayor of Waite Park, delivers the State of the City Address in March.

e focused our efforts this past year on building partnerships and being creative in providing services. We relied more heavily on volunteers and we called on our citizens and businesses to help us reshape city services to ensure the future of Waite Park.

Partnerships The 3rd Street Trail, now known as the Healthy Living Trail, is a great example of partnerships involving city staff, volunteers, the Minnesota School of Business, and community businesses. The trail, along with its amenities, was completed in July 2011. The City partnered with the STAR Rail Group to add a caboose to the site along the 3rd Street parking lot area. This

CENSUS CHANGES

2000

2010

Population 6603

6715

Median Age 29.2

32.6

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

site will focus on preserving the railroad history in Waite Park and includes plans for additional rail cars and a museum. Volunteers have been important partners with the City of Waite Park this year. •• A group of volunteers, known as the Flowers for Waite Park, are maintaining all of the flower beds in the parks. •• Several boy scouts made planter boxes, park benches, and cleaned fire hydrants. •• RSVP Volunteers donated 1,006 service hours to our police department in 2011.

Business Development •• Starrett Tru-Stone Technologies Division, 1101

Prosper Drive, is adding 10,896 sf of production area. •• Hyundai, 900 2nd St. S, added 6,216 sf to their facility for an expanded vehicle service area and a car wash. •• Parkwood 17, 1533 Frontage Road N, redesigned their concession area and eliminated one of the theaters to

Conserving Resources This year we switched our health insurance to a new provider, saving the city over $70,000 while capping our health insurance costs for two

By the Numbers

2.9%

the 2012 budget increase for the City of Waite Park

>1%

the 2012 overall increase in the budget levy for the citizens of Waite Park In 2011 property tax valuations in the City of Waite Park decreased:

1-5%

for residential

8-12%

for agriculture

1-3%

for commercial/ industrial

FORWARD THINKING years. We also successfully settled our 2013-14 union contracts, which will help with budget planning for the next two years. Because of a retirement, we reduced our building and planning department staff by one, allowing us to address some of the decline we have seen in the building and planning area. We completed our connection to the St. Cloud Metro fiber network allowing Stearns County Informational Systems to host our police department data and records in a safe and secure environment. Waite Park, St. Cloud and Stearns County agreed to use a federal JAG grant for modifications to our existing

regional records management system and Communications Center. The City of Waite Park was included in a Federal Disaster Declaration for storms that hit Stearns County in July 2011. As a result, we expect to be reimbursed for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken by city staff as a result of these storms. BC Rick Miller is the mayor of the City of Waite Park.

The information here is excerpted from the 2012 Waite Park State of the City Address delivered in March. To read the entire address, visit www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com

Looking Ahead Recommendations from the Future Services Taskforce include: •• Enhance the City’s website and other technologies (currently underway in partnership with students from the Minnesota School of Business). •• Identify ways to make the community stand out in every aspect of service delivery. •• Devote time to education of city processes to alleviate the time spent on enforcement and compliance. •• Collaborate more efficiently with public safety services by identifying ways that we can share resources with other agencies and reduce our overall demand for service.

move without moaning When movement means pain, it’s time to act. St. Cloud Orthopedics will help you get back up to speed.

re bound

(verb) recover in strength after a previous decrease or decline See also: St. Cloud Orthopedics In 2011, our physicians helped over . 54,000 patients get back on their feet

1901 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell StCloudOrthopedics.com 320.259.4100 orthopedics redefined

Knee & Shoulder • Joint Replacement • Sports Medicine • Hand Center • Trauma • Spine Center • Foot & Ankle • Physical & Occupational Therapy

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

UPFRONT

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NETWORK CENTRAL

Network Central

Profıt!

Vendors and attendees braved the only winter snowstorm of the year to participate in the 2012 Central Minnesota Farm Show sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Lisa Crayford, Country Gallery Photography Studio

Dairyland Supply Long-time Farm Show exhibitor, Dairyland Supply, conducted business despite the weather.

Making Sales! The Farm Show filled the newly expanded River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.

Arnold’s Equipment Over 3,000 people attended the 2012 Farm Show.

Doing Business Exhibitors included everything from feed and seed companies to equipment manufacturers, to agri-business lenders.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Midsota Manufacturing Midsota Manufacturing was among 200+ exhibitors at the 2012 show.

Traut Wells Skip Lock, service manager, Mark J. Taut Wells

Network!

There was plenty to see and do when the Northwest Professional Center businesses hosted Business After Hours in January.

Tracy Zwilling, Chicks Magazine (L) and Angie Hill, Restoration Professionals

Steve Gerberding, Adult & Pediatric Urology

Jacki Templin, Plaza Park Bank

Mark Fitch (L) and Jason Ellering, both of SCR

Julie Whitney, U.S. Bank and Dave Corneil, CDS

Steve Anderson, The Apothecary (L) and Todd Brinkman, KASM/KDDG

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

TOP HATS | New Members

We’ll make sure your meeting hits the jackpot. Let us make your next meeting, banquet, or special event truly memorable. With two spacious casino hotels, 24-hour gaming action and award-winning dining, we

Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events & Convention Center

Grand Casino Hinckley Events & Convention Center

For more details, call 800-626-5825, ext. 8515

For more details, call 877-447-2631

Cook Counseling Services, counseling on a variety of issues in Central Minnesota, offering in-home therapy, 606 25th Ave. S, Suite 209, St. Cloud. Pictured: Lucy Morreim Hargrove, Kelly Cook and Inese Mehr.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank, 1301 2nd St. N, Sauk Rapids.Pictured: Tauna Quimby, Dawn Martin-Wheeler, Wendy Randall, Eric Peterson, Mo Durheim, Patty Schlichting, Sara Martin, Roger Poganski and Luke Cesnik.

Personal Touch Travel, 217 7th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Bob Lien, Julia & Greg Hayenga, and Roger Schleper.

Daylily Spa Salon, massage, salon, 3959 2nd St. S, Suite 302, St. Cloud. Pictured: Chris Panek, Katie Schmitz, Stephanie Lewis and Jill Magelssen.

Granite City Counseling, private mental health clinic, 818 2nd St. S, Suite 180, Waite Park. Pictured: Brenda Eisenschenk, Chad Bosl, Diane Bosl and Jill Magelssen.

Insperity, human resources and benefits outsourcing, 4400 W 78th St., Suite 500, Bloomington. Pictured: Chris Panek, Kristen Baas and Diane Ohmann.

grandcasinomn.com

364-11190

Trim

3.625” x 4.875”

Grand Casino

Bleed

3.875” x 5.125”

Mtg & Con. Ad Quarter Page

Live

December 16, 2011 12 p.m. Output Date

12/16/11

% Printed

100

364-11190 Meeting & Convention Print Ad [3.625x4.875]

Notes CD

Chris Preston

Anne Taylor

Terry Thomas

Laura Linn

Mark Jenson

Krista Kraabel

Quarter page ad

Motel 6, 815 1st St. S, Waite Park. Pictured: Chris Panek, Erin Fields, Louise Schmitt and Jill Magelssen.

Tru-Stone Technologies, Inc., provider of precision granite and other mediums, 1101 Prosper Drive, Waite Park. Pictured: Bob Lien, Joe Erkens, Carlo Schwinn and Jason Bernick.

Wells Fargo Advisors, retirement planning for businesses and individuals, 109 NE 5th St., Suite 2, Little Falls. Pictured: Kris Nelson, Dan Chapman and Diane Ohmann.

Rural AIDS Action Network, a non-profit, community based organization providing support for people affected by HIV/AIDS, 300 E St. Germain St., Suite 220, St. Cloud. Pictured: Roger Schleper, Chris Bernard, Charles Hempeck, Kathryn Hansen, Roger Ernst, and Debbie Gazett.

Not a Chamber member yet? Call Wendy Franzwa, Membership Sales Specialist at (320) 656-3834 for more information. 22

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

TOP HATS | New Members

WORKING WITH PEOPLE, NOT JUST NUMB3RS.

Personal Touch Travel, 217 7th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Bob Lien, Julia & Greg Hayenga, and Roger Schleper.

T. R. Fox Properties, 2872 7th St. N, St. Cloud. Pictured: Bob Lien, Jill Fox and Inese Mehr.

TOP HATS | New Business

TOP HATS | Milestones CORY RITTER & AL GARBER, C.P.A.’S with Luke, Greg & Debby Dahlheimer of Dahlheimer Beverage, LLC

Sheets Galore, high quality sheets, 2419 Serenity Drive, St. Cloud. Pictured: Diane Ohmann, Dale Hellickson and Brenda Eisenschenk.

25 year Chamber member Prudential Pladson Realty, 2680 W St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Pictured: Bob Lien, Sue Pladson and Inese Mehr.

TOP HATS | Milestones

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

www.swcocpas.com Little Falls 320.632.6311 Albany 320.845.2940

Maple Lake 320.963.5414 Monticello 763.295.5070

St. Cloud 320.251.0286

An Independently Owned Member, McGladrey Alliance

BC Jan-Feb 2012 Ad_Layout 1 11/28/11 4:33 PM Page 1

20 years in business Central Minnesota Driving Academy, 1949 W Division, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jill Magelssen, Dave Kleis and Inese Mehr.

50 years in business Finken Water Center, water treatment, drinking water systems, home and office coffee systems, 3423 County Rd 74, St. Cloud. Pictured: Inese Mehr, Tom Finken, Wif Finken and Bob Lien.

TOP HATS | New Locations, New Ownerships & Expansions

Strategic Equipment & Supply, 1203 33rd St. S, St. Cloud, restaurant equipment and supplies, including paper and disposables, cleaning supplies, and laundry chemicals. Pictured: Jayne Greeney Schill, Dean Anderson, Hoobie Eskuri and Diane Ohmann.

ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION SERVICES SERVICES

Delivering Creativity, Results, & Rock Solid Dependability

Pawn America/Payday America, a leading purchaser and reseller of consumer goods, 2550 W Division St., St. Cloud. Pictured: Kris Nelson, Andy Frauenholtz, Chuck Armstrong and Bob Lien.

Since 1874

Single source. Superior service. Remarkable results. Stearns Electric Association, 29643 Frontage Road, St. Joseph. Pictured: Jason Bernick, Dave Gruenes and Kris Nelson.

