D E P A R T M E N T S ■
From the Editor................................. 6
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Business informer............................. 8
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Joe Spear: Greater growth in Greater Mankato ■
Vehicle, retail, construction trends in the area ■
Public policy decisions impact all businesses
Departments
Construction, real estate trends.....11 Building permits, housing starts, home prices, interest rates.
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Retail trends....................................12
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Agriculture Outlook.........................14
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Agribusiness trends........................15
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Business updates............................16
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Area commodity prices
Best buy profits down, Hutchinson Technology denied property tax rebate, and more
Greater Mankato Growth Convention and Visitors Bureau ....33 Bringing money to town through events, tournaments and conventions
Auto sales, retail sales and hotel business
Kent Thiesse: Farm income setting records
Greater Mankato Growth Business Activities..........................29 Groundbreakings, new businesses, relocations and expansions
Job trends.......................................10 Regional, state unemployment information
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Greater Mankato Growth................28
Regional Outlook.............................34 Jack M. Geller: Where did the surplus come from?
Up & Coming...................................36 Julie Marie’s All in the Family..............................40 The Milbrandt family’s Frozen Yogurt Creations
Business memos/ Company news................................44 Keep up on who’s moving up, what’s new
Business Commentary....................20 Sheri Allen: School-business partnership important
A good year for local business Strong 2011, promising 2012
Also in this Issue:
On the Cover: Shoppers were ready to open their pocketbooks and local retailers report a strong year in 2011.
• Branding your integrity • Frozen Yogurt Creations • Ryan Schmitz, Creative Closets
Photo By Pat Christman
4 • JANUARY 2012 • MN Valley Business