Opportunity Manor, residential services, transitional education options, adult day services and direct care to people with disabilities, 701 23rd Street S, Sartell. Pictured: Dolora Musech, Regan Stommes, Brenda Eggerth, Rhonda Sargeant and Roger Schleper.

3 2 0 . 2 51. 4 10 9 • w w w. m i l l e r a b . c o m

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

Entrepreneurism

Tech Strategies

Tech News

Working Well

Economic Central presented by Falcon Bank

BUSINESS TOOLS

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NE T W O R K

PROFIT

RESOURCES THAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

Entrepreneurism

Work for The Man, or be The Man? Your choice. Going on your own can be rewarding … when you make the right choice for the right reasons. By mary macdonell belisle

If you don’t have a passion for fulfilling a need, stay put.

oy Orbison’s soul song, “Working for the Man,” expresses the truly American sentiment of becoming the boss. “So I slave all day without much pay ‘cuz I’m just abiding my time, ‘cuz the company and the daughter, you see, they’re both gonna be all mine.” Why do employees become The Man? Make a better world. “I started AIS Planning to advocate for people’s passions,” says St. Cloud’s Mike Sipe, CPA/CFP, who celebrated 13 years of business ownership in March, after leaving a local broker/dealer. “My company’s philosophy is that of questioning, listening, and acting to enrich lives.”

Feel better about yourself. “I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change a thing,” says InteleCONNECT’s Brenda Eisenschenk. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit to own something and take a risk.” However, she didn’t assume emotional, familial, and financial risks lightly. The CEO built on 10 years of telecommunications experience and, with her husband Keith, CFO, spent months of “late nights and weekends” working with their accountant, financial planner, and lawyer before incorporating in 2007. “You wear every hat, work long, unglamorous hours, assume financial risk and worry, and handle accounting, customer service, marketing, and contract negotiations as the boss,” says Eisenschenk. If you haven’t the stamina, let another carry the load. Follow an opportunity. Tracy Zwilling was employed as a graphic designer before freelance work as Trace Design became a home-based business in 1994. “Somewhat by accident” she acquired a publishing contract that spurred company growth into full-time design and publishing. Business growth continues with her own Ch!cks Magazine. “I wanted control over editorial and design,” says Zwilling. “I’m sure I’ve made every mistake in the book, but (my company) is successful.”

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

If you can’t make mistakes . . . Seek autonomy. “Autonomy is a huge motivator for me,” says Brian Hart, owner of Sandler Training of St. Cloud since October. Hart’s department at Wolters Kluwer was downsized and although he was offered another role, he parted company. “It was time to begin my own enterprise.” He explored business options for six months, and signed his franchise agreement in August. If the buck won’t stop with you, forget being the boss. Need a challenge. An owner faces new challenges everyday: hiring, expansion, technology, adjusting for variables – financial markets, the economy, and geo-political forces – profit margins, customer satisfaction. It’s very exciting and rewarding, for some. “People start working with us and will self-eliminate when they realize all the steps and hard work involved in launching a successful small business,” says Barry Kirchoff, Director of the Small Business Development Center in St. Cloud. If you crave security, don’t become a business owner. BC mary macdonell belisle is a freelance writer-for-hire, located in St. Cloud.

DOING GOOD

Giving Back

Local businesses make an impact through St. Cloud Area Business Gives program. The more one gives, the more one receives. St. Cloud Area Business Gives is designed to motivate, educate, and recognize local businesses that give staff time, money and resources to charitable organizations. St. Cloud Area Business Gives is coordinated by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and based on the Minnesota Keystone standard. It provides an opportunity to showcase businesses that are contributing to the quality of life in the St. Cloud area. Businesses are recognized that give cash and/or in-kind contributions to charitable organizations amounting to 2 percent or more on their pretax earnings. In 2011, 17 St. Cloud area businesses gave and were recognized by the program: •• Bernick’s-Beverages & Vending •• Bremer, St. Cloud, N.A. •• Brenny Transportation, Inc. •• Bursch Travel Agency, Inc. •• Coborn’s Inc. •• Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP •• GNP Company •• Heartland Glass Co., Inc. •• Laraway Financial Advisors, Inc. •• Leonard, Street and Deinard Professional Association •• Marco, Inc. •• Netgain Technology •• Quick Fix Massage Shop •• St. Cloud Truck Sales, Inc. •• Th!nk Creative Advertising, Inc. •• The Write Advantage •• Wells Fargo Bank

A Tradition of Building Success for Almost 60 Years You can depend on Rice Building Systems to handle everything from concept and design all the way through the completion of your project. When you choose Rice Building Systems, you also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is guaranteed for years to come. We call it The Rice Difference. Building Relationships Since 1953 1019 Industrial Drive South, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 • 320.252.0404 www.ricebuildingsystems.com BB-9836_Rice_Marco_BusCent_Ad_km_SQ.indd 1

12/5/11 1:40:00 PM

FAST & FLEXIBLE

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Trucking Company $249,000

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Sporting Goods Store $252,900 stearnsbank.com/sba

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

BUSINESS TOOLS

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G R OW

TECH STRATEGIES

Follow the Leader

The social media market is taking on new life at almost every turn. Knowing what tool to use and how to effectively leverage it for your business can be challenging. By Dawn Zimmerman

When you are not sure where you are going, follow the leader. The same is true when navigating the opportunity-rich world of social media.

tools and keep you thinking about whether or not they could apply to you, sign up for RSS feeds or e-updates from social media sources such as mashable.com or eMarketer.

oday, social media embodies so much of how we communicate and connect with one another. But it hasn’t always been that way. Only six years ago, YouTube was just getting started, Facebook was limited to college and high school students, and a select few were dabbling in apps. The shift is both sudden and significant. YouTube surpassed Google as the top search engine last year and now Facebook is closing in on Google. Not to mention, new apps are arriving daily – literally.

So, how do you keep up? We learned the answer in preschool. When you are not sure where you are going, follow the leader. The same is true when navigating the opportunity-rich world of social media. Here’s a look at who to follow to stay in step: Follow the news. Whether it’s skyrocketing growth, buy outs or a significant change to a platform, social media providers make national headlines. But the everyday stories are important, too. To keep you apprised of the new

Follow the trends and statistics. A variety of sources are publishing data, analysis and insights on digital marketing and media. Nielsen and Pew Research Center provide thorough, un-biased statistics on demographics, usage and future expectations. Each social media platform also provides statistics on usage. Follow social brands. The key to success in business is surrounding yourself with smart people. You can apply the same principle to social media. Any organization can participate in – and even leverage – social media,

but few are recognized social brands – nationally or locally. Identify the brands that have the most followers – and high follower engagement in your industry and your community. Follow them publicly (as a fan) or quietly by reviewing their activity on a regular basis to generate ideas that you can apply to your efforts. Follow industry leaders. That may include competitors, but it also includes individuals and companies that specialize in implementing social media tools for organizations like yours. Search LinkedIn for groups to join, subscribe to blogs or follow feeds that share best practices on social media use. Hone in on measurable results. When organizations say they were successful, dig deeper. Ask how they define success and what metrics they use. BC

About the writer Dawn Zimmerman is CEO of The Write Advantage, a St. Cloud-based communications company that specializes in social media.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

TECH NEWS

Is it real…or is it Memorex?

TECH NEWS

actor pretending to be a mannequin? Or a mannequin pretending to be a person? If you’re in Tokyo, it’s probably Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro’s life-like female robot. She smiles, winks, and yawns, performing 60 different facial features in all. The robot sits quietly in the store window until passers-by approach and trigger her facial recognition software that causes her to interact with window shoppers.

New uses for satellite navigation could result in a personal device that allows blind people to give directions to a taxi driver. Called ‘Tormes,’ the handheld device is a computer with a Braille keyboard and satellite navigation technology. It can speak to users, guiding them where they want to go, or telling them where they are.

Source: PSFK

Is the mannequin in the store window that just winked at you an

ONLINE Now Check out the video at BusinessCentralMagazine.com

BY THE NUMBERS

Technology capabilities outpace behavior change

39% are as comfortable

63% are not as comfortable

A Harris Interactive poll of more than 2,000 American adults shows:

5% have scanned their phone for admission to a movie or as an airline ticket.

30% say mobile phone

using a mobile app to make purchases at a retailer as they are with a gift card.

making store purchases using a mobile app vs. the actual credit card.

payment apps will never exceed cash payments.

Beyond GPS

Source: European Space Agency

Our Focus: Your Child Because he means so much to you When your child is sick, you can’t rest until you know he’s in the right hands. That’s why our pediatrics staff is specially trained to care for children. Your pediatrician will help you both feel calm and comfortable during every visit. You can relax knowing your child will receive gentle care from someone you both trust. It’s the genuine care and respect we have for our patients that make the difference.

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BUSINESS TOOLS

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G R OW

Working WELL

Not all employee wellness programs have to have a price tag.

•• Encourage physical activity breaks during long meetings and conferences.

Healthcare reform may be all over the news, but its impact is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, here are a few wellness ideas that can be adapted to any workplace and will help keep your employee healthy – with or without reform.

•• Start a running club, biking club, in-line skaters club, or line dancing club. •• Ask your vending machine company to add healthy foods. •• Distribute safety information before long holiday weekends.

•• Replace the traditional cookie exchange with a home-grown fruit and vegetable exchange. •• Encourage laughter to reduce stress at the worksite. •• Encourage staff to take meal breaks. •• Provide flu shots at the worksite or make schedules of community clinics available.

Source: New York State Department of Health

HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY. UNLEASHING

YOUR POTENTIAL.

Call today for all your IT n e e d s : • Web Site Design and Development • Content Management Systems (CMS) • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • E-commerce

866.374.9066 www.jdb.com

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B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

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

Tech NEWS

Staggering new data on identity theft

Stealing personal data is a full-fledged industry. The culprit is formalized, automated attacks carried out on businesses that store your data for future purchases. A recent study by Verizon showed over 98 percent of the threat agents used to acquire data originate from outside the organization – meaning it’s not the employees who are doing the stealing. At greatest risk are the small, privately owned companies that don’t have anyone helping them with IT services. Not scared? Try this: Verizon studied 855 high-level data center incursions in 2011 and found 174,083,317 compromised data records. Source: ReadWriteWeb; you can read the entire story at www.BusinessCentralMagazine.com

Come Fly Away

Commercial air service may soon return to the St. Cloud Regional Airport. Since early February, more than 95 businesses and individuals in the region have committed to book more than $2 million in inbound and outbound flights for the potential new air service between St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago. The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, which is leading the charge to bring air service back to the region, has a goal to raise $5 million in partnership agreements for the first year of air service. ONLINE Now You can learn more at www.letsgostc.com.

Do You Tweet?

Many do, but few understand why. According to a survey by eMarketer, business with 100 or more employees doubled their use of social media marketing between 2008 and 2011. But many still don’t have a plan. That’s where social media consultants come in. Anyone who truly understands the multifaceted marketing opportunities of social media may be able to turn that knowledge into a thriving consultancy. Source: BusinessNewsDaily

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M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

ECONOMY CENTRAL

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PRESENTED BY FALCON BANK

Up…Down…Flat

By The NUMBERs

Economists agree: The Great Recession is over. But where and when true growth will occur is anyone’s guess.

By Whitney Bina

Steve Hine, MN-DEED Focus: Minnesota’s Economy Hine says Minnesota is almost back to the average before recession in these areas: •• Unemployment ratios •• Job openings •• Hours of average work per week •• Average income

Areas where growth is expected: •• Professional and business services •• Health care

Areas most improved over 2011: •• Construction •• Financial activities •• Leisure and hospitality

Banaian believes the recession is over but the economy is not good yet. He thinks the relapse of a recession is no longer a threat.

Anderson believes there is economic growth occurring based on: •• Increase in residential construction •• Credit and lending growth •• Job growth

Potential risks include: •• Euro-zone Recession •• Policy mistakes in China •• Rise in gas and oil prices

Areas of growth: •• Education and healthcare •• Information systems •• Professionals and business services

Potential risk: •• Drought

No one knows where the economy will be in a year, but it is safe to say improvements continue. One thing all the economists agreed on is that “The Great Recession” hit the United States hard and we will most likely be recovering for at least a few more years. BC

About the writer Whitney Bina is the communications and workforce development coordinator at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Overall, it appears small business owners are feeling optimistic about today’s economy. Of those businesses that responded to a Citibank survey:

87%

believe 2012 will be better or about the same as 2011. King Banaian, SCSU Focus: Minnesota’s Economy

Scott Anderson, Wells Fargo Focus: United States Economy

Optimism Reigns

40%

describe business conditions as good or excellent, a 6-point increase from Citibank’s September survey and a 7 percent increase year-over year.

77%

are still concerned about a double dip recession, versus 90 percent in Citibank’s September 2011 survey.

78%

still believe they are prepared for another economic downturn.

Economy Central presented by

Source: Citibank small business survey, February 2012

he economy appears to be improving as 2012 moves along, but what is really going on? Although no one knows exactly what the economy will do this year, the Annual Economic Outlook panel shared their predictions at the 50th Annual St. Cloud State University Winter Institute earlier this year. The Economic Outlook panel members were Scott Anderson, Wells Fargo; King Banaian, St. Cloud State University; James Hamilton, University of CaliforniaSan Diego; and Steve Hine, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Half of the panel focused on the national economy and the others focused on Minnesota’s economy. All panel members agreed that the economy was slowly growing. “There is growth. Disappointing growth, but still better than last year,” said Hamilton. Here’s a quick look at what each panel member had to say:

Economic Indicators Trends Sartell St. & Cloud

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RESIDENTIAL PERMITS BUILDING PERMITS

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RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RESIDENTIAL PERMITS BUILDING PERMITS $2M

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1.0

15 -1.5

0.5

10 -2.0 M

N N/A

10%

Local Nonfarm JobsHo Median 1.5

25 -0.5

$200,000

0.8

$150,000

0.0

SA 0.6

-0.5

0.4 -1.0 SM OA N M D J

O N D J F United States St. Cloud 0.0 Minneapolis/St. Paul Rochester -0.2 N

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

St. Cloud Minneapolis/St. P 6% Rochester

$100,000 S

-1.5 Minneapolis/St. Paul 0.2 Minnesota Benton & Stearns Counties United States Minnesota -2.0 $50,000

XXXX XXXX X XXX XXX

F M A M J

Minnesota Unemploy Nonfarm J

$150,0000.0

STEARNS COUNTY

St. Cloud -1.5 Paul Minneapolis/St. Minnesota United States $50,000 -2.0

S M O A N M D J

J F M A M J J A Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions Median Housing Prices 1.5 1.5

MINNESOTA

$250,000

N/A $300

0.0

2.0 MS

4th Quarter

$1M N

XXXX

1.3%

$500000 8%

$0 J J FA MS 0.5J F0.4% 13

MINNESOTA - MONTHLY % CHANGE - MONTHLY % CHANGE MINNESOTA

$2M

O 1.8% $300,000

$50,000 15

1 of permits 0 0 50 No.

Minnesota Nonfarm Jobs Minnesota Nonfarm$50,000 Jobs

$100,000

D J F $0 J J FA

$1000000 J F A MS A O MN J D J J A F S

$20,000 1.0

10 $0 N M

Local Nonfarm Jobs Local Nonfarm Jobs

J 1st AQuarter S O 2nd N Quarter D J

2.0

O A

St. Cloud 35 Minneapolis/St. Paul $200,000 Minnesota United 30 States

F Quarter 3rd

$2000000

3$40,000 23 5 3 10 2 7 3 1012 9 2311 5 13 10 No.12 of permits

6% $100,000

A 0

A S O $150,000

M 0

$50,000 15

St. Cloud Source: $50,000 www.positivelyminnesota.com 10 4% $0 Minneapolis/St. Paul $0 J F M A M J F J M A A SM OJ NJ J FA M S AO M N JD JJ AF S O N D J F Minnesota 0.4% BENTON AND STEARNS COUNTY MONTHLY % CHANGE - MONTHLY 5 BENTON AND -STEARNS COUNTY % CHANGE United States

MINNESOTA - MONTHLY % CHANGE- MONTHLY % CHANGE MINNESOTA

$900

$250,000

$300,000 STEARNS COUNTY

1.3% 8%

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT COMMERCIA

$1000000

Median Housing Prices Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions 1.8% MINNESOTA

No. of permits 0

$1500000

$100,000

$350,000

$200,000

OM NJ $0DJ

No. of permits 3

ST. CLOUD

10%

J 1stAQuarter S O 2nd N Quarter D J F M N/A

Minnesota Nonfarm Jobs Minnesota Nonfarm Jobs F

COUNTRY WIDE

-1.0% $150,000 4% M JJ JF A M SA O M NJ 0.5 J F 0.4%

11 M

$28,785

Unemployment Rates Food & Be

2.8%

N/A

-1.5%

Unemployment Rates Food & Beverage Tax Collections 0.5 0.5

1.0

5 0

F N/A

1.0%

6%0.0%

15 N/A

1.8%

MINNESOTA

$200,000 4th Quarter M A M

3.0 1.5%

2.8%

30 $60,000 10 4% J J F A MS A O MN J D J J A F S O N D J F -0.6 $150,000 $0 2.0 $0 F M A M J J F AM S A OM N J D J J A F S 25 5 -0.8 $40,000 No. of permits 3 2 3 12 23 5 10 7 10 9 11 13 No. of permits 3 1 2 3 12 23 5 10 7

COUNTRY WIDE 10%

3.0

$250,000

Median Housing Prices Median Housing Prices0.5 J A FS

35 30

XXXX $1000000

$100,000 20

nemployment Rates Unemployment Rates Economy Central presented by 1st Quarter

XXXX XXXX XXXX

Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions Gross Domestic Product

-0.4

10%

$1500000

2nd Quarter

Source: www.positivelyminnesota.com 0

uctions oreclosure Auctions 0.4% 0.5

0.0

-0.4

XXXX F

-0.2

$900

0.4%O

1.8%

$1500000

$100,000

0.0

1.3% $50,000

M60 J

2.8%

8% Food & Beverage Tax Tax Collections Lodging Dollars

1.8% 25 $300,000 STEARNS COUNTY2011 QUARTERLY % CHANGE IN REAL GDP 0.2

$100,000

$50,000 $900 1.0

0.4 F D J F $0 J F A M S A O M N J D 0.5 J J A FS 0.2 0No. of 1 permits 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

J D J J A F S $0 F M A

0,000 o. of permits 1.5

0.4

$1M

0,000$.5M 2.5

$100,000

$3,105,391

150 8%

0,000

2.5 $200,000

0.8

$3,105,391

$250,000

$3,105,391

ST. CLOUD

$60,000

Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Gross Domestic Auctions Product

$3,105,391

. CLOUD

$1.5M

1.0

$3,536,834

5,000,000.00

3.0 $250,000

odging TaxHome Dollars Sales Closed - Total $1.5M

JF -0.6 AM $150,000 SA OM NJ DJ JA FS O N D J F $0 $0 F M A M J J S FA M F -0.8 No. of permits 0 0 0 $40,000 1 of permits 0 0 50 50 No. 11 14 -1.0 J F 3rd Quarter

$.5M

N/A

$300,000 QUARTERLY % CHANGE IN REAL GDP STEARNS COUNTY2011 $100,000 3.0 40 2.8% $250,000 $1500000 $1.5M $500000 $500000 $80,000 35 COUNTRY WIDE ST. CLOUD $300 2.5 N/A $300 $200,000 10% $350,000 30 $60,000

$200,000

COUNTRY WIDE COUNTRY WIDE 2011-2012 COUNTRY WIDE - % CHANGE COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED $350,000 10% $350,000 10% 0 $0 $0 0 0 $0 $2M $2000000 F M A M J J $2M A S F OM N A DM J J F J F M A M $2000000 J JF AM SA OM NJ DJ JA FS F M A M J J FA A S O N D J F O N D J F 10% 2.0% $300,000 NGE 2011 QUARTERLY % $300,000 CHANGE UNITED IN REAL STATES GDP - MONTHLY % CHANGE STEARNS COUNTY2011 QUARTERLY % CHANGE IN REAL GDP

Gross Domestic United ProductStates Nonfarm Jobs

$1000000

2nd Quarter

$.5M

Gross Domestic Product Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions

$120,000

Unemployment Rates Unemployment $50,000 Non Farm JobsRates$20,000

$1500000

$1.5M

XXXX

$8,99

Lodging Dollars Food & Beverage Tax Tax Collections St. Joe St. Augu ST. CLOUD ST. CLOUD

ST. CLOUD$900

$900

0.4% S

Food2.8% & Beverage Tax Tax Collections Lodging Dollars

1.8%

1.5

30 30 Food & Beverage Tax Collections ax Dollars Food & Beverage Tax Collections $20,000 Rates St. AugustaUnemployment St. Joe ST. CLOUD ST. CLOUD St. Augusta St. Joe COUNTRY WIDE

arm Jobs

$2M

0.4 $1M $1M $0 M60 A MS A O MN J D J J A F S O N J JF J F$300,000 0.2 $100,000 07No.23 1of permits 0 00 00 00 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 N/A AD

UNITED STATES 2011 QUARTERLY % CHANGE IN REAL GDP - MONTHLY % CHANGE $100,000 120 1.0 3.0

$1.5M $.5M

$28,785ST.

$1M $1M $0 $0 OA NM F DJ M JJ A FA M S J O J NFA DM

St. Joe

$2M

D 7

$1.5M $.5M

$8,990

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, BUILDING CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED $350,000 $120,000

$1M

Lodging TaxHome Dollars $80,000 Sales Closed - Total

$.5M

$1.5M

147 0 17 13 45 74 5 4 5 8 0 2 No. 133 of 4permits 15No.11 5of permits 14 0 12 1 11 7319 13322 No. 11 9 44of3permits 0 6

N D $0 J AF

Gross Domestic United ProductStates Nonfarm Jobs

$1M$2M

Employment

A M 11 10

$1.5M

XXXX

$8,990

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED 150 $120,000

-0.4 S

F A

0 of 1permits 3 93 No.

$250,000 1.3% 30 30 $.5M $.5M $.5M $80,000$.5M $20,000Sartell, Waite Park, St. N/A $80,000 -0.2 -0.2 Building departments for the following cities: St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sources: Augusta, and St. Joseph. $28,785 $8,990 $28,785 90

= exceeds chart scale $.5M

N $0

$1.5M

0.4 $1M $1.5M $0 $0 $0 J A FS M S A O M NF J DMJ JA A FMS J O J NF ADM S JA O FM N J D J 60 OF 0.2 5 o. 120 10No. 19 190 1231 2347 2710 2 27 17 5 of3permits 0 0 1 13 3 74 3 11 11 14 11 1719 14 4 19 6 No. of 3permits 12 5of23permits $1M 15 0.0

$1M

$.5M 0.8 $28,785 0.6

$.5M

$2M $8,990 BENTON COUNTY

150

UNITED STATES - MONTHLY % CHANGE 120

$2.5M

$8,990

J M

$1.5M

ome Sales Closed - Total Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions

CLOUD

United States Nonfarm Jobs

$3M $1M

$1.5M $.5M

D F

No. of permits 1

$0 J AF

$2M $1M N

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDA 0 $0 $2000000 $2000000

Home Sales Closed Sheriff - Total ’s Foreclosure Auctions Lodging TaxHome Dollars Sales Closed - Total Waite Park Sauk Rapids ST. CLOUD St. Augusta Waite Park ST. CLOUD BENTON COUNTY ST. CLOUD

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED 150 $2M $1M

$18,500

$3,536,834

31 30

St. Joe

$3,536,834

SM OA NM DJ

$3,536,834

M JJ FJ S F O M N A D$0 F M

5,000,000.00

5 of1permits 3 832 28 No. 51

$46,659,823

M 10

$20,000

$28,785

5,000,000.00

$0 J AF

5,000,000.00

of permits 9

$2M $0 M J

$40,000 65 No.53of permits 2 4

$1.5M $.5M

$.5M

30 $8,990

$.5M

ITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITSBUILDING PERMITS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITSBUILDING PERMITS AL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL 0 0 0 $2M $2M $2M $2M $2M $2M $2M

$18,600

$0 60 S FO MN AD M J JF

N M

N/A

$28,785

$1M $0 M JF O N

A S

$1.5M

$18,600

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT COMMERCIA

$2M $1M $0$1M J F AM S A OM N J D J J A F S

$80,000$.5M

No. 10 11 of53permits 50 131

M A

239No. 340of permits 0 0 37of 1permits 43 55 1 52 5 27 No. 57 324 93

St. Joe

$18,500

22No.120 44 147 1711 4519 4422 5044 271477 1723 45N/A44 of permits

$60,000

$0 $0 J S FO MN AD MJ J F F

No. of permits 11 19

$8,990

$.5M

$100,000

$1.5M $.5M

$1.5M

$1.5M $.5M

$18,500

$0 F S FO MN AD MJ

J A

$1.5M $.5M

$2M $1M N D

O 17

$1.5M $.5M

$1.5M $0 $0 F M A J J A S S O N D J F M F M A $2M No. permits 23 39 10 40 14 43 38 55 41 of 42 31 641 13 27 No. 28 of44 permits $1M

$2M $1M J F A MS A O MN J D J J A F S

10No.19 19 123 23 4 2710 1719 4 19 6 12 5 23 2 27 of permits $1M 15

$.5M

$1M

No. of permits 3 120

$1.5M

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED 150 $120,000

$3,105,391

4 8 $2.5M

$46,659,823

$2M

5,000,000.00

$3M $1M N D

$1.5M

$.5M

$3,105,391

0 No. 6of permits 5$2M3 5 2 3 4 0 4 6 8 5 2 3 3 2 0 4

$2M

$3,105,391

$46,115,239

$2M $1M J F A MS A O MN J D J J A F S

$2M

$1M$2M

$46,659,823

$.5M

$2.5M

$1.5M $.5M

$3,425,316

$1.5M$0

$2M $1M

$2M

Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions Sales Closed - Total Home Sales Closed - Total Lodging TaxHome Dollars Waite Park Sauk Rapids ST. CLOUD St. Augusta Waite P BENTON COUNTY ST. CLOUD ST. CLOUD

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED 150

No. of permits 5 $1M 15

$23,294,590

$3M

$5,434,857

$2M

$3,425,316

$.5M

$5,173,500

$4M $.5M

$23,240,100

$1.5M

$10,914,217

$2M

$1.5M

$2M

$3M $1M

$46,659,823

$.5M

$46,115,239

$.5M

St. Cloud

$3M $5M $1M $1M MS A O MN J D J J A F S O N

$5,434,857

Sheriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions Sauk Rapids Sartell BENTON COUNTY

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED$3M

13 5523 5244 27 3937 4057 43 24 55 $2.5M

$23,294,590

$4M

$2M $1M

$2M

$3,425,316

$1.5M

$5,173,500

Sartell

$2.5M

$10,914,217

$46,115,239

$23,294,590

$5,434,857

$1.5M

$2M

$5M $1M

$3M $1M

$2M

$23,240,100

$2M

4% M

FJ MJ A

$8,990

$1M

$250,000

$150,000

$.5M 8% $0

40,000

ECONOMY CENTRAL

$100,000

$0 N/A $150,000F M A M BY J JFALCON A S O N BANK D J F PRESENTED

$50,000

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$200,000

20,000

No. of permits 9

$1M $.5M $200,000 F M A M J J A S O N D $28,785 No. of permits 41 58 136 224 200 233 256 241 206 106 62 $0

$300,000

60,000

10%

$250,000

$1.5M $.5M

$100,000

XXXX 25

N/A J

No. of permits 6% 1

Economic Indicators & Trends $50,000 Waite Park St. Augusta Sartell Sauk Rapids St. Cloud F

N $8,990 D J

No. of permits 10 14

41 121 152 141 59

ST. CLOUD

$120,000 heriff ’s Foreclosure Auctions Home Sales Closed - Total

MINNESOTA $200,000 $3M

$1M

No. 10 of permits 10 14

60 $20,000 A M

$0 J F A MS AO MN J D J J A F S

38 No. 44of permits 37 41 5121 3152 0141 659 542 317 227 4

$100,000 30$0 F

4 N

D N/AJ

N 8

J $50,000 J F AM S A OMN J D J J A F S

2.5%

$1.5M

0.6

$1M

No. of permits 5

J F-1.0 J A

$350,000

$1M

XXX A

No. of permits 0.0 6

0.8

8% $300,000

-2.0

$0 A MF

$18,600

M 2006

M J 2007

A 2008

-0.2

O 2009

Mpls/St.Paul

M Minnesota A M J

United States

J M

0.0

D 2010

$0 M

$1M

JN A D S

0.0 8% -0.5

N/A

$0 St. Cloud $0 F M AF MM JA6%JM AJ SJ -1.5 Minneapolis/St. Paul 23 N/A No. of1 permits No. of permits 19 19 312 5 03 14 10 3 3 11 Minnesota United States -2.0 J

N/A D

1st Quarter

COUNTRY 1.5 WIDE 10% 1.0

-1.0

4% $50,000 J

$1M

Unemplo

1.3%

-2.0%5 No. 2 of permits No. 11 45 44 50 27 31 No. 03 of86permits 5 31 3 19 4 147 217 3 0 0.4% 9 of10permits 5 5 $100,000 28 42St.22 84 944 68 Cloud 0.5 0.0

$1.5M

0.5

1.0

JOM FNJ

2.0

$1.5M

1.8% = exceeds chart scale $.5M $.5M

1.5

= exceeds chart $0 scale JA AM SJ OJF NAM DSA

Minneso

$2M

2.8%

F 0.2 M

MINNESOTA -

4-0.6 6

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PE COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS,

-2.5% St. Cloud -0.8 N/A O N D J-3.0% F Minneapolis/St. Paul -1.0 Rochester J

Augusta SaukSt. Rapids S

$.5M

$150,000

-1.5% D N/AJ

No. of permits 0

2.0

$18,500

-1.5

2.5

$200,000 6%

0.4

No. of permits 3

-1.0

3.0

$250,000

0.6

$.5M $0

-0.5

St. 30 Cloud S O N D Paul J F Minneapolis/St. Minnesota 11 14 12 7 13 9 United States 0

$1M

$.5M

-0.4

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Sources: Minnesota Compass led by Wilder Research; Bureau of Economic Analysis - www.BEA .gov.

0.0

$2M

-1.0%

JN F

J$0 AF SM OA NM DJ J J FA

F M A M J

St. Cloud Minneapolis/St. Paul Rochester

3.0%

-0.5%

$1.5M

-0.2

$0 $20,000

$2M

1.03.5%

0 $50,000 permits No. of permits No. 6 13 23 44 43 1055 52 19 27 37 23 57 2724 17 32 of51 30 40 41 No. 35of permits 45 39 41 3 40 42 4 31 41 1927 28 12 0.4

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

0.6 $0 JS FJO MA N AS D MOJ

M AJ M J A $50,000 $40,000

F M

$2M

0.5%

$60,000 $100,000 $0 A

COUNTRY WIDE

0.00.0%

0.8

J A FS M O

$3M

0.2

$.5M

0.2 0

1.0%

$1M

COUNTRY WIDE BENTON $1.5M AND STEARNS COUNTY - MONTHLY % CHANGE ST. CLOUD

0.41.5%

$100,000

60 S

St. Cloud -1.5 Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS RESIDENTIAL PERMITS COMMERCIAL BUILDING BUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED United States -2.0

BENTON AND STEARNS COUNTY - MONTHLY2.0% % CHANGE

$80,000 $150,000

$1M $500000 J A

10% United States Nonfarm Gross Domestic Product Annual change inNonfarm realJobs GDP Local FoodJobs & Beverage Tax Collections UNITED STATES - MONTHLY % CHANGE 2011 QUARTERLY % CHANGE IN REAL GDP

$200,000

$1M

$2.5M

0.8

$.5M

90 $40,000 $150,000

Local Nonfarm Jobs $100,000 $250,000

$2M $150,000

$.5M

ST. CLOUD

$300,000 $120,000

$1M

MINNESOTA 120 $200,000 $60,000

$1.5M

Median Housing Prices $80,000

$1M

$5,173,500

$1.5M

$23,240,100

$4M

Gross Domestic Product Unemployment Rates

ST. CLOUD

$350,000 Median Housing PricesTax Dollars Lodging

TEARNS COUNTY ST. CLOUD $100,000 40 150

Food & Beverage Tax Collections $46,115,239

$23,294,590

$5,434,857

$10,914,217

$900

SartellWaite ParkSt. Joe

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS RESIDENTIAL PERMITS COMMERCIAL BUILDINGBUILDING PERMITS, CONSOLIDATED 4% F M A M J J A $2M J $2M $5M

Housing/Real Estate

Lodging Tax Dollars F

$2M

-0.5

0.5 $0

0.0

1.0

No. of permits 0

$.5M $0 $28,785 0.5F M

$1M $.5M 1.5O A S

N/A

RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITSBUILDING PERMITS $0

XXXX XXXX

No. of permits 5

1.0

120

2.0

8% $0

$3,425,316

$350,000

80,000

-0.2

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B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

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2012 -

Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer PAM’s Auto

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

cars are cool

When Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer started PAM’s Auto they never stopped to think that their love of cars would someday be a multi-million dollar business. By Gail Ivers / / Photos by Joel Butkowski / BDI

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

hen you visit PAM’s Auto, prepare to be surprised. First, there’s no one named Pam who is associated with the business. Second, the lobby is as nice as any high-class office building, complete with a koi pond and small show room. Third, this high-tech, high-touch company bears no resemblance to your idea of a junk yard. And yet that’s what it is. Only today such places are called salvage yards.

PAM

igh school friends Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer started tinkering with cars long ago. In 1991, they bought a 1985 Honda Civic that needed a new transmission. They repaired it and sold it for $500. “That was pretty cool,” Meyer said. “We were in the money.” They took their $500 and immediately bought another Honda Civic. This was a 1991 Civic – essentially a brand new car – that had been in an accident. They rebuilt the car and sold it for $1,500. “Now we were really in the money,” Meyer laughed. Meyer was in college and Huesers was managing the Rax Restaurant in St.

Cloud, (now the site of the Mexican Village Too). While Meyer finished school, the two continued tinkering on cars, using Huesers’ two-car garage as their base of operations. In 1993, Meyer graduated from college and turned away from an opportunity to attend law school. Instead he and Huesers incorporated as PAM’s Auto, for Pat And Mike. “It was either going to be PAM’s or MAP’s,” according to Meyer. “We liked the idea of PAM’s. It was kind of counter intuitive to have a woman’s name associated with this business. And we also thought it would seem friendlier, more welcoming to women customers.” They moved their business to a barn on a farm owned by Meyer’s parents near St. Joseph. There they and one employee happily collected junk cars, sold parts, and rebuilt and repaired cars. “About a year later, we had 90 parts cars,” Meyer said. “The farmer who worked the land around my parents’ farm decided to cut the corn and there were all those cars for everyone to see.” Even before the city told them they needed to clean up the cars, the two were scouting

Business Profile

PAM’s Auto, Inc. address: 7505 Ridgewood Rd St. Cloud, MN 56303-3206 Phone: (320) 363-7336 fax: (320) 363-4878 email: pamsauto@ pamsauto.com

ownership: Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer Business Description: Salvage yard specializing in low mileage 2002 and newer recycled auto parts with a 50/50 mix of domestic and import cars.

website: www.pamsauto.com

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Number of employees: 60 2011 sales: $12.5 million

fun fact:

Since 1999, PAM’s Auto has been in the top three resellers of used auto parts on eBay; 15 percent of their resale business occurs on eBay.

Summer

1991 - How it started Pat Huesers(L) and Mik e Meyer pose with their first Honda Civic. They repl aced the transmission and sold the car for $50 0.

for a new location. In May 1995, they borrowed $25,000 and bought 4.5 acres, moving to their current location on Ridgewood Road, in St. Cloud. Watching the methodical dismantling of smashed cars and the seamless flow from intake to hulk storage, it’s hard to picture the transition from garage hobby to professional business. “We used to keep everything off of every car,” Meyer said. “Every little screw, every wire, every belt. Well, you can’t do that. You don’t have the space and you don’t have the need for all of that. So then you figure out that you should only keep the parts that have high demand, or the parts that can be used in multiple vehicles – this engine can go in this car, this other car, and that van.”

Fall

1991 - The Second Car Huesers (working on veh icle) and Meyer replace the front end on a 1991 Honda Civi c. They sold this car for $1500. ..........................................................................................................

Personal Profiles personal

.........................................................................................................

Mike Meyer Age: 40 Title/role: CEO/HR, purchasing, sales, hiring and training Hometown: St. Joseph, MN Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication with English and Pre-Law Emphasis from St. Cloud State University Work History: PAM’s Auto Family: Wife, Jeny; three children ages 16, 9 and 7 Hobbies: Vintage cars, camping, and motorcycling Advice to a would-be entrepreneur: Focus on providing a high quality product and ethical service rather than capturing the dollar. Best advice you’ve received and who gave it to you: “If you need a task completed on time, assign the task to the busiest person you know. Then the task will be completed because they know how to time manage.” An engineer for NASA. Favorite car: Audi RS8 & Acura NSX

One of the things the partners pride themselves on is their ability to read the market. “We’ve made some really good decisions at just the right time,” Meyer said. In 1999, the two decided to try selling car parts on eBay. They had bought and sold personal items on the site for awhile and using it for the business just made sense. It was an immediate success. “We’ve been in the top three resellers in our category since we started,” Huesers said. Today, they have two employees who do nothing but handle eBay and real-time online store sales. In 2001, they made another critical and timely decision. They stopped doing body repair. “It was consuming our lives,” Meyer said. “It was so much effort for what we made.” They also were seeing signs that the market for rebuilt cars was changing. “Banks were starting to pull out of financing repairables, or making it really hard to get financing,” Huesers said.

“Within one year of when we stopped doing body repair the car manufacturers started 0% financing, and 10 year/100,000 mile warranties,” Meyer said. “Who’s going to buy one of our repairables when they can get new on those terms. Who can compete with that? Fortunately we didn’t have to.” Steady growth has been a hallmark of the company. They’ve been helped in part by a recession-resistant industry. “In a poor economy, people are fixing their cars and they want the most affordable parts they can find,” Meyer said. “In a good economy, more cars are sold and more accidents happen so people are buying more parts. Either way, for us, it’s good for business.”

HIGH TOUCH

heir growth has been the result of tweaking their business model to better serve their customers. “We knew we wanted

Pat Huesers age: 40 Title/role: CFO/IT and business systems development Hometown: St. Cloud, MN Education: Graduated from Apollo High School Work History: Some restaurant management, some salvage yard experience, 20+ years at PAM’s Auto Family: Wife, Tamara, three children ages 21, 12, and 9 Hobbies: Camping, home automation and integration, motorcycles Advice to a would-be entrepreneur: If you think customer service is not important in your industry, you are dead wrong. Best advice you’ve received and who gave it to you: High School Gym Teacher: “Boy, if you don’t cut the crap, you will never get anywhere.” Favorite car: Acura NSX

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

“In a poor economy people are fixing their cars and they want the most affordable parts they can find. In a good economy, more cars are sold and more accidents happen so people are buying more parts. Either way, for us, it’s good for business.” – MIKE MEYER, PAM’S Auto, Inc.

to do what we’ve always done – sell car parts, but we asked ourselves what needed to change in order to increase sales,” Meyer said. The answer was to expand their product line. “There’s a limit on how many cars we can process, how many cars we can buy at a profitable margin, and how many parts we can sell off those cars,” Meyer said. “We have to ask how many employees can we have processing cars and how much space can we devote to it and still be profitable,” Huesers added. In 2001, they started selling aftermarket parts. In the auto industry, aftermarket parts are the equivalent

removed from the car and are now available for resale. OEM surplus is risky business the partners agree. “When we buy a whole vehicle, there’s room for us to make a mistake,” Huesers explained. “If we price a part wrong, there are other parts on that same car that we can price and make up the loss. Or if we buy a car that turns out to not have the parts we thought it would, it has other parts that will work. When we make a bad decision on a parts car, we have more ways to make back the money.” Not so with OEM surplus. “If we buy 100 hoods and they don’t sell, we have 100 sleds for next winter,” Huesers said. In those circumstances, they might be able to sell the OEM surplus for what they have in it. Otherwise they store it until today’s model becomes 1992-93 - Country Bound tomorrow’s used car and the Huesers and Meyer outgrew Huesers demand for those hoods starts to two-stall garage and moved PAM’s Auto grow again.

of generic food items in a grocery store. Instead of being pulled off junk cars, they are brand new parts, just not brand name parts. “They’re very competitive to buy and sell,” Meyer said, “but they allow us to be a one-stop shop for our customers and to give them options. It’s one more opportunity for us to say ‘Yes,’ when people call.” The two have been strategic in their use of aftermarket parts. They look for parts that they wouldn’t necessarily have access to such as a part from an obscure car that they are unable to buy. They also buy parts that are in high demand, that they can’t keep in stock using only parts from salvaged cars. Their latest product expansion has been into Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) surplus. These are current year car parts that for whatever reason have been

to a barn in rural St. Joseph.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Timeline

1991

Pat Huesers and Mike Meyer start repairing cars out of Huesers’ garage

St. Cloud; they have three employees and begin doing financial statements for the first time

property; the company has $1.4 million in sales and 10 employees

complete another construction project adding 7,000 sf combined office and work space

1993

2002

2007

Huesers and Meyer create PAM’s Auto, incorporate, and relocate from the Huesers’ garage to a farm owned by Meyer’s parents; they have one employee

1993

PAM’s builds a 6,000 sf building on a 4.3 acre lot on Ridgewood Road in

Huesers and Meyer add a 9,000 sf warehouse at their existing site

2001

PAM’s Auto stops doing auto body and mechanical repairs to focus on selling used parts; to accommodate the need for more auto hulks, they purchase 15 acres adjacent to their

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

PAM’s buys first delivery truck

2003

The company doubles its warehouse space to 18,000 sf

2004

PAM’s adds a second delivery truck servicing the Twin Cities; they

PAM’s expands its warehouse to 25,000 sf, their dismantling area to 11,000 sf, and their shipping operation to 5,000 sf

2008

The company has $6.5 million in sales and 40 employees

2011 - Expansion PAM’s Auto increases the number of dismantling bays from five to eight.

and training room. “Part of our expansion plan was to have meeting space for our customers to use,” Meyer said. It’s only been finished for a few months but on a recent week it was used for required continuing education training for auto mechanics, a regional meeting for an insurance provider, and a local high school field trip. Providing the space is more about relationships than it is about training, according to Meyer. “Bringing .................................................................................................................................................................... people on location allows us .................................................................................................................................................................. to give support to our existing 2010 customers and property; adds an 11,000 sf PAM’s adds GM, Ford and Chrysler distribution building and 9,000 sf New Take-Off & OEM Surplus maintain and warehouse; and purchases a fifth inventories to the product line; enhance the delivery truck, allowing for five they purchase the adjacent relationships we daily delivery routes in Minnesota Stearns Electric and Bechtold have. If you’re (three to the Twin Cities) properties, gaining 10 more doing business, January 2012 – Huesers and acres; a fourth delivery truck Meyer are selected as the 2012 allows them to service Greater I don’t care how St. Cloud Area Small Business Minnesota. good you are, Owners of the Year; PAM’s Auto there will be now has a building footprint of 2011 issues that come 80,000 sf on a 56-acre site; the PAM’s expands its dismantling up. When they’ve company has $12.5 million in sales operations to six bays; purchases and 60 employees. an additional 26 acres of adjacent been here, when Such a dismal scenario makes Huesers and Meyer shrug, then laugh. They’ve only been selling OEM surplus since July 2010, and they haven’t made any significant mistakes yet. “It’s just something we need to do,” Meyer said. “Again, it’s one more reason for us to be able to say ‘yes’ to our customers.” In an unusual customer service move, PAM’s recently completed an expansion that includes a large, fully equipped conference

they know us, when we know them, it’s always easier to work through those issues.”

HIGH TECH

fully equipped AV conference room is the tiniest example of the high powered technology that is working behind the scenes at PAM’s. A self-taught computer programmer, Huesers has created software that allows for efficiency, accuracy, and has moved PAM’s years ahead of their competition. “Our industry is 10 years behind in technology,” Huesers said. “We’re not. We can find any car in the yard. Our complete inventory is online in real time. Every workstation has two monitors because it’s more efficient.” The sales people know where to look for information in the company’s database because it’s categorized in the same way every time and stored to be accessible. Aside from the quick and accurate service such technology supports, it also serves a more fundamental role. “It helps when we need to decide which cars to scrap,” Huesers said.

M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2 • • w w w. B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e . c o m

2012 - Inventory Management Fred Seay inspects a part he removed from a salvaged car. Once inspected the part is entered into PAM’s inventory. some of the hulks, Huesers uses his software program to guide the decision. “We don’t do ‘first in-first out’ like most salvage yards do,” Huesers said. “If we need to make 50 spots in the yard — that’s about one and a half weeks worth of cars — we match the parts we have in the warehouse and the parts that are left in the hulks. Based on that, we can figure out which hulks have the most potential for profit and we can pick the bottom 50 to scrap.”

STANDING ALONE

........................................................................................

Online Growth

.......................................................................................

Since 1999 PAM’s has had a presence on eBay. It now accounts for 15 percent of sales. 2005 – eBay listings at 7,500 2006 – PAM’s hires an eBay only salesperson; listings are at 30,000 2009 – eBay listings reach 40,000; PAM’s adds a second full-time salesperson for eBay and other online sales

When cars arrive at PAM’s, about 85 percent of the car parts are removed and warehoused. The remaining 15 percent are inventoried, but not removed. “We don’t inventory every single piece,” Meyer clarified. “We inventory the large pieces.” For instance, the inventory might have a driver’s side door on a 2004 Ford Taurus. From that they can assume that the door handle is there, maybe some of the window mechanisms, and the arm rest. If someone needs that door, PAM’s can find it. If a customer wants one of the smaller pieces, they can purchase the door and recover the pieces they need. A dismantled car, called a hulk, is tagged and put in the yard where it can be easily located, again using the company’s software. When it comes time to scrap

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

t isn’t hard for Huesers and Meyer to differentiate themselves from the competition. Technology aside, their business model is of their own creation. “This type of business is usually generational,” Meyer said. “But we were a start-up. We started literally with nothing.” From that they have created what is known in the industry as a full service salvage yard. “The old model was you drove up to the junk yard, wandered around looking until you found what you wanted, pulled it off the car, and took it to the office to pay for it,” Meyer said. Such places still exist, just not at PAM’s. No one is allowed to wander around the yard where the hulks are kept. “Aside from the liability,” Meyer said, “we’re just not set up for it. How would we know who was here? We have 56 acres – how would you keep track of people? It’s just not possible. And we can’t have our guys going out to the yard to find a door handle. It just doesn’t make business or economic sense.” PAM’s four-point inspection process and their guarantee also set them apart from the competition. “Most other places, if you buy the wrong part, then you have a spare part,” Huesers said. “We take it back.”

“When we make a bad decision on a parts car, we have more ways to make back the money.” Not so with OEM surplus. “If we buy 100 hoods and they don’t sell, we have 100 sleds for next winter.” – PAT HUESERS, PAM’S Auto, Inc.

Dismantling so much of the car makes PAM’s unusual in the industry. “Most places dismantle about 15 percent. A customer calls and wants a part, they have to tell the customer they can have it in three days,” Meyer said. “Here, you can have it in 30 minutes. We know where it is and we know the condition. And so does the customer,” he added,”because it’s online or we can email a picture while the customer is on the phone.” “What we know about the car and parts, the customer can know about the car

and parts,” Huesers agreed. “We’re totally transparent.” PAM’s sells in real time. As a car is dismantled the employee takes a series of pictures of the car. Huesers software program uses Wi-Fi technology to move the photos directly from the camera to the database and onto the company’s website where it can immediately be found by customers. “It’s not unusual for someone to buy a part at this point,” Meyer said, “before it ever gets to the warehouse. Our process allows us to capture the sale right now.”

The technology, the planning, the process development, and the job creation are what make the business fun for Huesers and Meyer. “It was never for the money,” Meyer said. “We just put the money back in the business. In the early days we were drawn by the cars. Now it’s how do we make it work, how do we make it better, how do we make it self-sustaining.” He paused, then grinned, “But we still think the cars are cool.” BC Gail Ivers is the vice president of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and managing editor of Business Central Magazine.

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TRAILBLAZER: Jodie Pundsack

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Jodie Pundsack

Owner • Creative Strategist Gaslight Creative Behind the professional

Age: 29 • Education: BFA in Graphic Design, University of Minnesota Duluth Hobbies: Spending time with family, painting, photography, playing cards Best Advice: Never stop learning.

SPONSORED PROFILE

rom wanting to draw the best puppy in her kindergarten class to being an owner of St. Cloud’s hottest marketing and public relations agency, Jodie Pundsack has come a long way, baby. Jodie grew up loving all kinds of art and surrounded by an artistic family. As Creative Strategist of Gaslight Creative, Jodie makes art imitate life. Jodie and her partner, Marketing Strategist Kelly Zaske started their business during one of the worst recessions in history. With cards stacked against them, they persevered and today are prospering with a steadily growing list of clients. “In the beginning, it was just the two of us. We quickly grew to a staff of six,” Jodie recalls. “Managing that business growth while keeping our creative integrity was crucial to me.” Gaslight Creative is a full-service marketing, public relations and advertising agency. What does that mean? Perusing the walls of the beautiful vintage-meets-modern offices where Gaslight calls home on the third floor in downtown St. Cloud, you see just what Gaslight can do. With clients ranging from a regional furniture giant to a small landscaping company and hometown hardware titan to a simple start-up shop, Gaslight creates branding, promotions, marketing, billboards, websites and much more. Jodie’s team has created loads of logos and ads, built websites and tradeshow displays, and even wrapped a brewery client’s truck that they’ve dubbed the beer-mobile. “We treat all of our clients the same – big or small. They get the absolute best Gaslight has to offer. It’s personal to us,” Jodie shares. Besides being an entrepreneur and artist, Jodie is wife to her supportive spouse, Ryan, and mother to a beautiful 9-month-old baby girl, Lucia. Her world is a wonderful mix of business, beauty and balance. “One of the best parts of leading Gaslight’s creative team is the opportunity to do fun, cool work. We’re so grateful to our courageous clients who are willing to take a chance and trust our expertise,” Jodie smiles as her quiet demeanor is replaced by a glowing confidence. “I love what I do and I like to tell people that I haven’t been to work in years.”

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FEATURE

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LEADERSHIP

Learning to Lead

Despite our efforts to turn leadership into a science, it’s still a process of trial-and-error that rewards those willing to learn from their mistakes By Lawrence Schumacher

Meet the 2012 graduates of the St. Cloud Area Chamber Leadership Program on page 14.

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No amount of training can fully prepare you for your first leadership role. “You wake up one morning and realize, ‘Hey, nobody else is going to define our aspirations for me or identify our goals,’” said Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger, president of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph for the past eight years. “Other people are counting on me to do my homework about what the goals should be and how to get there.” Area leaders have sought wisdom throughout the years from mentors, in books, through training programs such as the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program, and through other personal experiences. But despite the many different leadership styles that exist, and regardless of any efforts to boil down leadership to a science, it’s still a process of trial-and-error that rewards the patient and those willing to learn from their mistakes. And while organizational structures are generally more “flat” than they were 20 or 30 years ago, an organization’s success or failure still rests with its leadership.

Lessons learned After 35 years in the financial industry, Brian Myres has seen the cycle of boom, bust and recovery many times. When the head of sales for ING Direct started working for his first bank, computers were just entering the industry. Now, he works for a banking business that interacts with its customers largely through the Internet. Knowing that you never know enough to stop learning is Myres’ greatest lesson learned, he said. “The world won’t be slowing up. Things get in the rear-view mirror faster than ever,” he said. “It’s not enough anymore to know what’s going on in the St. Cloud business community, or even in Minnesota. The next big influence on your business could come from Greece, Japan, or who knows where.” Shaunna Johnson calls her government career “accidental,” but it has led her to become administrator of the City of Waite Park and a peer-elected officer with the statewide League of Minnesota Cities. Along the way, she learned her most valuable lesson: listen first, and then decide. “I was in charge of enforcing zoning ordinances (in El Dorado, Kansas), including sign ordinances,

and those can be really unpopular with the business community,” she said. “I was known as the ‘Sign Nazi’ for awhile. I developed a thick skin and learned not to take it personally, but I also learned to listen to businesses’ concerns instead of just citing ordinances.”

Teamwork On any given issue or challenge, good leaders know that they are not the most knowledgeable individuals in the room, said Steve Bresnahan, executive director of Catholic Charities of St. Cloud for the last 18 years. Knowing how to put together the right leadership team is the most important skill a leader can possess, something Bresnahan said he tries to impress upon new Catholic Charities directors from around the United States in a presentation he has given for almost three years. “I tell them, you don’t have to be the one running the meeting or leading the prayer,” he said. “The old model where the manager has all the answers just doesn’t fly anymore.” Putting together the right team has made all the difference for Baenninger, who is embarking on the most ambitious capital campaign the College of St. Benedict has ever undertaken, to raise $50 million for a new academic building for sciences, math and computer technology. “I know that anyone on my senior leadership team could step in and do my job,” she said. “If that wasn’t the case – if I wasn’t working for an institution that understands itself, has a strong identity and knows what it is and what it wants – then none of the goals that we set would be possible.”

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FEATURE

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LEADERSHIP

real quick, and I had to learn the hard way that it’s not about you, it’s about the entire organization,” he said. “It’s the people around you who make you look successful, and I didn’t realize that early on.”

“You have to lead by example. You can’t expect other people to do things you won’t do yourself. And you can’t do it all by yourself.”

Sources of inspiration

Shaunna Johnson, City of Waite Park

Keeping things moving Though government, for-profit, educational, and nonprofit organizations operate differently in many respects, many elements of leadership are pretty similar, Johnson said. “You have to lead by example. You can’t expect other people to do things you won’t do yourself. And you can’t do it all by yourself. My job is to keep things moving, and I expect that would be the same regardless of where I was.” Early on in his leadership career, Bresnahan said he was too eager to make decisions instead of letting his team reach and own a joint decision. He said he was also too willing to take credit for accomplishments that were the result of many people’s efforts. “I had success real young,

Leadership lessons can come from a variety of places. For Myres, one treasure chest was the memoirs of President Ulysses S. Grant, the leader of the Union Army during the Civil War. “He wore a private’s uniform so he could be in there with his troops. I think that aspect of being close to the troops is essential to being a good leader today,” he said. For Bresnahan, inspiration comes from author Max Depree’s books, including Leadership is an Art and Leadership Jazz. “Like the leader of a jazz band, you get to pick the song, and sometimes you get to lead the band, but at other times, you step back and support someone else while they lead,” he said. Johnson draws on the lessons taught her by the city manager she used to work for in Kansas, who she said provided guidance and leadership, some of which she

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only appreciated after she became city administrator eight years ago. “There were lots of things he did that I didn’t understand, and even some I said that I’d never do that way, but when you get into a leadership position you realize why it had to be that way,” she said.

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Preparing the way In the non profit world, budget cutbacks and streamlining have eliminated many of the support roles that served as grooming for future leaders, according to Bresnahan. That means more of the next generation will enter leadership roles straight out of program work, or leapfrog from small non profit leadership to larger institutions. “It’s a challenge if you’ve never been in a position where you can observe leadership in action, or haven’t had someone to work with who can mentor you,” he said. Women are still in the minority when it comes to government leadership — and other areas — but the St. Cloud area has three women in top municipal administration, and the statewide picture is changing, according to Johnson. “I don’t think there are any challenges about leadership at a city level that are specific to being a woman anymore,” she said. “You just have to be persistent and never give up, but that’s true for being a leader in general.” Ultimately, there is no right way or wrong way to be a leader, Baenninger said. But there is such a thing as “authentic” leadership. “When I first came into this position, I had this idea that a college president has to be a certain way in order to get respect,” she said. “But I realized pretty quickly that the best way to get respect was to be myself and let other people see who I am.” BC Lawrence Schumacher is the creator and owner of Wordbender Communications, LLC, a communications consulting and freelance writing firm. He lives in St. Cloud with his wife and two children.

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SPECIAL FOCUS

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E D U CAT I O N & T R A I N I N G

Live What You’re Learning Work-based learning programs let employers develop individuals for specific industries while practicing new skills. By Whitney Bina

lassroom training programs are beneficial. But wouldn’t it be great if you could learn and work simultaneously? Work-based learning programs allow just that. These programs provide opportunities for employees to increase their knowledge of their field while honing their skills in specific positions. Many organizations and businesses provide on-site training and development, but

nowhere is it more prevalent than in healthcare. Kathy Gilbride, director of outreach customized healthcare at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC), provides students with limited classroom training in a particular field while at the same time providing on the job training in specific careers. Two programs, open to anyone interested, were designed for individuals looking for a career

change or for a new job after experiencing a layoff. Those interested in becoming a phlebotomist or pharmacy technician can sign up for certificate programs at SCTCC. In these courses, people learn basic skills before heading into the workforce to perform the job. In the phlebotomy course, students spend 24 hours in the classroom and 24 hours as a phlebotomist. These work-based learning programs benefit both employee

and business. Because the students are doing the job while completing the certificate program, they learn whether or not they would like a career in that particular field. Simultaneously, employers can interview them for potential employment. Both programs at the SCCTC were created to fill local, entry-level positions, “which act like stepping stones into an actual job,” Gilbride said. Plus, students who complete the certificate program are in a more marketable position because of the combined certificate and on-the-job experiences. The Education and Professional Development Department at the St. Cloud Hospital offers a wide variety of continuing education programs for healthcare professionals. Courses center on communication, physician support, end of life training, and other topics prominent in the healthcare industry. In addition to the in-house training programs for employees, the St. Cloud Hospital is the site of two professional development

Did you KNOW?

Hands-on-learning During the classroom training program for the St. Cloud Hospital’s Clinical Pastoral Education Program, individuals spend about 240 hours in the classroom and 160 hours completing clinical work, including on-call shifts. “In this program, you get to live what you’re learning,” said Susie Putzke, chaplain at the St. Cloud Hospital, who completed the program. The time spent on the job allows individuals to practice skills and encounter situations that are learned in the classroom.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

EDUCATION & TRAINING

In 2011, 100 percent of the students in the program had careers within six months of graduating.

programs. The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at the St. Cloud Hospital is designed for individuals to learn about pastoral care both in the classroom and through clinical work. Individuals in the program work directly with pastoral educators in the department, receiving hands-on experiences that provide a direct link between the classroom and the career. Students interested in radiology also have the opportunity to grow through work-based learning. In collaboration with four regional universities, students enrolled in the radiology program through the School of Diagnostic Imaging take their generals at their college campuses and complete their clinical work at the St. Cloud Hospital. Again,

students are learning in the classroom and taking their knowledge to the workplace to hone their skills. In 2011, 100 percent of the students in the program had careers within six months of graduating. Work-based learning programs are valuable to both employees and employers. Local companies are implementing these programs to train and develop individuals for specific industries while at the same time providing opportunities for individuals to increase their knowledge and practice their new skills. BC Whitney Bina is the communications and workforce development coordinator at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Prepared for

An innovative school for motivated students. Whether it’s hands-on curriculum or our IB Diploma Programme, we’re here to help you prepare for your next step in life. Our dedicated instructors and learning

Education & TRAINING

The following pages provide information to help you explore Central Minnesota’s education & training options.

environment provide you every opportunity to reach your full potential.

Saint John’s Preparatory School

It’s time to get ready for your future. Apply now for the 2012-13 school year.

Phone: (320) 363-3321 • www.sjprep.net Email: admissions@sjprep.net

Saint John’s Prep offers rigorous academics, spiritual growth and unique academic environment. Your experience at Saint John’s Prep prepares you for your next step in life. What you learn here applies everywhere you go, and where you go is entirely up to you. We’ll help you get there.

320-363-3321 • sjprep.net • 800-525-7737 We’re proud to be an IB World School. Learn more about our IB Diploma Programme at sjprep.net.

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

Inspired Learning. Inspiring Lives.

Kristina Keller Dean of Business

Jeff Frie

Phone: (320) 308-5538 Email: kkeller@ sctcc.edu

Inspired Learning:

www.csbsju.edu/global Email: rsaucier@csbsju.edu

Phone: (320) 223-7528

Website: www.sctcc.edu

Major in Global Business Leadership The global business environment requires a different type of leader, one who has functional knowledge and analytical skills and is adept at leading teams of innovators. The CSB/SJU major in Global Business Leadership is focused on ensuring that students expand their global business mindset, business knowledge, professional skills and ethical framework. Students have opportunities to develop a global mindset through in-depth coursework, study abroad experiences and international internships.

Community Development Manager Email: jeff.frie@ rasmussen.edu Twitter: twitter.com/ JEFFatRASMUSSEN

Kristina Keller leads SCTCC’s business and IT divisions which includes programs in business and IT fields, culinary, health information, and farm management. In partnership with business and industry, the division provides education and skill development to meet and exceed the needs of employers in our region. Students receive hands-on training in their field while developing the communication, leadership, decision-making, and problem solving skills demanded. Now that’s Education the Works.

Explore the possibilities of a COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP with Rasmussen College. Designed for local businesses with fewer than 100 employees, our Community Business Partnership offers a grant of up to $5000 to staff, to apply to their tuition. With no cost to the employer, now is the time to begin your partnership with Rasmussen College!

Proud to prepare Minnesota’s Workforce SCTCC offers technical majors as well as the Associate in Arts degree, which is the first two years of a four-year degree. Small class sizes, hands-on learning, and access to state-of-the -art equipment allows students to get the necessary critical thinking and technical skills needed to graduate and get to work.

Hands On, On Site, & Online

Enroll today! 320.308.5000 – 800.222.1009 www.sctcc.edu 50

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SCTCC is Central Minnesota’s premier training ground for careers in: • Business • Construction • Information Technology • Health and Human Services • Manufacturing • Nursing • Transportation SCTCC also offers the Associate in Arts degree, which transfers to four-year colleges.

COMMERCIAL EDUCATIONCONSTRUCTION & TRAINING

Kristen Carlson Pam McIntosh Professional Education Manager

Training & Development Specialist

Phone: (320) 251-5600

Phone: (320)308.6112

Email: pamm@ rasmussen.edu

Email: kristen@ scsutraining.com

Website: www.rasmussen.edu

Website: www.scsutraining.com

St. Cloud Campus Business Programs Phone: (866) 235-2706 Email: kwayne@css.edu

Learn more about becoming a corporate partner with Rasmussen College. As a Corporate Partner, your company will gain valuable tools for retaining current employees and recruiting future employees. Benefits for your organization include: program offerings of Certificates, Diplomas, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, help in employee recruitment, employee seminars, use of campus for off-site meetings and increased exposure to your business. There are also many benefits for your employees that I would love to talk to you about.

CORPORATE EDUCATION & OUTREACH…

the training you need for the job you do! CEO team member, Kristen, brings a wide variety of training development skills, knowledge and experience to aid our client’s training needs. For example, • Develop computer based training modules specific for a client’s new inventory software • Create specialized programs for Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) grants For more information visit: www.scsutraining.com

Website: go.css.edu/businesscentral

Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. And nobody is better at preparing the leaders of tomorrow than The College of St. Scholastica’s School of Business and Technology. Our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business help prepare global leaders with strong professional skills who act with integrity and a sense of social responsibility. We offer flexible evening and online classes in an accelerated format to fit your schedule. Contact us to learn more.

PERSONAL SUPPORT

FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. Rasmussen College offers in-demand Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates in six schools of study.

JEFF SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GRADUATE

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SCHOOL OF EDUCATION SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOL OF JUSTICE STUDIES SCHOOL OF NURSING SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

TAMAR CAREER SERVICES ADVISOR

ST CLOUD CAMPUS » 320-251-5600

rasmussen.edu

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

LEADERSHIP and LEARNING are indispensable to each other.

John F. Kennedy

Phone: (320) 255-3236 Email: information@resourcetraining.com Website: www.resourcetraining.com

Professional learning is more than just reading the books.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Resource Training & Solutions builds regional leaders through innovative collaboration. Support implementation of professional learning in your organization for long-term change.

888.447.7032 www.resourcetraining.com

The Sandler Selling System relies heavily on the 3 Rs. Reinforcement, Reinforcement and Reinforcement. ®

Sandler Training® utilizes continual reinforcement through ongoing training and individual coaching sessions not only to help you learn but also to ensure your success. With over 200 training centers worldwide to provide support, you won’t fail…because we won’t let you. Brian Hart 220 Park Avenue South, Suite 100 St. Cloud, MN • 320-224-2121 www.brianhart.sandler.com Sandler Selling System, S Sandler Training Finding Power In Reinforcement (with design) and Sandler Training are registered service marks of Sandler Systems, Inc. © 2012 Sandler Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Resource Training & Solutions provides professional development training to school districts, cities, counties, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations as well as businesses in Central Minnesota. Now more than ever, organizations are doing more with less. Training must be utilized to increase productivity and enhance the workplace. Topics include: • Supervision • Team Building • Time Management • Diversity in the Workplace • Customer Service • Parenting Education Contact us for more information!

Brian F. Hart President Phone: (320) 224-2121 Email: brian.hart@ sandler.com Website: www.brianhart. sandler.com

Delivery guaranteed. Sandler Training’s Brian Hart will help you with sales, management, and leadership training and development. He takes 30 years of successful private and corporate sales, marketing, and business development experience and combines it with proven Sandler processes to deliver practical – and effective – selling solutions for your business.  “We help business owners and their sales teams achieve new levels of professional and personal success through ongoing reinforcement training and coaching,” guarantees Hart.

COMMERCIAL EDUCATIONCONSTRUCTION & TRAINING

Become a Business Alliance Partner Jim Beck

Minnesota School of Business-St. Cloud

Campus Director Phone: (320) 257-2000

invites area employers to enjoy the

Email: jbeck@ msbcollege.edu

benefits of our Business Alliance program:

Website: www.msbcollege.edu

» Free custom seminars at your site » Employee scholarships

At the Minnesota School of Business our Business Alliance Partnership offers Benefits to our Corporate Partners and fosters continuing education to working adults. “I enjoy the Business Alliance Partnership with Minnesota School of Business because it gives our employees an added incentive to continue their education, whether it’s attending for the first time or returning. Many adults are returning to school, which is not an easy decision, to complete their degrees. Additionally, the cost of going to school has increased and this is an excellent way to help those motivated students excel.”

» Career fairs » Job candidate screening For more information Contact Campus Director Jim Beck. 320-257-2000 | jbeck@msbcollege.edu

—Annandale Health & Community Services

Be recognized in this insider’s circle publication. DID YOU KNOW? Women represent more than 1/3 of all people involved in entrepreneurial activity.1

Between 1997 and 2002, women-owned firms grew by 19.8% while all U.S. firms grew by 7%.2

Women-owned firms accounted for 6.5% of total employment in U.S. firms in 2002 and 4.2% of total receipts.3

TO ADVERTISE Contact Wendy Hendricks Associate Publisher, Business Central Magazine

YOUR AD HERE

Direct: 320.656.3808 or by e-mail: whendricks@BusinessCentralMagazine.com DEADLINE: May 24, 2012

1 Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2005 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship; 2 Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy; 3 Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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PROFIT

Meyer purchased the Thrifty Motel in 1986. Photo at right: The Gateway Motel is located at the junction of Highways 10 and 23 East.

BUSINESS Profile Gateway Motel 310 Lincoln Ave SE St. Cloud, MN 56304 (320) 252-4050 Number of employees: 9 Number of rooms: 35

My Way Personal Profile Bruce Meyer, 65 Owner, Thrifty and Gateway Motels

For Bruce Meyer, business ownership means being able to call the shots.

Education: Graduated from St. John’s University in 1968; he was in the ROTC program and took pilot training as a junior and senior.

Hometown: St. Cloud; his father was Ed Meyer, owner of Meyer Construction

By Gail Ivers

Business Central: How did you get involved in the motel business? Bruce Meyer: When I got out of the army, I needed a place to live. I bought a four-plex and rented out the space, including the extra bedroom in my unit so we had 18 people living there. That was a way to get started. If I was going to stick with student housing, I had to go full force.

Work History: Served in the military from 1968 – 1972; was a helicopter/gunship pilot in Vietnam from January – December 1970; stationed in multiple places, including Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and Fort Riley, Kansas before being discharged as a lieutenant colonel.

I decided there were more opportunities in motels than student housing. BC: Do you spend much time at the motels? Meyer: I used to work so hard from the time I got up in the morning until I went to bed at night. Student housing, the motels, other business interests. I was on the go all the time. Now I have lots of time. So I go to each motel seven days

B u s i n e s s C e n t r a l M a g a z i n e • • M A Y / JUNE 2 0 1 2

Hobbies: Before arthritis prevented him from doing hobbies, he traveled a little, was an avid water skier, and had a cabin cruiser on the Mississippi River

a week and to the bank six days a week. I handle supplies and maintenance and deal with any issues that come up. The managers tell me what the problems are when I stop in. BC: What do you like about being a business owner? Meyer: In the army, I was a company commander. I was in charge of stuff. Being an owner, I’m in charge of stuff, or at least, I can have it my way. BC

Thrifty Motel 130 14th Ave NE St. Cloud, MN 56304 (320) 253-6320 tjriftymotel@gmail.com Number of employees: 10 Number of rooms: 49

TIMELINE

1973 Meyer buys his first student housing building. 1980 Meyer buys the Key Hotel on Highway 10 in St. Cloud, where McDonald’s is currently located. It is a rundown facility with 15 units. He holds on to it while the Sartell paper mill is under construction/expansion and generating business, then sells it. 1982 Meyer buys the Hollywood Hotel in Clearwater, where the Holiday gas station is now located. Construction of the Sherco power plant in Becker provides a steady stream of business at the Hollywood. “As soon as they finished building I started losing money,” Meyer said. 1984 Meyer buys the Gateway Motel 1986 Meyer sells the last of his student housing, the Saffron Suites, to help fund the purchase of the Thrifty Motel.

www.csbsju.edu

Inspired Learning.

CSB/SJU graduates can be found in businesses throughout our area and around the world, at such Fortune 500 companies as Target, Best Buy, General Mills and United Health.

Inspired Learning. Inspiring Lives.

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Wells Fargo appreciates the business owners in our community Get a new business platinum credit card today and receive 0% introductory rate for 9 months

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card is an essential tool for all small businesses to help better manage business expenses, while getting rewarded for everyday purchases. The Business Platinum Credit Card offers: • 0% introductory rate for 9 months1 on purchases and balance transfers • Best-in-class rewards — Enroll in the Business Card Rewards program and get the first year rewards free2 — Earn more valuable rewards for everyday business purchases • No annual card fee • Credit lines up to $50,000

Talk to your banker today! Eric Albrecht • 320-259-3141 Offer valid from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. New Business Platinum Credit Card accounts submitted and approved during the promotional period will receive the introductory rate of 0% for the first nine billing cycles. The 0% introductory rate applies to purchases and balance transfers for the first nine cycles as long as the customer does not default under the Customer Agreement. Each Balance Transfer transaction will be assessed a 3% fee ($10 minimum and $75 maximum). 2 Enroll in the Wells Fargo Business Card Rewards® program when you open a new Business Platinum Credit Card account and get the annual rewards program fee of $50 waived for the first year only. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (710943_04533) 1

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